Page 137 - Jan.indd

March 2-5, 2022 Long Beach, California

tive, a multifaceted organization that ral conducting at Indiana University Empowered Leaders
explores the intersections of artistic Bloomington. Empower Others:
and spiritual practice, as well as the
new music vocal ensemble HEX. He Committing to Vulnerable,
has conducted choirs at Columbia Dynamic Body Balance: Thoughtful, and
University, CalArts, Chaff ey Col- Inclusive Leadership
lege, and been assistant conductor Unlocking Communication
of The Industry. As we find ourselves in a societal

Breath is the foundation of all renaissance, it is imperative that we
movement, and effi cient movement recommit to modeling and engaging
is the fundamental aspect of ges- in respectful yet tough conversations
Cultivating a Choral Culture
tural communication. Based on the with our ensemble members. This
of Connectedness author’s experience with human session will discuss diff erent types
dissection, Laban Movement The- of leadership styles and how they
Choral music provides a unique ory Training, and athletic training function within choral communi-
place to begin to address the reali- systems, a theory of Dynamic Body ties. Attendees will learn about the
ties of mental health and trauma. It Balance emerged, providing the importance of being a vulnerable
is essential that we recognize the im- choral conductor greater access to leader, skills for community building,
portance of emotional intelligence, expression and comfort in the body. strategies for democratizing ensem-
social connection, and trauma-in- Using simple body positions and bles, and how to lean into hard con-
formed instruction in arguably the tools like a yoga ball, participants versations.
most personal musical art form. In will learn the theory and apply the
this session, we will discuss how to concepts in an interactive workshop Jennifer Hansen Heder
craft an educational environment to enhance body awareness and in- is currently pursuing a
that facilitates excellent music learn- crease expressivity in conducting DMA from Michigan
ing, encourages students to remain and leadership. State University. She
present, passionate, motivated, and has directed the choirs
engaged, while creating a space that Nicole C. Lamartine at Albion College and is currently
encourages vulnerability, emphasiz- is the Sorensen Di- the artistic director of the Ingham
es psychological safety, and cultivates rector of Choral Mu- Festival Chorale. Previously, she
connection within the group. sic at the University was the director of choirs at Span-
of California, Santa ish Fork High School in Utah. She
Nicholas Sienkiewicz Barbara, where she conducts the earned an MM and a BME from
is a conductor, re- UCSB Chamber Choir, integrates Brigham Young University.
searcher, and mental 21st-century relevance into choral
health advocate based studies at the MM and DMA levels, Colleen Chester is the
in Bloomington, In- and teaches conducting and voice. director of music at
diana. He has appeared on various Prior to her appointment at UCSB, Presbyterian Church
media platforms including the Cho- she was professor and director of of Okemos and is pur-
ralosophy podcast and WMUK Ra- choral activities at the University of suing her DMA in cho-
dio and has presented at multiple Wyoming (2008-2020). In addition ral conducting at Michigan State
conferences. Sienkiewicz holds a BS to Chor Anno, she is the founder University. Previously she held the
in Biochemistry and a BMA from and conductor of the Santa Barba- position of director of vocal music
Western Michigan University and is ra Gay Men’s Chorus. She is a past at San Luis Obispo High School and
currently pursuing an MM in cho- president of Northwestern ACDA. Laguna Middle School in San Luis

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2022 Volume 62 Number 5 135