Page 146 - CJJan24

2024 ACDA Eastern Region Conference February 28 - March 2, 2024 Providence, Rhode Island

Performing Choirs
P er f orming C hoirs

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School University of Delaware

Pyle Voices University Singers

The University Singers is a select ensemble of treble
voices at the University of Delaware, chosen by audi-
The Pyle Voices is a highly selective group of stu- tion each year, and comprising freshmen, sophomores,
dents in grades 7-8. Voices has repeatedly received su- juniors, and seniors from dozens of majors across the
perior ratings at county, state, and regional adjudica- University. The University Singers perform three to
tions. In 2022, Voices traveled to The Aaron Copland four concerts each year and tour regionally to Mary-
School of Music at Queen’s College in NYC to par- land, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They ap-
ticipate in “Nationals for Top Choirs.” In 2023, Voic- peared at ACDA Eastern Region in 2014 (Baltimore)
es was selected as a spotlight throughout the state of and 2018 (Pittsburgh). The University Singers perform
Maryland to perform at the MMEA State Conference. a varied and diverse repertoire, including medieval
In 2022 they performed at the Annapolis statehouse in chant, Baroque chamber music, nineteenth-century
conjunction with the Governor’s mansion open house. opera, as well as jazz, contemporary, and multicultural
works.
Zach Tilkens, NBCT, is currently in his
fifteenth year teaching with MCPS and Duane Cottrell is associate professor of
his ninth year at Thomas W. Pyle Mid- choral music education at the University
dle School. Tilkens has been active at of Delaware, where he directs the Uni-
the county and state levels as a judge. versity Singers and the Jazz Singers and
His choirs consistently earn superior ratings at county, teaches courses in choral music educa-
state, and regional festivals, notably participating in tion. After earning a BME at LSU under Ken Fulton
“Nationals for Top Choirs” in NYC. His audition choir and teaching high school in Texas, Cottrell earned
was selected to perform at the 2023 MMEA state con- MM and DMA degrees at the University of North
ference. Tilkens is proud of his contributions around Texas with Jerry McCoy. He frequently presents and
the topic of equity, having contributed to the MMEA publishes research on vocal pedagogy and was previ-
Diversity Lens Committee and presenting a session ously the editor of the “On the Voice” column in the
titled: “Affirming Students’ Identities through Reper- Choral Journal. His choirs have appeared at NAfME and
toire Selection.” ACDA conferences.

144 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5