Page 28 - CJJan24

2024 ACDA Northwestern Region Conference January 24-27, 2024 Spokane, Washington

In t er est S essions
Interest Sessions

the personal cost of war (in his award-winning orato- Presenting the ARI Project
rio, But Who Shall Return Us Our Children? A Kipling Pas- and Hyowon’s Music
sion). He served as ACDA R&R Chair for Composers
and Composition for the NW Region (2017-2022).
An in-depth introduction to the ARI project and
the music of Hyowon Woo, contextualizing the music
presented at the final conference concert on Saturday
evening. Additionally, information will be presented on
The Power of Two: other compelling and important Korean choral reper-

Developing Pianist and Conductor Collaboration toire.

This session will explore the benefits of building a Hyowon Woo will be a clinician for this session. Her
relationship between conductors and collaborative pia- photo and bio are on page 8.
nists from the perspectives of both pianist and conduc-
tor. We will explore ways in which conductors can invite MeeAe Nam will be a clinician for this session. Her
pianists into a collaborative relationship; techniques to photo and bio are on page 8.
help pianists pedagogically assist choirs in rehearsal
and performance; how a conductor can “think like”
and talk efficiently to their collaborative pianist; how a
pianist can “think like” a conductor; how gesture posi- Supporting Teachers:
tively and negatively communicates with your pianist; Success Strategies for America’s Title I Musicians
and what this relationship looks like in rehearsal. At-
tendees will participate as a choir led by Geoffrey and
Amy Boers. Conductors and pianists are encouraged to Nearly half of public schools in the United States
attend together. qualify for Title I funding. Title I support is offered
when at least 40% of the student population within a
Amy Boers is a well-known collaborative school comes from low-income families. Children af-
artist in the Puget Sound region. She is af- fected by poverty are at a higher risk for emotional and
filiate artist at Pacific Lutheran University social challenges, cognitive lags, and health and safety
and principal keyboard with Symphony stressors. Choral educators nurture student success
Tacoma Orchestra and Voices. She is not- with meaningful repertoire and an environment that
ed for her ability to anticipate what conductors want helps improve cognitive function, social and life skills,
and assess what singers need to be successful. and quality of life. Understanding the effects of and
practicing success strategies for our Title I musicians
Geoffrey Boers began conducting in the are vital to their success.
Pacific Northwest in 1977 and enjoys work-
ing with choirs and pianists of all levels and Katy Green is a doctoral student in choral
abilities. Geoffrey and Amy are co-directors conducting at Michigan State University.
of music at Grace Lutheran in Des Moines. She is the conductor of Campus Choir,
They have learned richly from each other, and work to an undergraduate ensemble at MSU, and
create a unified, powerful, pedagogical “gift” for choirs. regularly clinics, conducts, and adjudi-
cates middle and high school choral ensembles. Green
began her teaching career at West High School and
Romig Middle School in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon

26 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5