Page 52 - CJJan24

2024 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference February 7-10, 2024 Omaha, Nebraska

Interest Sessions
In t er est S essions

congregation members. Based on concepts found in of repertoire for school, church, and community, but
the book The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker, the first can be tailored to any one of these sectors.
part of the session will present a framework about in-
tentionally creating memorable events, rehearsals, and Graeme Morton is considered one of
worship services to build stronger ensembles and com- Australia’s most eclectic choral musi-
munities. Stories from over fifteen years in music min- cians. He is senior lecturer and choral fel-
istry will demonstrate how the concepts can be applied low at the University of Queensland and
in a wide variety of contexts. In the second part of the director of music at St John’s Episcopal
session, attendees will brainstorm ideas. Attendees will Cathedral in Brisbane. He is also founder and director
have practical ideas to take back to their own worship- of the Brisbane Chamber Choir. He was the founda-
ing communities and feel rejuvenated and empowered tion conductor of The Australian Voices and artistic
to make positive changes in their own context. director of the National Youth Choir of Australia. He
has commissioned many of the pieces that have be-
Austen Wilson is the director of music come synonymous with Australian choral music, in-
ministries at St. Andrew Presbyterian cluding Past Life Melodies (Hopkins) and Ngana (Leek).
Church in Iowa City, Iowa, where he His compositions are published by Augsburg Fortress,
oversees a comprehensive music minis- Crescendo Music, and Morton Music.
try of choral, handbell, and instrumen-
tal ensembles and works collaboratively with staff. He
believes that music builds community, preaches the
Gospel, helps us find belonging, and builds our faith. Don’t Fear the Reverb:
In addition to planning and leading worship, Wilson Making Sound Technology Accessible
founded Melodious Harmony: Concerts at St. Andrew
in 2023, which seeks to provide accessible, affordable, Whether you need a refresher on sound technol-
and inspirational performances for the Iowa City Com- ogy or to establish a foundation, join Nathan Edwards
munity. He holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an and Shannon Gravelle for a presentation and Q&A on
MM from Colorado State University.
sound technology. This all-encompassing session will
provide an overview of some of the most common
technical challenges that choral directors face. The
A Distant Music: goal is to capture or amplify the best possible quality

Introducing Choral Music of Australia of sound for the least amount of effort, complexity,
and investment. This will allow directors to focus on
what they care most about—the sound of the choir—
Australian choral composers have long been active while ensuring that the technical setup maximizes their
in writing music for choirs but are almost totally un- sound. This presentation will provide a foundation so
represented by publishers in the United States. This that directors who have sound technicians can commu-
session will introduce choir directors to this music and nicate their needs most effectively, and directors with-
the themes that are reflected in this repertoire—some out technicians can create quality recordings.
of which is distinctly Australian and much of which
is universal. Participants will sing highlights, listen to Shannon Gravelle is director of choral
recordings, and learn how to access these resources. At- activities at the University of Wisconsin
tendees will take valuable insights as well as a packet of Oshkosh. Her current research examines
samples. The session is intended to cover a wide span how identity, gesture, and conducting

50 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5