Page 56 - CJJan24

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

Interest Sessions
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in the classroom. In addition, this session will provide coursework. Bertram’s ensembles frequently perform
alternative exercises to promote inclusive practice. throughout the United States and abroad. She has col-
laborated with groups such as ASTER Women’s Cho-
Letícia Grützmann’s career as a conduc- rus, Nordkor Children’s Choir, and Una Vocis Choral
tor, singer, and active clinician spans Ensemble. An active clinician, adjudicator, and scholar,
over fifteen years. As a Brazilian artist, her research “Utilizing the Principles of Storytelling to
she has performed in Europe and North Create Engaging Concert Programs” was featured in
and South America. In 2023, Grüt- the Choral Journal (2021). She holds degrees from Uni-
zmann was appointed the assistant professor, director versity of Colorado Boulder, Ithaca College, and Con-
of choral activities at the Saginaw Valley State Uni- cordia College.
versity, Michigan. She conducts the Cardinal Singers
and the Concert Choir and teaches conducting and
voice area classes. Her research is dedicated to devel-
oping mind-body-based techniques for choirs since Nosotres Existimos:
she incorporated the Alexander Technique into her Mexican Choral Repertoire and Resources
teaching philosophy.

The goal of Nosotres Existimos is inclusion and be-
longing for the choral conductor’s students and com-
munity through programming. This session’s infor-
Mirror, Mirror mation on Mexican repertoire and resources through

handouts and websites will connect our growing
Ensemble conductors often feel as though we are Chicano/a/e student population to this large body of
racing against the clock, constantly attempting to bal- music. By the end, attendees will have more insight
ance the needs of our students, administrators, com- on Mexican choral music history, know where to find
munity, colleagues, and ourselves. Often, in an effort Mexican and indigenous repertoire, and have access to
to “save time,” conductors develop habits that unin- resources to lead culturally responsive performances.
tentionally work against our best efforts for efficient Using this session’s offerings, participants can generate
and effective rehearsals. Drawing on her experience as deeper belonging amongst their students and commu-
a classroom teacher, ensemble conductor, and student nity, share unheard voices, and continue to build com-
teacher supervisor, Emilie Bertram will offer observa- munity through music.
tions of common problems that may not be working in
your favor, as well as tips to address the issue. This ses- Raul Dominguez will be the clinician for this session.
sion is primarily aimed at teachers who are five years His photo and bio are on page 25.
or less into their journey, but also offers opportunity
for all conductors to reflect on their teaching behav-
iors.

Emilie Bertram serves as DCA, depart-
ment chair, and assistant professor at
Waldorf University, where she directs
the Waldorf Choir, Schola Cantorum,
and teaches conducting and methods

54 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5