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

Raising Up the Treble Choir studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Scheep-
ers has worked as guest conductor and clinician for var-
Treble choirs play a vital role in our choral com- ious high schools and festivals across the United States,
munity but often hold a middle role in our choral pro- Europe, and South Africa. He is also sought after inter-
grams. In this session, we’ll explore the treble choir nationally as an external examiner of master and doc-
from multiple angles—equitable structure and role, toral dissertations in choral music. Recent professional
strength of community, and diversity of sound—and engagements include presenting at the International
seek to expand the parameters and potential of mod- Conference on Arts and Humanities (IICAH) in 2023
ern treble ensembles. A central component will be a in Honolulu, HI.
participatory exploration of healthy “brassy” and
“lofted” timbres that can open up a palette of tone and
expression to use across widely diverse repertoire. The
Cantamus ensemble from Iowa State University will A Rondo Reconciliation and Renewal:
demonstrate distinct vocal timbres. Student leaders will A Black History Month Concert
present on the ensemble’s community and culture, in-
cluding an alum who conducted research observing the of Connection, Healing, and Transformation
social dynamics, leadership, and practical functioning
of the choir. As choral artists and educators, we are called to re-
spond to the recent issues of racial injustice and vio-
Jennifer Rodgers will be the clinician for this session. lence, yet doing so can be fraught with conflict and con-
Her photo and bio are on page 41. troversy. This session shares a process of how groups
of musicians from within and beyond the Rondo
neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota, came together
to jointly heal. Activities included service projects, art-
Rejoicing in O\ur Diversity: ist/social activist panel discussions, and a community
Teaching Traditional South African Choral Music supper with facilitated table dialogue. The collabora-
tion grew out of relationships built over the years be-
tween Concordia University, St. Paul’s music program,
This session will give an overview of the traditional Walker|West Music Academy (a community music
languages found in South Africa and how to prepare school uplifting Black musical culture), Mt. Olivet Mis-
to teach traditional South African choral music to your sionary Baptist Church (a prominent Rondo Black
choir. The presenter will focus on authenticity, the im- church), 29:11 International Exchange from South Af-
portance of textual research, appropriate choreogra- rica, NUNNABOVE, and other area partners.
phy, and authentic inclusion of percussive accompani-
ment. Some attention will be given to clarifying social, David Mennicke has been Concordia
political, and religious contexts of six to eight selected University, St. Paul director of choral
pieces. The presenter will also cover the pronunciation studies since 1989, with degrees from St.
of the most common clicks, unique consonants, and Olaf College and the University of Ari-
other unusual sounds. The attendees will sing through zona. He has conducted 300+ festivals/
sections and practice pronunciation with the presenter. guest choirs in the U.S., MidEast, Europe, and Afri-
ca, including: ACDA-MN All-State Children’s Choir,
Gerrit Scheepers, director of choirs and MMEA All-State Tenor/Bass Choir, Lutheran Sum-
assistant professor of music at South Da- mer Music, National Lutheran Choir. He was in the
kota Mines, hails from South Africa. He Grammy-winning Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and is
previously served as director of choral currently a tenor section leader in the Minnesota Cho-

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5 55