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2025 ACDA National Conference March 18-22, 2025 Dallas, Texas

Arian Khaefi is an Iranian American
conductor. He is director of choral stud- "I Am a Musician!"
ies at San Diego State University, where Fostering a Child's Musical Identity
he directs the choral program and the
graduate choral conducting program. In
2017, Khaefi was appointed as director of the Cornish Friday 9:00 am - 9:50 am
American Song Institute Choral Scholars Program
through Oxford University. In 2022 he was appoint- First United Methodist Church
ed Sally and Einar Gall Music Director and Chorus Crossroads
Conductor of La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, and now
helms the symphonic chorus through performances of
canonic masterworks as well as commissions and new The children who first experienced choral singing
music. Khaefi is in demand as a clinician and guest on Zoom five years ago occupy the ranks of children’s
conductor nationally and internationally. choirs today. This interactive session highlights the ed-
ucational needs of today’s youngest choristers—some
of whom first experienced in-person ensemble singing
in middle childhood. Through storytelling and song,
participants will learn to apply the concept of “Mu-
sical Identity” to rehearsal design and organizational
revitalization. This standing room-only session from
the 2024 Northwestern ACDA Region Conference
instructs the future practice of all through thoughtful
consideration of the past.

Kendra Kay Friar is an associate conduc-
tor of Pacific Youth Choir (PYC) in Port-
land, Oregon, where she directs resident
and neighborhood choir programs serv-
The San Diego State University Chamber Choir is a ing singers in grades K-5. She is the aca-
twenty-four-member advanced ensemble that performs demic editor of NAfME’s Journal of General Music Edu-
six to ten concerts annually. Their repertoire consists cation as well as a frequent presenter at state, regional,
of a diverse array of languages, styles, and time peri- and national conferences. She received Oregon’s 2021
ods, including major works. Chamber Choir collabo- Outstanding Elementary Music Educator Award. Her
rates with living composers, has commissioned new work as collaborative pianist with Portland Phoenix
works, and hosts guest artists from around the world. Chamber Choir can be heard on the group’s upcom-
Alumni currently teach throughout the state, sing with ing Centaur Records album showcasing the choral and
professional companies.The ensemble tours nationally vocal works of Margaret Bonds. Friar’s compositions
and internationally, and has performed at CMEA and for beginning choirs are available through Pavane Pub-
ACDA conferences. lishing.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2025 Volume 65 Number 5 51