Page 142 - CJJanuary2026

2026 ACDA Southwestern Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Horizons Immersion Day - Wednesday
N ew H oriz ons Immersion Da y - W ednesda y

grams. He previously taught at Henry Middle School including honor group selections at Oklahoma MEA in
in Cedar Park, Texas, where he assisted the Varsity 2014 and 2022. He has served in leadership roles such
Treble Choir for their 2008 TMEA performance. In as OkCDA vocal jazz all-state chair, Oklahoma Chil-
2010 he joined Rouse High School as assistant choir dren’s all-state choir cochair, and Region R coordinator.
director, earning multiple first-division ratings, and be- Shimp is an active clinician, adjudicator, and quad chair
came head director at Leander High School in 2014, for Oklahoma Music Educators Northeast All-State Re-
where he launched the school’s IB music program, AP gion.
Music Theory course, and show choir. Wiley is cur-
rently head director at Harker Heights High School,
where his choirs perform a range of repertoire and Soprano-Alto Choirs
have earned recognition at UIL contests, contempo-
rary a cappella competitions, and were invited to per-
form for TMEA in 2024. Wiley is a frequent UIL ad- Beyond the “Blend”:
judicator and TMEA clinician.
Empowering Treble Singers
Through Vocal Technique, Repertoire, and Identity
Show Choirs
This session explores the unique challenges and im-
mense potential of treble ensembles at all levels. Partic-
From Score to Stage: ipants will leave with practical rehearsal strategies, fresh
repertoire ideas, and vocal technique tools tailored spe-
Making Magic Without Breaking the Bank cifically for treble voices. We will also examine how to
develop a strong ensemble identity and shift away from
Discover how to create dynamic, crowd-pleasing outdated stereotypes that often limit what treble choirs
show choir performances without blowing your bud- are expected to achieve.
get. This session dives into effective communication
strategies with arrangers, explores semi-custom and Tanner Oglesby is director of choirs for
budget-friendly arrangement options, and shares prac- the Bryant School District, leading the
tical tips for maximizing impact with limited resources. secondary choral program, teaching high
Whether you’re a seasoned director or just starting out, school choir, and collaborating with ad-
you’ll leave with tools, templates, and inspiration to ministrators to advance fine arts. Under
build shows that shine—creatively and cost effectively. his direction, students have achieved high ranks in state
and national honor choirs, and his ensembles have
Michael Shimp is a respected educator earned multiple best in class awards at the Arkansas
and conductor with over seventeen years State Choral Festival. Bryant choirs have performed
of experience teaching choral music. He at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City (2022) and
earned a bachelor’s of vocal performance Cadogan Hall in London (2023), with a European tour
from Southwestern Oklahoma State planned for 2027. Oglesby holds a BME from Hender-
University and studied in the Tulsa Opera Young Art- son State University, an MME from Arkansas State Uni-
ist Program and Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs, versity, and an MM from Western Illinois University.
AR. Shimp currently teaches at Jenks High School and
previously taught in Owasso from 2007 to 2018. His
choirs have earned recognition at state conventions,

140 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5