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that sometimes the quietest moments of connection are Performance:
the ones that matter most. Grounding the Ensemble
On stage, I’m there to anchor the music, hold space
In the Classroom: for the artists, and be a conduit so the performance
Deep Listening and Authentic Connection can fully inspire an audience. I’m not there to put on
In the classroom, an influence-through-presence a show for the singers in front of me. It’s about steadi-
model allows me to truly see my students. I notice the ness. A grounding presence helps calm nerves, focus
subtle things—the singer who avoids eye contact or the energy, and keep the ensemble centered in the music
one whose silence says more than their words. I check and the moment.
in, not with flashiness, but with genuine presence. Now, I’ve seen how a composed demeanor can settle a
as an artistic director of the Pacific Youth Choir, I con- group right before they walk on stage. It reminds them
tinue to stretch and grow, stepping into bigger rooms, that we’re not here to impress. We’re here to inspire
higher stakes, and more complex challenges. But the
principles haven’t changed. I still lead from grounded
awareness and reflective conviction. I still trust silence.
I believe that authenticity builds the deepest kind of
artistry. Of course, I bring passion and energy when
needed, but I’m careful to channel it through a place
of authenticity.
That said, introverted conductors do face the para-
dox of needing to engage with others in ways that can
be draining. The “stage presence” we cultivate in per-
formances or rehearsals is not always a reflection of
our natural inclinations. For many introverted conduc-
tors, the experience of standing in front of a choir or
speaking to an audience feels different than socializing
in everyday life. The energy demands of these situa-
tions can be significant, even if we enjoy them.
To navigate this, I’ve learned the importance of
carving out time to recharge. For me, that often in-
volves retreating into solitude after a performance or
intense rehearsal. I reenergize with a walk, a good pod-
cast, or simply being in a space where I’m not expected
to perform or engage with others. It’s these moments
of stillness that allow me to replenish and find balance.
Recharging is crucial for maintaining my authenticity.
Without it, I could easily slip back into the habit of try-
ing to mimic someone else’s energy or persona.
Interestingly, because I love leading choirs so much,
those energy-draining moments feel so much more
manageable. The purpose and fulfillment I gain from
working with choirs has changed my life for the better.
Wherever you land on this spectrum, the key is allow-
ing for moments of recharge after stepping into the ex-
troverted aspects of our role.

CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2025 Volume 66 Number 4 45