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CHORAL
CHORAL

CON VERSA TION S
CONVERSATIONS

A Conversation with Mark Lawley

with Donathan Chang and Yoojin Muhn

Mark Lawley is a retired choral formance in my life, and I was terrified. I felt so in-
director who currently teaches secure and nervous that my lips stuck to my teeth. I
voice and piano lessons. He pre- wanted to smile when I turned toward the audience,
viously served as the president of but all that would form was what must have looked like
the Southwestern ACDA Region, a meager grimace. As I turned back toward the choir, it
Missouri Choral Directors Associ- felt like home, safety, security, community. While I felt
ation, and South Central Missouri very small when facing the audience, that feeling juxta-
MEA. Choirs under his direction posed with the peace that enveloped me when I faced
have given invitational performances multiple times at the choir gave me a heightened awareness of what trust
conferences of ACDA, SWACDA, and Missouri MEA. in the ensemble provided for each member.
He previously served on ACDA’s National Standing That brief moment just before the first downbeat can hold
Committee for Education and Communication, and so much—hand on heart, tethered together from many rehearsals
he currently serves on the board of South Austin Acad- and shared stories. The work is done. Trust has been established.
emy of Vocal Arts and Teeter Leadership Group. He We know what will happen, what our intentions are—the nu-
has received teacher of the year awards and the Luther ances, the ability to not manufacture music but to allow it to
T. Spayde Award. unfold again with some fluctuations in tempo, dynamic, tenuto,
rallentando; it can be new this time too. Pulse increasing, eyes
brimming… it’s just about to happen. Yes, that brief moment
When you reflect on your years in the classroom can hold so much, and if we are awake and aware, that can be a
and on the podium, what moments made you treasured part of the performance too, and it is often a remarkably
feel most deeply connected to your calling as an sweet one as time stands still.
educator? Another moment that made me feel connected to my
calling occurred in the rehearsal hall. Like most choral
In 1999 I was conducting the first conference per- conductors, I have an affection for words. Sometimes

CHORAL JOURNAL October 2025 Volume 66 Number 3 61