Across the Institution
Pedagogical Approaches, Musical Considerations, and Recruiting Students from All Majors
In many colleges and universities, students majoring in a subject other than music form a majority of the students with whom choral music faculty engage. Many such students enter our programs with varied musical backgrounds, some being wholly new to choral music. What unique educational and musical considerations are helpful in these settings? How can we as educators better serve the needs of students whose academic interests are in areas outside of music? What strategies are most useful in recruiting students from all majors for our choral programs?
The 75 minute session will include 50 minutes of panel discussion and 25 minutes of breakout time. The goal of the session is to foster dialogue and discussion between panelists and attendees.
- Pamela McDermott, Longwood University, moderator
- Tucker Biddlecombe, Vanderbilt University
- David Morrow, Morehouse College, NCCO9 Host
- Eric Posada, Angelo State University
- Jennifer Sengin, Georgia State University, NCCO9 On-Site Coordinator
SPEAKER: Pamela McDermott
Dr. Pamela McDermott is Director of Choral Activities at Longwood University, where she directs three ensembles, runs the Longwood Honors Choir, and teaches choral music education and conducting courses. She is a founding member of The Piedmont Singers of Central Virginia, a professional vocal octet, and serves as chorus master for Summer Garden Opera. She is past-president of Virginia ACDA and chair of the Voices United Conference Planning Committee. She is a frequent conductor and clinician.
SPEAKER: Tucker Biddlecombe
Tucker Biddlecombe (Ph.D.) is Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, where he conducts the Vanderbilt Chorale and Symphonic Choir, and serves as Director of Music Teacher Education. He also serves as Director of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
SPEAKER: David Morrow
Dr. David Morrow has been a member of the Music faculty at Morehouse College since 1981. In 1987, he succeeded Dr. Wendell P. Whalum as Director of the Glee Club. In 2013, Dr. Morrow celebrated the 25th anniversary of his directorship of the Glee Club. Alumni and current students honored him singing Psalm 15; a piece composed for the occasion by alumnus Carlos Simon, and also presented him with a silver, engraved baton for his dedication in leadership. He is also Director of the Wendell P. Whalum Community Chorus, Co-Director of the Morehouse-Spelman Chorus, and Artistic Director and Conductor of The Atlanta Singers.
SPEAKER: Eric Posada
Eric Posada is Director of Choral Activities at Angelo State University. Previously, Dr. Posada served as Visiting Professor of Choral Music at UNC Charlotte, Director of Choral Music at Tyler Junior College, and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University. Posada has presented for fourteen state and regional conferences, and his professional chorus Pasión was selected to perform for the Texas Choral Directors Association Conference and as a Finalist for The American Prize.
SPEAKER: Jennifer Sengin
Jennifer Sengin is the Associate Director of Choral Activities at Georgia State University where she conducts the Women’s Chorus and Choral Union and teaches graduate choral literature, graduate and undergraduate conducting, undergraduate choral methods, and supervises student teachers. Under her direction, the Women’s Chorus recently performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in January, 2020. Dr. Sengin was recently named a finalist in conducting with The American Prize.