Matthew Myers

Children & Youth

1/26/24 | 3:15pm

Breaking the Ice: Building Respectful Culture in the Choral Program

Session Description

Since ensemble music making is inherently project-based, it is essential for students to operate healthily as a team as they reach their common goals. Team building in retreats as well as in class time will ensure that students work together respectfully. These enjoyable activities are pivotal to instructional needs because of their correlation to the National Core Arts Standards and National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Rubric. In this presentation, attendees will engage in various team building activities designed to build community, create a healthy environment and respectful culture, and pave the way for student ownership in the choral ensemble.

Clinician Bio

Matthew Myers serves as associate director of choral activities at Washington State University, where he conducts the University Singers and Treble Choir and teaches choral methods and conducting. He earned his DMA in choral conducting at Louisiana State University, MM in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University, and BA in vocal performance/music education from Luther College. Prior to his time at WSU, he taught choir at The American International School of Muscat in Oman, Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, and the University of Alabama. He conducts the Palouse Choral Society and co-hosts the Choir Fam Podcast.