ACDA-UT State Conference 2015 Schedule
Saturday, September 19
8:00-9:00 AM Registration: Gardner Hall Atrium, University of Utah
9:00-9:50 AM Interest Session: Brady Allred and Salt Lake Vocal Artists “The Art of Musical
Interpretation”
10:00-10:50 AM Interest Session: Bruce Rogers “It’s All About the Journey”
11:00-11:50 AM Keynote Address: Jeffery Redding “Strategies for Motivation and Inspiration”
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch (on your own)
1:00-2:20 PM Afternoon Concert: Salt Lake Children’s Choir, Springville High Chamber Singers, Beijing
Baotashan Chorus, Cantorum Chamber Choir, BYU Jazz Voices, Mountain Jubilee Chorus
2:30-3:20 PM Reading Session: ACDA-UT R&S Selections
3:30-4:30 PM Interest Session: Utah Choral History – Cherilyn Worthen, panel moderator
4:30-5:20 PM Interest Session: Alan Scott “Sight Reading and Ear Training”
5:30-7:00 PM Dinner (on your own)
7:00-8:30 PM Evening Concert: Boys-to-Men Honor Choir, Salem Junior High Women’s Chorus, Voice
Male, Presentation of Award of Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Award, Combined Collegiate Choir
(First Presbyterian Church)
8:30-11:50 PM Reception/Jazz Jam: Hub Café
Sunday, September 20
11:00-12:15 PM Ecumenical Worship Service (First Presbyterian Church)
12:15-2:00 PM Interest Session: Hot New Resources, Cecil Sullivan and Ryan North, panel moderators
2:00-3:00 PM Interest Session: Jean S. Applonie “Adapting Literature for the Boys’ Changing Voice”
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Concurrent: Private Voice/Conducting Coaching (sign up at conference registration)
3:00-3:30 PM Interfaith Choir Rehearsal (open)
3:30-4:00 PM Doors open for Interfaith Concert
4:00-5:30 PM Interfaith Concert: Canyon Road Chorale, Canyon Road Ward Choir, The Chancel Choir at
First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, The Cathedral Choir of First Baptist Church, Christ United
Methodist Church Chancel Choir, The First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, Lux Singers, Guest
Conductor Reed Criddle
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Conference Headliners
Jeffery Redding
Jeffery Redding, Director of Choral Activities at West Orange
High School, Winter Garden, Florida, has led his choirs in
performances at State, Regional, and National conventions of the
American Choral Directors’ Association (ACDA). West Orange
choirs have earned first place awards at Heritage Festivals of Gold
in California, Chicago, New York and at the Festival of Spirituals
in Washington D.C. While participating in the International Music
Festival, in Verona, Italy, West Orange received the Gold Award
for best choir, with Dr. Redding honored as top director.
While Director of Choral Activities at West Virginia University
(WVU), he led his choir on college recruitment tours—the
Southern tour culminating in a performance at Florida ACDA.
On the Eastern tour, the WVU choir was featured in concert at
Lincoln Center, and was joined by choirs from across the country
in a performance of Schubert’s Mass in G with members of the
New York Philharmonic under Dr. Redding’s direction.
Nationally, Dr. Redding is in demand as a guest conductor and lecturer. He has conducted the ACDA
National High School Honor Choir, the Central Division ACDA Honor Choir, and All-State and Honor
choirs in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. In 2014, he was the only
American adjudicator at the International Choral Festival, Verona, Italy.
Dr. Redding directed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for their 2005 spring broadcast. He was featured as
guest conductor at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Kennedy Center, and Orchestra Hall on numerous
occasions. He has been honored to give the prestigious TEDx Talk.
Dr. Redding holds a Ph.D. in Choral Conducting/Music Education and an M.M.E., both from Florida State
University, and a B.S. in Music Education from Florida A&M University. He is a member of ACDA,
NAfME, FVA, NATS, and Chorus America. In the Florida Vocal Association (FVA) he has served as
District 8 Chairperson. In the Florida ACDA, he has served as State R&S Chair for Ethnic
Music/Multicultural Affairs, Co-Chair for the High School Mixed Honor Choir, and Youth/Student
Activities. Currently, he is the State R&S Chair for High School Mixed Choir for Florida ACDA.
 Boys-to-Men Honor Choir
The Boys-to-Men Honor Choir will feature male singers in grades 6-12 from junior high and senior
high choral programs in the state. Dr. Jeffery Redding, the clinician, is an expert in motivating
singers to touch and change lives through music. Utah has a rich choral tradition, and we are very
excited to bring our young male singers together in song.
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Bruce Rogers
Professor Bruce Rogers is the Director of Choral Activities at Mt. San
Antonio College, in Walnut, California. In this role, he oversees the
department’s various vocal and choral programs, which span the entire
spectrum of music – from classical to jazz. He personally directs Mt. San
Antonio College’s award-winning Chamber Singers and the elite vocal jazz
ensemble, Singcopation.
Choirs under his direction have achieved top ranking in national and
international competitions throughout the world, including performances in
Concert Halls throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, China,
Scotland, Wales, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and China. Mr. Rogers' choirs have had the
honor of performing at eight California State Conventions, ten American Choral Directors Association
(ACDA) Regional and National Conventions as well as performing at three International Association of
Jazz Educators (IAJE) National Conventions. In the year 2001, Mr. Rogers became the first choral director
in United States history to have two different choirs perform at both the IAJE National Convention and the
ACDA National Convention, and in 2005, he achieved this special honor once again.
Mr. Rogers’ most recent guest conducting ventures outside of the United States, includes conducting at the
“AMIS International Honor Band and Choral Festival” hosted by the International School at The Hague in
the Netherlands, conducting at the “ACCET Choral Conductor’s Workshop” held in Melbourne, Australia,
guest conducting the music of Franz Joseph Haydn in Vienna and Budapest with a Festival Choir and
Orchestra honoring the 200th Anniversary of Haydn’s death, and was the headline clinician and guest
conductor at the "Australian National Choral Association" (ANCA) Convention in Port Macquarie,
Australia. He has guest conducted the New York Chamber Orchestra and Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall
on six different occasions and has performed by special invitation at Lincoln Center. In 2007, Professor
Rogers was invited to conduct the ACDA National Two-Year College Honor Choir at the ACDA National
Convention in Miami, Florida. He most recently was invited to serve as the American Judge on the jury
panel for the “International Musical Eisteddfod Competition” in Wales. Mr. Rogers has presented lectures,
adjudicated, or conducted All-State and Collegiate Honor Choirs in twenty-four states, Canada, Austria,
Hungary, Poland, Australia, and the Netherlands.
 Combined Collegiate Choir
ACDA-Utah is proud to combine many of the finest collegiate choirs in the state for the upcoming
State Conference. Guest conducted by Bruce Rogers, this ensemble will feature the Salt Lake
Community College Chamber Singers (Lyle Archibald, conductor), Utah State Chamber Singers
(Cory Evans, conductor), Utah Valley University Chamber Choir (Reed Criddle, conductor), Weber
State University Chamber Choir (Mark Henderson, conductor), and Westminster College Chamber
Singers (Christopher Quinn, conductor). In total, the choir will be comprised of over 180 singers.
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Performers & Conductors
Afternoon Concert
Salt Lake Children’s Choir
Founded in the fall of 1979, the award-winning Salt Lake Children's Choir has long been admired for its
high level of artistry and outstanding repertoire. It has performed with many celebrated artists and
organizations (including on recordings with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony), and has
been featured at numerous ACDA conventions. It appears in the area's premiere concert settings and can
be heard on local and national radio broadcasts. For more information:
www.childrensing.org
Ralph B. Woodward
Founder and artistic director Ralph B. Woodward is an
accomplished singer, instrumentalist, composer, and an authority
on the care and development of the young voice. He has lived and
performed extensively as a singer and instrumentalist in Europe and
Latin America and draws much of his writing and the choir's
repertoire from this background. For more information:
cherbournemusic.com.
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Springville High Chamber Singers
The Springville High Chamber
Singers are beginning their
third year with their conductor,
Leslie Walker. They have
performed at the United
Nations in New York City, St.
Paul’s Cathedral in NYC, and
at the LDS Church
administration building in Salt
Lake City. The Chamber
Singers had the opportunity to
perform with the other
chamber choirs in Nebo
District in an honor choir
under the direction of Dr.
Ronald Staheli in 2014. Last
year, they performed Randall
Thompson’s Frostiana in the
Springville Museum of Art, and earned straight ones at festival. And in May, they collaborated with the
school band in performing two jazz pieces. The Chamber Singers are thrilled to sing for you at the ACDAUtah Fall Conference! For more information: shschoir.org
● Leslie Walker
Leslie Walker has been teaching choir in and out of the
public schools for most of the past 32 years. She has
directed children’s choirs in Bountiful, Price, and
Springville, and directed the choirs at Springville Jr. High
for twelve years. She has bachelor’s degrees in both
elementary and secondary education and a master’s degree
in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Brigham Young
University. Mrs. Walker is currently on the ACDA Utah
board, and is a member of NAFME. She was on the
ACDA national steering committee for the National
Conference held in Salt Lake City this past February. She
has served with Legacy Music Alliance in organizing the
choral track for Trade Secrets music conference for the
past two years. She is a current member of the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir. Leslie and her husband, Mark are the
parents of five children and have eight grandchildren.
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Beijing Baotashan Chorus
The Beijing Baotashan Chorus began
in 1998. Originally, the amateur choir
was established as part of the
Beijing-Yan’An Friendship
Organization to bring together older
adults who were passionate about
traditional Chinese folk music. The
Chorus specializes primarily in
performing folk songs from northern
China.
For more than 10 years under
nationally acclaimed conductor, Yan
Bozheng, the choir has been devoted
to producing high-quality
performances—perfectly blending
the unique style of Chinese folk
music with the art of choral performance. This combination of folk music with professional techniques has
become the distinguishing hallmark of this institution. In recent years, the chorus’ concert repertoire has
become more expansive to include ethnic folk music from a variety of regions. Many of the selections are
classic songs or works selected from the UNESCO directory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Over the years, the Chorus has participated in a series of major events, while also performing on large and
small stages for audiences in remote mountainous areas, at industrial and mining enterprises, in welfare
centers, and in schools. The choir has gained wide attention and acclaim from their performances in these
varied communities.
Between 2002 and 2014, the Beijing Baotashan Chorus traveled to Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan for
exchange performances. These opportunities to perform abroad proved to be a great success in heightening
awareness of Chinese culture and in making an important contribution to the deepening of understanding
and friendship between the Chinese and the peoples of other nations.
Chinese folk music has long been a treasure of traditional Chinese culture. China is home to 56 distinct
ethnic minorities, each of which has its own unique folk music tradition. The Han Chinese, the ethnic
majority of China, are spread throughout China's 31 provinces and autonomous administrative regions.
Each of these provinces also has its own unique folk music. As a result, the same lyrics can be found set to
dozens of unique melodies. For example, researchers have already collected 48 versions of the traditional
Chinese song, Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower) and the collection is not yet complete. The choir's repertoire
springs from this vast treasure trove of Chinese music. Through its performances, the Beijing Baotashan
Choir is dedicated to passing on these traditional folk songs to future generations.
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● Yan Bozheng
A nationally-renowned conductor in China, Yan
Bozheng is a member of the Chinese Musician’s
Association and a board member of the China
Choral Association, the China Federation for
Choral Directors, and the Chinese Ethnic
Minority Vocal Music Institute. He is the current
head of the Chorus of the National Orchestra
and a visiting professor at the China Music
Conservatory.
In 1980, he graduated from the Central
Conservatory of Music in the vocal music
department. In 1993, he was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Conducting to study choral
conducting and while there, received personal instruction from the chair of an international choral
association. He began his master’s degree in ethnomusicology in 1996 at the China Arts Research Institute.
He has conducted many famous art groups, including the Central Philharmonic Chorus and the China
Opera and Dance Theatre Chorus, among many others. He has been a cultural ambassador to the United
States, France, Israel, Africa, and other countries and regions where he has participated in exchange
activities such as lectures and performances. Under his direction, the Beijing Baotashan Chorus received a
warm response during their visits to Malaysia in 2005 and Japan in 2014.
Under the influence and encouragement of ethnic musicians from the older generation, such as Li Huanzhi,
Conductor Yan has been committed to promoting China’s national vocal and choral ethnic heritage. He
gains inspiration from the people of various regions, capturing the feeling of their day-to-day experiences.
He is skilled in bringing art together with logical thought via practical application. Outside of performances,
he has also produced a large body of creative work and done extensive arranging of music.
Cantorum Chamber Choir
Cantorum is a small, professional-level choral ensemble that regularly performs and records sacred chamber
music. By drawing on Utah’s finest chamber singers, Cantorum provides audiences with engaging
performances that enlighten and educate, in addition to providing singers with a professional, intense and
demanding choral experience, while maintaining a relatively low demand in
terms of rehearsal time. Singers are auditioned for each season from the surrounding area, all coming from
rich choral backgrounds, having sung with professional-grade ensembles in and out of the state, including
The Salt Lake Vocal Artists, Utah Chamber Artists, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The BYU Singers and
Ars Nova. Singers are expected to achieve professional levels of musicianship and singing in every aspect of
rehearsal and performance. Cantorum was founded in January, 2011 by Dr. Allen Buskirk to introduce early
music to students and audiences alike. Since then, the ensemble has developed from a hobby choir to an
elite ensemble that is sought-after throughout the state for its flexible and captivating performances. For
more information: www.cantorum.info; www.facebook.com/cantoruminfo
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● Steve Durtschi, artistic director
Steve Durtschi comes to Cantorum with a rich background in choral arts, having worked as the choral
director and AP Music Theory teacher at Timpanogos High School since 2010, in addition to a number of
years as a junior high school choral teacher previous to completing his choral conducting Master’s degree at
Brigham Young University. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Steve also currently serves as the
Assistant Conductor of Wasatch Chorale and is an active organist in the Utah Valley community. While at
BYU, he studied with Dr. Ron Staheli and Rosalind Hall, and sang in the BYU Singers, BYU Concert Choir
(Assistant Conductor) and BYU Men’s Chorus (Assistant Conductor). Previous to his Master’s program,
Steve attended Utah State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and sang in
the USU Chamber Singers and USU Chorale. Under his direction, Steve’s choirs at Timpanogos High
School have consistently achieved the highest ratings
at region and state festivals; most recently, the THS
Chamber Singers won the 2014 KBYU radio
broadcast and recording contest. Steve is also a former
member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The
Bells on Temple Square.
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BYU Jazz Voices
Known for its tight harmonies, rhythmic accuracy,
and outstanding improvisational abilities, Jazz Voices
keeps vocal jazz enthusiasts singin' and swingin'. The
acclaimed choir consists of 12 singers and a rhythm
section and performs all styles of jazz, blues, bebop,
swing funk, pop, and Latin.
Some music is sung a cappella, and other
arrangements utilize the group's piano, guitar, bass,
and drum accompaniment. With all this versatility,
one thing remains constant: The BYU Jazz Voices
always seeks to inspire the world. For more
information: byuvocaljazz@gmail.com,
Emily Merrell
Having completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance
from the world-renown University of North Texas, Emily is a
well-rounded and confident vocalist, composer, arranger, and
educator. In the spring of 2013, Emily received a prestigious
international Downbeat award in the Original Composition
category for her piece, "Ondine's Dance." Emily was also
selected as a winner of the International Jazz Education
Network Composition Showcase in 2012, and, in 2010, of a
Downbeat Student Music Award for her jazz ensemble
arrangement of the Lionel Bart original “Where Is
Love?” Emily released Embark, a full length album of all
original music, in October, 2012.
Emily is honored to have been a featured soloist in the
award-winning UNT Jazz Singers I for three years—
performing live under the direction of vocal jazz legend, Paris
Rutherford. Emily's Latin Vocal Sextet, Payawarú, was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance
recognition in the 2013 Downbeat Awards, and won first place in the American Sabor Youth Contest
(Latino Battle of the Bands) in 2012. Emily was honored to have directed UNT Jazz Singers ensembles II
and IV. Emily is thrilled to have joined the BYU Jazz faculty this fall as the new director of BYU Jazz
Voices.
Emily is the owner, manager, and instructor at Emily Merrell Vocal Studio which serves over 50 students of
all ages and skill levels, and hosts at least eight outstanding concerts and a studio recording project, annually.
Emily is also a member of the Utah Valley University faculty in the Commercial Music department. Emily
performs locally as a solo vocalist/pianist, with her modern jazz-oriented band the Emily Merrell Group,
and as the lead vocalist, booking agent and band manager for The Diamond Empire Band. Additionally,
Emily is thrilled to be serving as Jazz Repertoire and Standards Chair and 2015 Fall Conference Manager for
the Utah chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and as a judge for the Utah State
Distinguished Young Women Program. Emily is known for her inextinguishable work ethic, excellent time
management skills, candid professionalism and integral desire to serve and build up those around her.
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Mountain Jubilee Chorus
The Mountain Jubilee Chorus is a women's barbershop chorus that brings together a diverse group of
women from the Salt Lake City, Utah area. Singing in four-part acapella harmony, the chorus adds a rich
“wall of sound” to a variety of musical styles, from the classic barbershop repertoire, to jazz, Broadway, and
pop genres. For its own membership, the chorus is a medium for sharing harmony, joy, love, and unity.
Mountain Jubilee Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a nonprofit organization, committed
to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition and
performance. Sweet Adelines is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women. In addition to
local performances, Mountain Jubilee’s 70+ members compete with and support some 500 chapters
throughout the Sweet Adeline world. For more information: www.mountainjubileechorus.org
Tori Postma
Mountain Jubilee Chorus is thrilled to be directed by Master Director
Tori Postma. Tori is a dynamic, multi-faceted and energetic woman. Tori
brings many talents to the job of Director, but her main goal is to bring
'joy through singing' to all women. "I want everyone I coach or teach to
have increased self-esteem because they have some new tools in their
musical performance repertoire." • Education: B. S. English Education,
Utah State University, Minor in Music
• Musical Experience: Director 35 years, International Quartet Medalist,
Piano Study 12 years, Voice
• Current Sweet Adeline International Experience: Certified International
Faculty, Certified Showmanship Judge, Master Director, Board of
Directors
• Previous Sweet Adeline International Experience: Judge Specialist,
Showcase Committee, Novice Directors School Faculty, International
Quartet Medalist, International Board Member.
Tori lives with her husband Stan in South Jordan, Utah. For more
information: http://www.mountainjubileechorus.org/director
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Beth Bruce
Mountain Jubilee Chorus is also thrilled to be directed by
Master Director Beth Bruce! Beth joined Sweet Adelines in
1971 and has been busy ever since! She is a multi-talented lady
who graciously shares her talents and expertise with many
people. She is also a private vocal teacher and coach. She
directed the award-winning Idaho Falls Chorus for more than
ten years. Beth has sung lead and tenor in several awardwinning barbershop quartets over the years and is an
outstanding soloist.
Beth Bruce's teaching experience includes a rewarding career as
an Elementary Music Specialist K-6. Recently retired, she
shared her love of music and harmony with all of her students.
Beth received the MENC/SAI Music Educator Award in 1998
for her musical contributions and devoted service.
Besides teaching private vocal lessons in her own studio and
directing Mountain Jubilee Chorus, Beth directs the
Barbershop Harmony Society Beehive Statesmen Chorus of
Salt Lake City, and the Cathedral Choir at the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City. She is also the vocal
coach for the Salt Lake City Men's Choir and the Salt Lake City Mass Gospel Choir. For more information:
http://www.mountainjubileechorus.org/director
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Performers & Conductors
Evening Concert
Salem Junior High Women’s Chorus
Salem Junior High is
now in its 4th year in
operation. Women's
Chorus was founded
when the school
opened in 2012, and
is comprised of
advanced female
singers, grades 7th9th. Students who
audition and are accepted into this group are some of the most elite singers in the school. They learn music
quickly and perform often. Women's Chorus members serve as fine ambassadors for the Salem Junior High
choral program. They have a deep passion for music, which is very evident in the expression they show
while singing. Since the school's opening, Salem J.H. Women's Chorus has earned superior ratings at every
festival they have attended, including the Nebo District Choral Assessment and the annual BYU Women's
Choir Fest. In 2014, they were invited to open the BYU Women's Chorus spring concert as guest
performers. Salem J.H. Women's Chorus is excited for this unique opportunity to showcase at ACDA Utah
2015. For more information: http://www.salemjhchoir.org/
http://www.salemjhchoir.org/womenschorus.html
● Rachel Brooksby
Rachel Brooksby grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and was highly
active in choir, dance, and theater during her youth. She studied
Choral Music Education at Brigham Young University where she
sang with the BYU Concert Choir for 4 years and BYU Singers for
1 year. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree in 2008,
then worked as Choir Director at Mt. Nebo Junior High School in
Payson, Utah for 4 years, growing the choir program from 80
students to 250 students. Rachel started teaching choir at Salem
Junior High School in 2012, and is currently teaching at this
location. She is director to 320 students in 6 choirs, director of an
after-school 4-H show choir club, music director for her school
musical, and assistant coach for Salem Junior High's Track & Field
team. In addition to her school involvements, Rachel also sings in
the Utah chapter of Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, and serves as
Soprano II section leader in this organization. Rachel is also a Choir
Director for her church, and has organized and conducted musical
programs for local and regional meetings. Rachel was married 3
years ago and currently lives in Springville, Utah with her husband, Mike.
For more information: http://www.salemjhchoir.org/mrs-brooksby.html
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Voice Male
Voice Male has been delighting audiences for 20 years and is the Mountain West's longest-running a
cappella ensemble. The group's six-man line-up is known for its rich vocal harmonies, family-friendly
comedy, and down-to-earth delivery of the "best show in town." Voice Male has recorded 11 studio albums
and is a past recipient of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America's award for Holiday Album of
the Year and the LDS Booksellers Association's awards for Album of the Year and Listener's Choice Award.
The group has performed across the United States, from California to Florida, and for nearly two decades
its annual Christmas concerts have been a family tradition for thousands of fans along Utah's Wasatch
Front. For more information: http://www.voicemalemusic.com, https://www.facebook.com/voice.male
● John Luthy
John provides the group's vocal percussion and sometimes sings bass. He is the bringer of normalcy when it
comes to keeping the rest of the unbridled on-stage group in check. As the founding member of Voice
Male, he has often taken on similar leadership roles. John graduated from the Law School at BYU and is
working for Peck Hadfield Baxter & Moore Attorneys. John, his wife, and their two children live in Logan,
Utah. John cannot claim to have had any background in percussing with his mouth. That's not something
you learn. It's a gift. His wife echoes that point as he percusses sweet nothings in her ear.
Utah Valley University Chamber Choir
The premier choral ensemble at Utah Valley
University, the Chamber Choir is composed of
thirty-two undergraduates who share a passion
for collective vocal artistry. Conducted by Dr.
Reed Criddle, this ensemble specializes in a
cappella repertoire of all eras and has produced
four CDs: The Sound of Light (2011), The
Food of Love (2012), Words (2013), and
Beyond the Din (2014). The Chamber Choir
has recently toured Spain and China, as well as
the East and West Coasts of the United
States. The choir has performed in recent years
at the national conference of the National
Collegiate Choral Organization in Charleston,
South Carolina, and at the western division conference of the American Choral Directors Association in
Santa Barbara, California. For more information: http://www.uvu.edu/music/ensembles/#chamberchoir
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● Reed Criddle
Dr. Reed Criddle is Director of Choral Activities at Utah Valley University, where he coordinates a choral
program of six choirs and conducts the Chamber Choir, Men’s Choir, and community-based Wasatch
Chorale. Recipient of the 2013 UVU School of the Arts Faculty Senate Teaching Excellence Award, Dr.
Criddle also teaches advanced choral conducting, lyric diction, private voice, and private conducting. UVU
choirs under his direction have performed at the National Conference of
the National Collegiate Choral Organization and at the Western Division
Conference of the American Choral Directors Association.
Dr. Criddle is President of the American Choral Directors AssociationUtah and Utah board member for the National Collegiate Choral
Organization. His compositions and arrangements are available
through Earthsongs and Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and his pioneering
2006 translation of the third-century Chinese musical treatise by
philosopher Ruan Ji is published by Asian Music (University of Texas
Press).
Recent invitations include professor-in-residence/guest conductor at
Fudan University (2014), guest conductor of the Utah Junior High Honors
Choral Festival (2014), keynote speaker for the Shanghai Music
Conductors Association Conference (2014, 2013), professor-inresidence/guest conductor at Beijing Chemical Technology University
(summer 2013), guest conductor of Utah Lyric Opera (2012), and conductor-in-residence of Sine Nomine
(summer 2012), Cuba's professional, male ensemble. 2015-2016 invitations include ACDA-Wisconsin AllState Men’s Choir conductor, Weber District Junior High Festival Choir, and the Cypress Creek Foundation
for the Arts Invitational High School Choral Festival conductor in Spring, Texas.
He completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting at the University of Michigan and his Masters of
Music in Choral Conducting at the Eastman School of
Music. At Stanford University, he received his Masters of
Arts in East Asian Studies and Bachelors of Arts in Vocal
Performance and Chinese. Previous teaching posts include
the University of Michigan, Eastman Community Music
School, and the Young Musicians Program at the
University of California, Berkeley.
Weber State University Chamber Choir
The WSU Chamber Choir is a highly select ensemble of
approximately 28 mixed voices. They are known for their
careful attention to the details of fine choral music making
while always keeping the expression of the music foremost in their presentations. One of the hallmarks of
their approach to the choral art is their ability to tailor their choral tone and color to fit the style of the
music at hand. In any given performance they will make use of a wide variety of singing styles and choral
approaches. Their philosophy is that there is no one ideal sound but that each work has its own
requirements and that art is best made by letting each work speak in its own unique voice. In this way they
try to fill their primary role as a living museum of the great choral music of the last 500 years.
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● Mark Henderson
Dr. Mark Henderson is the Director of Choral Activities at Weber
State University where he conducts both the Concert and Chamber
Choirs. His method of teaching is a kaleidoscope of approaches
based on the belief that students need to take with them not only
useful skills and information, but also the curiosity, critical thinking,
and questing spirit necessary to lead a life of growth, enjoyment, and
service. He tries, for this reason, never to let his teaching get in the
way of his students’ education.
His eclectic tendencies show up in his approach to music making as
well. He is known for varied programs that draw on music from all
around the world and from all the major periods of music. In spite
of all these tendencies, people have granted him advanced degreesa Doctorate from the University of Illinois, and Master’s and
Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah. Dr. Henderson is a
published composer whose works have been featured at National
Conferences of the American Choral Directors Association
(ACDA) and Music Educators National Conference (MENC).
The Utah State University Chamber Singers
The Utah State University Chamber Singers consists of
versatile and dedicated undergraduate student musicians.
The ensemble has garnered an international reputation of
artistic integrity, exciting programming, and musical
precision, performing to critical acclaim throughout the
United States, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Austria, Italy and,
most recently, for the Beijing International Choral Festival
in Beijing, China. Performances by the USU Chamber
Singers have been featured on American Public Media’s
“Performance Today” and at national conferences of ACDA,
UMEA and NCCO. The ensemble was a featured choir in
the July 2015 La Via dei Concerti Music Festival in Milan,
Italy.
Recordings by the USU Chamber Singers have received
critical acclaim. The group’s first compact disc recording,
Sing Me To Heaven (a collection of new choral works by
American composer Daniel E. Gawthrop) was dubbed “a
quietly impressive recording” by the Washington Post. In
2010, the group released Show Me Thy Ways, a second album
of choral music by Daniel E. Gawthrop, which was eligible
for a 2010 Grammy nomination in three categories: Best
Classical Album, Best Choral Performance, Best
Engineered Album. The choir has most recently released
Devotion, a recording of contemporary sacred choral music.
For more information: usu.edu/music
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● Cory Evans
Dr. Cory Evans is Director of Choral Activities at Utah State University.
He holds degrees from Utah State University, the University of Florida,
and Arizona State University. He serves as Associate Director of the
American Festival Chorus and as Artistic Director of Choral
Rendezvous, a national summer choral festival in Challis, Idaho. Under
his direction, the Utah State University Chamber Singers have been
featured on American Public Media’s “Performance Today” and were
eligible for a Grammy Award nomination in 3 categories for their 2010
album Show Me Thy Ways: Choral Music of Daniel E. Gawthrop.
He conducted the USU Chamber Singers at the 2015 American Choral
Director’s Association National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Cory regularly conducts internationally and is highly acclaimed as a guest
conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. As a tenor soloist, Cory performs
throughout the world, and has been a featured soloist with several prominent orchestras and choral
ensembles including the American Festival Chorus and the Grammy Award-winning American vocal
ensemble, Conspirare.
Westminster Chamber Singers
The Westminster Chamber Singers was formed in 1996 by Dr. Christopher Quinn, the Director of Music at
Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Beginning with just fourteen singers, including several students
pursuing a music minor degree, the choir has grown to average forty singers that include students majoring
in music, business, nursing, and a variety of disciplines.
Within a short period of time, the choir received critical acclaim for their performances both nationally and
internationally. Known for expressive performances the Chamber Singer’s concerts are so warmly received
that audiences worldwide continually ask the choir to return for repeat performances.
Recent performance tours have taken the singers to Scotland and England in 2014, Ireland for the 2010
Cork International Festival, the Cultural Olympics preceding the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, and a
European tour of cathedrals from Paris to Madrid in 2006. Next year the choir will perform for two weeks
at beautiful venues in Paris and throughout Provence.
In addition to international concert tours, the choir has
performed throughout the United States. In 2002, the
choir performed under the direction of worldrenowned composer John Rutter at Carnegie Hall on
Easter Sunday. In 2000, the Chamber Singers
performed as part of their national tour, representing
the state of Utah at the Nation’s Capital Bicentennial
Celebration and National Festival of the States in
Washington, D.C. This tour culminated with the
recording of their first CD. For more information:
www.westminstercollege.edu/music
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● Christopher Quinn
Dr. Quinn came to Westminster College in 1994 after completing a DMA in piano performance from the
University of Colorado at Boulder where he received two awards in teaching. During his first year at
Westminster, Dr. Quinn created several performing ensembles and new music classes. Student interest grew
rapidly and a new music minor degree program was created that included private lessons, performing
ensembles, and academic music courses.
In 2003, Dr. Quinn was awarded the distinguished Gore Excellence in
Teaching Award and the Naomi Weyher Renewal Leave which
provided an opportunity to pursue post-doctorate work in conducting
and to record a solo piano CD, A Tribute: The Piano Stylings of Ken
Manzer. In 2005, Dr. Quinn’s arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer was
published and has received international critical acclaim. During the
fall of 2014, Dr. Quinn was awarded a second leave of absence to
study composition with Drs. Steve Roens and David Zabriskie. He
has composed several choral works that are soon to be published.
In addition to his responsibilities at Westminster College, Dr. Quinn is
the Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City and
Worship Chair for the American Choral Director’s Association Utah
Chapter. Whenever possible, the Quinn family gets back to Boston to
be with extended family members and old friends, enjoy great seafood,
the ocean, and have frank discussions with people with very strange
accents. For more information: www.westminstercollege.edu/music
SLCC Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers is the premier choral ensemble at Salt Lake Community College. Comprised of
approximately forty auditioned students, members of the ensemble share a love of fine singing and are
drawn from across college disciplines from automotive trades to music. In addition to their local concert
series, Chamber Singers is often invited to perform in some of the most prestigious concert halls and
festivals both nationally and abroad. Because of their creative and compelling performance style, SLCC
Choirs are met with critical acclaim and ever-increasing popularity.
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● Lyle Jay Archibald
Dr. Lyle Archibald is Director of Choral Activities at Salt Lake
Community College where he conducts three select ensembles. In
addition, he is the new director of Ars Nova, a Utah Valley community
choir. His conducting highlights include performances at St. Peter’s
Cathedral in the Vatican and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Additional tours have taken him to China, Israel, Japan, Hungary,
Hawaii, Austria, Canada, and the Czech Republic.
Educationally, Archibald completed his Doctorate of Music Arts in
conducting at Arizona State University, a Masters of Music in choral
conducting from Brigham Young University, and a Bachelors of Arts in
composition at Utah State University. For more information:
lyle.archibald@slcc.edu
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Performers & Conductors
Interfaith Concert
Canyon Road Chorale
The Canyon Road Chorale is an outgrowth of the Ensign 7th Young Single Adult Ward Choir formed in
2009. Singing now is often like a reunion for the group, with a chance to sing with friends and spouses. The
small group is comprised of excellent choral and instrumental musicians, who express their faith through
music. Most recently, they sang for the Ensign Stake Conference held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
● Rosemary Olsen
Rosemary Olsen was awarded a Masters Degree in Piano Pedagogy/Performance from Leslie University in
Cambridge, MA, principally completing her course work at the New England Conservatory in Boston and
the Westminster Choir College in Princeton. She currently serves as the state president for the Utah Music
Teachers Association. Choral singing has always
been a part of her musical life; she toured with
the BYU A Cappella Choir under Ralph
Woodward, and did graduate choral studies under
Dr. Gordon Lamb. She has sung with the
Oregon Repertory Singers, the Texas Bach Choir,
and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Singing with
them for the national ACDA Conference in
Disney Hall (2011) is a favorite memory. In
August, 2015, she participated in the PAM retreat
for choral conductors at Zephyr Point, Lake
Tahoe. She has conducted church choirs in
Portland, Boston and Salt Lake. A conducting
highlight was when the Weston Ward Choir was
invited to sing the Vespers service at Trinity
Cathedral in Copley Square, Boston.
Canyon Road Ward Choir
The Canyon Road Ward Choir consists of members of our LDS ward congregation who desire to sing—be
they singers or not—and will commit to meeting our rehearsal and performance schedule. Membership
changes as ward membership comes and goes. However, we believe that by singing our combined
testimonies through sacred music, we do good. But, we also believe that by applying quality choral
techniques, we also do well.
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● LaVonne VanOrden
LaVonne VanOrden has been conducting the Canyon Road Ward Choir for most of the years of the last
decade. This follows a long career conducting LDS Church ward choirs in several parts of the USA, and
larger church choirs including several performances in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. She has developed a
special skill in working with a mix of whoever comes--singers and
non-singers alike. Notable was her directorship of student choirs at
the BYU Jerusalem Center in Israel. She earned her bachelors and
masters degrees in music (piano, music theory, musicology) at BYU
where she also was accompanist and choral assistant of Crawford
Gates; and completed post graduate choral studies at the University
of Utah with Newell Weight. She has sung in the BYU A Capella
Choir and the University Chorale at the U, both under Newell
Weight, and was a member of the Tabernacle Choir. She is the
author of Blessed by the Hymns, and former editor and publisher
of Staff Notes, a newsletter for LDS Church musicians with an
international subscription list.
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The Chancel Choir at First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City
The Chancel Choir at First Unitarian Church is the principal adult choir for its Salt Lake City congregation.
Music Ministry has played an important role in the church since its founding in the Salt Lake Valley in 1890.
A standing choir has
always been a presence,
and currently our
membership hovers
around 60 singers--we have
more than quadrupled in
the past decade and a half.
Singing
for Sunday Services about
twice a month, as well as
tending to a broad and
diverse liturgical calendar,
the Chancel Choir draws
from a vast resource in
order to share its liberal
world view musically to all inclined to listen. From the sacred to the secular, standard repertoire to
commissioned pieces, the choir strives to augment the Church's message of the infinite possibilities of love,
global care, social justice, and liberal understanding, all the while working to improve and sustain our own
musical journey.
Under the leadership of David Owens for fifteen plus years, and supported by the assistance of Holly Stuart,
as well as attended to in the last six or so years by Artist in Residence, David A. Zabriskie, the
accomplishment of this goal continues to provide a wonderful and fulfilling musical component to the life at
First Unitarian Church. For more information: http://www.slcuu.org/programs/music/item/16-chancelchoir
● David Owens
David began piano study after moving with his
family to Salt Lake from southwestern New
Mexico. After having pursued another career, he
earned a degree from the University of Utah in
piano performance. Besides conducting choirs and
musical programs at First Unitarian Church of Salt
Lake City, David maintains a full teaching roster.
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The Cathedral Choir of First Baptist Church
Our choir is a wonderful blend of personalities, ages and singing experience. We enjoy rehearsing weekly
after Sunday worship service. We skillfully sing anthems from a wide variety of choral genres. Our goal is
to enhance the worship experience and support our pastor and worship leaders meaningfully and
joyfully. We are blessed to be accompanied by the incomparable Aaron Flood. For more information:
http://www.firstbaptist-slc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistSLC
● Beth Bruce
See bio above under Mountain Jubilee Chorus
Christ United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir, directed by Austin Thorpe,
is a warm family, whose goal is to reflect God's
nature. The choir participates in worship at
9:00am and 10:30am from September through
May. All voice types are welcome, and we
especially encourage the hesitant singer to
participate. The choir performs a variety of
literature to enhance the worship service.
Musical skills will develop whether you are a
beginner or advanced musician. The Chancel
Choir is an excellent way to meet people and
become more involved in one of the many
ministries at Christ Church. Rehearsals are held
in the Choir Room on Wednesday evenings
from 7:00pm until 8:30pm. Childcare is provided upon request. Contact the church office with at least 24
hours’ notice. For more information: http://www.christumcutah.net/music
● Austin Thorpe
Austin Thorpe started his teaching career at Herriman High School
in the fall of 2011. The HHS Chamber Singers performed at the
UMEA mid-winter conference in February 2015, and have received
straight superior scores at their region and state festivals the last
three years. In addition, he has conducted the Christ United
Methodist Church Chancel Choir since the fall of 2010, and was an
adjunct faculty member at Westminster College conducting the
Westminster Chorale from 2011-2015. He earned his Bachelor of
Music and Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from the
University of Utah. He has studied conducting with Brady Allred,
Barlow Bradford (Both grand prize winners of the European Grand
Prix Choral Competition), and James Jordan; receiving further
instruction from Dale Warland, Volker Hempling, and Jonathan
Velasco.
22 | P a g e
The First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir provides musical leadership at the 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service on Sundays
from September to May. In addition to anthems each week, the choir performs service music and special
music as needed in addition to leading congregational singing. Special services that feature the choir include
Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan, Christmas Eve and
Easter Sunday. The choir also presents an
annual Christmas Concert, a Spring
Concert, and participates in ecumenical
events with other church choirs in Salt
Lake throughout the year. Special guest
musicians, including members of the Utah
Symphony, are engaged at times to
enhance the work of the Chancel Choir
and to provide special musical offerings.
Under the leadership of Choir
Director, Dr. Chris Quinn, the choir
performs a wide variety of quality music,
old and new, spanning several centuries of
the rich tradition of sacred choral music
and adding another dimension of worship and praise to the 11:00 am service.
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 PM and at 9:45 AM, before the 11:00 AM
Sunday Worship service on most weeks, with special rehearsals scheduled for special events All people with
the desire and ability to sing in a choral ensemble and who can make a reasonable commitment to rehearsals
and services are welcome to join the Chancel Choir. For more information:
http://www.fpcslc.org/content/view/64/220/ https://www.facebook.com/chancelchoir
● Christopher Quinn
See bio above under Westminster Chamber Singers
Lux Singers
Lux Singers is an elite religious choral
ensemble. Lux comes from the Latin word
for light. As a choir we seek to share the light that
choral music can bring to the lives of all those
who hear it. Our mission is to sing the great
works from masters of all religious
denominations and sects; to sing for the
congregates of all religious faiths, in their places
of worship. Lux Singers is interdenominational
and not tied to any specific religion or
congregation. We seeks to share the music of all religions and denominations; to share the light from each
religion’s musical tradition with the world. For more information: www.luxsingers.com
23 | P a g e
● Leland Spindler
Lux Singers’ founder, Leland Spindler, has worked with religious ensembles
for the past 13 years. At the age of seventeen, he began conducting his own
congregation’s choir. Whilst living in southern France, Mr. Spindler began
an interfaith choir that toured many of the great religious spaces in the
region. Upon his return to the United States, he continued his tradition of
bringing fine religious choral music to the populous of congregates from
various denominations, incorporating that famous French “charm” he
picked up whilst living in France. In Utah, Mr. Spindler formed a
community Easter Choir which performed in the Provo Tabernacle,
Madsen Recital Hall, and De Jong Concert Hall. This Easter Choir
ultimately evolved into what is now the Lux Singers. Mr. Spindler has a
great passion for the religious tradition of choral music and its role
throughout history. He is a spitfire conductor who does not accept
mediocrity from his choir members, and it shows in his performances. For
more information: http://www.luxsingers.com/about-us-4/conductor
● Reed Criddle, guest conductor
See bio above under Utah Valley University Chamber Choir
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Interest Sessions
The Art of Musical Interpretation: Discovering the Essence and Power of
Choral Music
The Salt Lake Vocal Artists and Dr. Brady Allred will lead a workshop / demonstration on interpreting
newly-commissioned works as well as some choral standards through score preparation, understanding of
expressive techniques, and application in a rehearsal setting.
● Brady R. Allred
Artistic Director and Conductor of the Salt Lake Choral Artists in Salt Lake
City, Utah, Dr. Brady R. Allred has developed “an international reputation
for excellence.” Under his direction the Salt Lake Choral Artists, a nonprofit arts organization of seven choirs and over 300 singers, has achieved
critical acclaim for their innovative concerts, Summer Choral Institute
program, international tours, iTunes and YouTube channels. Dr. Allred was
honored by The Salt Lake Tribune and named as one of Utah’s Top 25
Cultural Power Brokers.
Known around the world for “exquisite choral singing,” Dr. Allred’s
ensembles have been invited to participate in major festivals and
competitions around the world. They won the Grand Prize at the Florilège
Vocal de Tours (France), the European Grand Prix, and First Prizes at the
Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition, the Tolosa
(Spain) International Choir Competition , and the Concorso Polifonico Internazionale in Arezzo, Italy. He
was also awarded the Conductor’s Prize in Marktoberdorf, Germany. The Salt Lake Vocal Artists
represented the USA at the World Choral Symposium in Argentina and have recently toured to Bulgaria,
Turkey, and Japan. They have also been invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association
2015 National Conference and the 2015 Festival Chor Biennale in Aachen, Germany.
Prior to his full-time appointment as Artistic Director of SLCA, Dr. Allred was Professor of Music and
Director of Choral Studies at the University of Utah. He was also the Music Director and Conductor for
the Butler Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania, Director of Choral Activities at Duquesne University in
Pittsburgh, and Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh. He has been a guest
conductor for the Schumann Chamber Orchestra in Italy, the Wroclaw Philharmonic in Poland, the
Symphonic Orchestra of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Vox
Gaudiosa of Tokyo, the New Israeli Vocal Ensemble, Oslo Voices in Norway, and the Taipei Youth Choir
in Taiwan. He has performed with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers and the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus
under Helmuth Rilling. He has served on international juries for competitions in Austria, Belgium, France,
Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand and has
conducted over one hundred regional and All-State Choirs.
Dr. Allred earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting degrees from the Eastman
School of Music, and his undergraduate degree in Theory/Composition and Flute Performance from
Brigham Young University. He and his wife, soprano Carol Ann Allred, have traveled and performed
extensively as Artistic Ambassadors for the United States Information Agency. For more information:
www.bradyallred.com
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● The Salt Lake Vocal Artists, Salt Lake City, Utah
Organized under the direction of Dr. Brady Allred in 2010, the Salt Lake Vocal Artists are the international
ambassadors and touring choir for the Salt Lake Choral Artists organization now supporting seven choirs of
singers from ages 8-80. In its premiere season, the SL Vocal Artists were invited to participate in the 42nd
Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain. After a successful concert tour of the Basque region of
Spain, the SLVA competed against renowned choirs from all over the world and won First Prize in all four
categories. In addition, they were honored with the special Audience Prize.
In 2011, the Salt Lake Vocal Artists were invited as one of only 25 choirs and the only American choir to
perform at the World Choral Symposium in Argentina following a two- week concert tour of the country.
They were also invited to Italy that same year to perform at the Concordia Vocis Music Festival in Cagliari,
Sardinia, Italy and to compete in the Concorso Polifonico Internazionale in Arezzo, Italy where they were
awarded five First Prizes.
The Salt Lake Vocal Artists are committed to
bringing to life new and diverse choral works
and have commissioned and premiered new
works by celebrated international composers
including: Josu Elberdin, Ola Gjeilo, Dan
Forrest, Ko Matsushita, Ivo Antognini, Eriks
Esenvalds, György Orbán, John Høybye, Nancy
Wertsch, Bernat Vivancos, Sergey Khvoshchinsky, Jake
Runestad, Larry Nickel, and David Bennett Thomas.
In its short history, the Salt Lake Vocal Artists
has already become a well-respected and highly
celebrated choral ensemble. They have
entertained and fascinated local and international audiences with their versatility, passion, artistry and sound.
Recent recordings feature the Christmas music of composer and pianist, Dan Forrest in “Never a Brighter
Star,” a recording project with composer Andrew Maxfield based on the poetry of Wendell Berry, a
collection of arrangements an compositions by Utah composer Kay Hicks Ward, their popular “Live in
Spain” CD, and the most recent “Circle of Life.” Due to their well-established presence on YouTube and
iTunes, they have also captivated online audiences world-wide with their high standard of performance
videos and recordings.
The choir performs regularly in concert with the ensembles of Salt Lake Choral Artists, as well as in their
own concerts. Recently they have honored the work of Morten Lauridsen in a weekend festival of his
music, revived Handel’s “Israel in Egypt” for the Salt Lake City audiences, traveled to Bulgaria and Turkey
in 2013 for their fourth international tour, and later that same year had a concert tour of Hawaii and Japan
as the featured international choir at Karuizawa International Choral Festival organized by Ko Matsushita.
In 2015 the Salt Lake Vocal Artists had their debut at the National ACDA Convention in a special concert
at the Assembly Hall and as the choir for the conducting masterclasses with Helmuth Rilling, Simon Halsey,
and John Nelson. In June 2015 they traveled to Aachen, Germany as the featured international choir for the
Chor Biennale where they performed solo concerts as well as two concerts with the Aachen Symphony
Orchestra. The tour also included concerts in Kerkrad, Weert, and Venlo in The Netherlands.
For more information: saltlakechoralartists.org
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Making a Difference: It’s All About the Journey
This session will examine what we can do as music educators to make a difference in our students’
lives. Preparing for each rehearsal, choosing repertoire, using vocal warm-ups, and rehearsal Do's
and Don'ts will be covered in this session.
● Bruce Rogers
(For bio and photo see “Headliners”)
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Strategies for Motivation and Inspiration: Providing conductors with a
structure for motivating and inspiring singers
● Jeffery Redding
(For bio and photo see “Headliners”)
Reading Session: ACDA-UT R&S Chair Selections
Experience a highly selective reading packet provided by ACDA Utah and JW Pepper! Featured in the
packet will be quality festival repertoire for mixed, men's, women's, middle school, jazz, worship,
multicultural, and children's ensembles.
● ACDA-UT R&S Chairs: Austin Thorpe, moderator
Feelin’ Groovy: The Utah Choral History You Haven’t Heard
Discover your Utah choral heritage in story and song. Expert panelists present and discuss rare and historic
choral recordings from a broad spectrum of Utah choirs. Treasures from the musical archives and historical
trivia combine to give listeners a sense of our choral "roots". Come be a part of history!
● Cherilyn Worthen, panel moderator
Sight Reading and Ear Training: Tools for a Lifetime Sport
Together we'll explore a variety of ways to help the medicine go down
without killing the patient. An exploration of how to use solfege, harmonic
rhythm, audiation, harmonization, and listening to promote music
literacy; finding madness in the method and the practical use of the score
as text.
● Alan Scott
Alan Scott is enjoying his 21st year of teaching at Murray High
School. He received undergrad and graduate degrees from the University
of Utah, and pursued his teaching certification through Weber State
University.
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Hot New Resources:
Come see, hear, and examine some of the latest publications and resources for choral conductors and
educators. Hear testimonials from trusted colleagues (not the publishers!) about helpful, new, or tried-andtrue resources to inspire your choral teaching this year. Information and resources will be applicable to
teachers of all skill levels and a wide variety of choral ensemble types. Take home a bibliography and start
building your library wish lists!
● Cecil Sullivan and Ryan North, panel moderators
Insuring Success: Adapting Literature for the Boys’ Changing Voice
Finding the right choral literature for the elusive changing voice of your young male singers is a tricky
task. There appears to be plentiful literature written for junior high and middle school boys in TB, TTB,
SAB voicings, but many are too high, or too low, or have a singable range but an impossible tessitura. That
leaves you, and the young male singers whose interest you are working to spark, frustrated. Insure the
success of your boys by giving them music they CAN SING. Learn how to adapt current literature to fit
your boys' specific needs, and learn how to create super simple and appealing arrangements of your own.
● Jean S. Applonie
Jean S. Applonie received her bachelor’s degree in choral music
education and master’s degree in choral music performance from
Brigham Young University. Upon completion of her degree, Ms.
Applonie was granted a one-year appointment to serve on the full-time
faculty for the BYU School of Music. She taught choral music for Davis
and Murray School Districts and has served on the music faculty at The
Waterford School. She also operated a private voice studio for ten years
in Salt Lake City. Currently a faculty member at BYU, Ms. Applonie
directs the prestigious BYU Women’s Chorus and has taught courses in
music education and conducting. She is well known as a presenter at
state conventions and is often invited to impart her extensive choral
knowledge at professional seminars and workshops. Ms. Applonie was
also co-founder, artistic director, and conductor of Viva Voce! Women’s
Choir in Salt Lake City from 1994-2008.
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Venues
● Gardner Hall
Gardner Hall on Presidents Circle on
the University of Utah campus houses
three performing venues: Libby
Gardner Concert Hall (second floor,
north end), Dumke Recital Hall (fourth
floor, south end), and Thompson
Chamber Music Hall (second floor,
south end). Kingsbury Hall is directly
east of Gardner Hall.
Free Parking
Available in the Rice-Eccles Stadium Parking lot.
Wheelchair Access
Use the east atrium entrance and turn left for elevator, Please request
wheelchair seating when ordering tickets.
Directions: From I-15: Exit 600 South. Head east
towards State Street. Turn left (north) onto 700 E. Turn
right (east) onto 400 S. Continue up the hill past 1300 E.
Turn left (north) into Rice-Eccles Stadium Parking lot.
http://kingsburyhall.utah.edu/venues/gardner-hall
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First Presbyterian Church
Organized on November 12, 1871, by Rev. Josiah Welch, the congregants of
First Presbyterian Church originally met in the second floor of a livery stable
before establishing a small church building on the corner of Second and
Second here in Salt Lake. By 1903 the church had grown and raised enough
funds to begin construction on the current church building located on South
Temple and C Street. Finished in 1905, the church was designed in Gothic
Revival style and built using red sandstone mined from Red Butte Canyon
located in the northeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley. The stained glass
windows, created by R. T. Giles and Co. of Minneapolis, MN in 1905,
depict different scenes of the life of Christ, including “Christ in the Manger”,
“Christ in Gethsemane”, and “The Empty Tomb.” The building underwent
a restoration in 2002, updating the interior design, updating utility systems,
and adding classrooms and office spaces. However, the windows, wooden
beams and features, and basic structures all remain original to the building.
Directions: From I-15: Head east towards State Street. Turn north (left) on State Street, continue north
towards South Temple. Turn east (right) on South Temple for three blocks. The church will be on the north
(left) side of the street, on the corner of South Temple and C Street. Parking is available on the surrounding
streets and on 400 E.
From 700 East: Head north on 700 E towards South Temple. Turn west (left) on South Temple and
continue for three blocks. The church will be on the north (right) side of the street, on the corner of South
Temple and C Street. Parking is available on the surrounding streets and on 400 E.
● Reverend
Michael Imperiale
First Presbyterian’s current pastor is Reverend Michael Imperiale, who has been leading the church for 14
years. Reverend Christine Myers-Tegeder has served as Associate Pastor since March 2014. Pastor Mike
Imperiale studied voice and choral conducting at Westminster Choir College (B.Mus. '74) and has
conducted choirs in schools, churches and community over the years. He presently serves as assistant
conductor for the Choral Arts Society of Utah. He also holds an M.Div. and D.Min. as he has served
Presbyterian congregations as pastor in NY, NJ and now 14 years in UT.
30 | P a g e
● Hub
Café
The Hub Cafe located at 508 East South Temple serves an
amazing menu of Greek Food with several family recipes that
are only served at The Hub Cafe and bring customers back
time and time again. The Hub Restaurant has both inside
dinning and out with a beautiful private patio and amazing
views of downtown. Located on the back side of 508 East
South Temple it’s a hidden gem and easiest to get to from the
driveway on the East side of the building. Plenty of parking is
available, as well as a special, after-hours menu of appetizers,
entrées, desserts, and drinks, for purchase by conference
members.
Michelle Johnson, Owner, The Hub Café
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President Elect Candidates
● Camille
Kingman
Ms. Kingman is beginning her fourteenth year of teaching
junior high choir, the last twelve of which have at Orem
Junior High School, a high-performing Title I school where
half the student population participates in a choir each year.
There she teaches seven choirs during the day, a student-run a
cappella ensemble in the morning, and holds a weekly training
choir of approximately fifty children who attend her feeder
elementary schools. She was named Teacher of the Year by her
administration in 2008, and Teacher of the Year by the PTSA
organization in 2009. In 2015, she was recipient of the
prestigious Alpine School District Accent on Excellence
Award. A native of Las Vegas, Ms. Kingman has bachelors and
masters degrees in music education from Brigham Young
University and Northern Arizona University, respectively; she
is currently writing her dissertation for completion of the DMA
degree in music education at Boston University.
In addition to department leadership and instructional coach
duties at her school site, Ms. Kingman facilitated the
professional learning community of junior high choral teachers in Alpine School District for several years.
She continues to present throughout the state, as well as at the 2014 national NAfME conference in
Nashville, TN, on the choral team’s collaborative effort to create an aligned music literacy curriculum. This
summer, the team broadened their vision to include a vocal technique curriculum for young choral students.
Ms. Kingman is the administrator of the website choirplc.com, which shares the ever-evolving process and
work product of her district colleagues. She acts in advisory capacity on the UMEA Choral Board as a junior
high representative. Ms. Kingman is an in-demand adjudicator and clinician at both junior high and high
school vocal and choral festivals at the district, region and state levels. In the upcoming 2015-2016 year, she
will conduct regional junior high school honor choirs in Wyoming and Utah. Ms. Kingman currently sings
in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Cantorum ensembles.
An active member of ACDA, Ms. Kingman has successfully prepared multiple students for participation in
ACDA honor ensembles at regional and national conventions. In the future, she would like to support more
Utah choral directors in taking advantage of the direct benefits that conventions provide not only to them,
but additionally to Utah choral students. Ms. Kingman is passionate about teaching young people to sing,
and mentoring young choral directors how to teach; it is her hope that many more junior high choral
educators and prospective choral directors at the collegiate level will enjoy and value participation in ACDA
membership. She believes that establishing the new tradition of a state ACDA conference is a wonderful
step in doing this.
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Award of Excellence
● Cathy
C. Jolley
Cathy C. Jolley received her bachelors degree in 1989
in Music from Brigham Young University. In 2013 Jolley was
recognized as one of the five most outstanding teachers of the
Arts in Utah. In recognition of her efforts, Jolley received a
Sorensen Legacy Award for Excellence in Art Education. She
has also been honored by her schools, the Utah office of
Education and Utah Music Educator’s Association.
Cathy is the choir teacher at Timberline Middle School in
Alpine, and at Timberline, it is cool to sing. She has 420
students, and her class sizes range from about 30 to 100. And
still, she has no problems with classroom management. She has
a quick and ready laugh, but in her class she is stern and strong,
seeking excellence from her students.
"She asked for 100 kids," said Timberline principal Terry Hill.
"She works easily with that size. The kids want to impress her,
and please her. ... And she never quits trying to better her
program. She truly is a master teacher, consistently looking for
ways to improve."
She has been teaching for 26 years. When her children were teenagers, she went back to school. After she
finished school, she started at American Fork Junior High School, teaching the last six weeks of that school
year.
"That was a huge baptism by fire," she said.
She continued at AFJHS, then after four years she moved to Mountain Ridge Junior High. In 2003 she
moved to Timberline.
"When she left Mountain Ridge for Timberline, I had a lot of people tell me how sad they were their kids
wouldn't have her," Hill said. He went on to say that there was a joke then too, that property values in
Highland went down $2,500 because she left.
In 2008 she was able to commission a composition for her choir by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Director
Mack Wilberg. He hadn't composed for a junior high before that time. Jolley said she was tickled when she
found out the Tabernacle Choir was learning Timberline's song, "Down to the River to Pray," but also a
little nervous.
"I just imagine the choir seeing it, because the music has 'composed for Timberline Middle School,' on it,"
she said.
Like a true teacher, Jolley says all of this fades in comparison to her daily work. "Junior high is when you can
grab them. I'd do this even if I didn't get paid. I get to do what I love to do every day," she said. "I want my
students to go away from the choir having experienced excellence, having the feeling of loving what they do.
If music has changed their lives, affected them for good, and I have taught them to love music, then I've
been a success." This extract by Karissa Neeely - courtesy of Heraldextra.com.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
● Jerold
D. Ottley
Dr. Jerold D. Ottley’s twenty-five years leading the Mormon Tabernacle Choir resulted in many
distinguished awards and recognitions for the ensemble. Included among these are an Emmy from the
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and two Freedom Foundation Awards for service to the country.
He conducted the Choir at two presidential inaugurations, Ronald Reagan’s in 1981 and George H. W.
Bush’s in 1989, as well as performances at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Gala. He presided over eleven
international tours to twenty-six countries and crisscrossed the United States for engagements in nearly
every region of the country. Despite the awards, commendations, and increased recognition of the Choir,
Ottley’s greatest contributions were largely internal to the organization. Jerold Ottley is a skilled music
educator, administrator, and emissary. Application of these proficiencies while at the helm of the Choir, led
to what are, arguably, his three largest contributions: 1) as educator, he instituted in-service training for choir
members, raising the level of their individual musicianship, thereby improving the technical level of the
entire Choir; 2) as administrator, Ottley created policies and procedures that resulted in a more disciplined,
refined ensemble; and 3) as emissary, he raised the ensemble’s reputation among the general public and with
music professionals. For the general public, he significantly broadened the Choir’s repertoire and traveled
frequently thereby reaching a wider audience. He secured greater respect among music professionals by
inviting many of them to work directly with the Choir. The results were unparalleled. Ottley’s twenty-five
year tenure with the Choir is reflected in broader audiences, increased professional acceptance, added
organizational discipline, and unprecedented musical proficiency. It is a notable legacy for a man who
reportedly never felt comfortable as director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Make Haste Slowly: Jerold
D. Ottley’s Tenure with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Lyle Jay Archibald. 2011 Edited.
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Restaurants near Gardner Hall
The Pie Pizzeria
Subway
Einstein Brothers Bagels
B&D Burgers
La Frontera (Mexican fast food)
Aristos (Greek sit down restaurant)
Indochine (Vietnamese sit down restaurant)
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