Making Text Matter, Attaining Calf Skin, & Secret Eric Whitacre Stories with Tony Silvestri | Ep 35

Doppelgangers, Starting ICCI, and Composing about Brassieres with Sherry Blevins | Ep 36

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning composer, lyricist, and educator Sherry Blevins for a conversation full of creativity, insight, and inspiration. As the Founder and Director of the International Choral Composers Institute, Sherry shares her journey into composition, her passion for collaborative music-making, and how her works—performed around the world—aim to bring hope, life, and light to singers and audiences alike. We talk about her experience supervising student teachers, the impact of mentorship in music education, and what led her to create the International Choral Composers Institute. Sherry also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her compositional process and reflects on some of her favorite (and least favorite!) pieces. Whether you’re a composer, conductor, or educator, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating meaningful music, supporting the next generation of musicians, and building a life centered around artistry and purpose. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com, or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlvZAjCwg9c Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/

Making Text Matter, Attaining Calf Skin, & Secret Eric Whitacre Stories with Tony Silvestri | Ep 35

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we are honored to welcome Tony Silvestri—poet, author, composer, and widely regarded as one of the most influential choral lyricists of our time. With over seventy published works in collaboration with more than one hundred composers, Tony’s texts have shaped some of the most beloved choral pieces in the repertoire, including collaborations with Eric Whitacre, Dan Forrest, Ola Gjeilo, and more. We explore Tony’s remarkable journey from a decades-long career in education to becoming a full-time writer and artist, as well as his creative process when crafting texts for choral music. He shares insights into what makes a powerful collaboration between composer and poet and the stories behind some of his most well-known works. From performances in Carnegie Hall and the Vatican to recordings heard around the world—and even beyond—Tony’s words continue to inspire singers and audiences alike. This episode is a deep dive into the artistry behind the music and the power of words to elevate the choral experience. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com, or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/ Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/

From Longitude and Latitude to Composing with Gratitude with Kyle Pederson | Ep 34

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning composer, lyricist, and educator Kyle Pederson for a conversation centered on creativity, purpose, and the power of choral music to inspire change. Based in Minneapolis, Kyle shares his journey from teaching middle school geography to becoming a widely performed composer whose works are sung by ensembles around the world. We talk about how his time in the classroom continues to shape the way he writes text for choirs, his recent recording project All is Miracle with the ensemble Transept, and his philosophy of co-creation—empowering singers and directors to take ownership of the music they perform. Kyle also offers insight into writing at the intersection of the sacred and secular, and how his music seeks to invite hope, grace, and compassion into rehearsal rooms and concert halls alike. Whether you’re a teacher, conductor, or composer, this episode is filled with thoughtful ideas and inspiration you can bring directly into your own work. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com, or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/ GIA/Walton Music: https://giamusic.com/walton-music Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/

Creating S-Cubed, Solfege Gymnastics, and Dinking in the Kitchen with Dale Duncan | Ep 33

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with legendary middle school choir director Dale Duncan, creator of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program and passionate advocate for young singers and the teachers who lead them. After a 30-year career teaching middle school in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Georgia, Dale shares the lessons he’s learned about building strong choir tone, developing musicianship, and why middle school may just be the most important level in music education. We dive into how S-Cubed was created, what makes an effective sight-singing curriculum, and practical strategies for shaping sound and concept with developing voices. Dale also reflects on his journey as a music education entrepreneur, the challenges and successes along the way, and his ongoing mission to support choir teachers everywhere. Whether you’re a veteran choir director or just starting out, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and actionable ideas you can take straight into your rehearsal room. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com, or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/

Boots and Cats, Too Much Choreo, and Knocking Over Sara Bareilles with Rob Dietz | Ep 32

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we welcome multi award-winning singer, arranger, composer, and vocal percussionist Rob Dietz to The Choir Guys Podcast. With over twenty years in contemporary a cappella, Rob has worked with some of the biggest names in vocal music, including Pentatonix, The Swingles, VoicePlay, and Kings Return. His work has appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off, Glee, America’s Got Talent, and more. We talk about Rob’s journey into a cappella, his time coaching/arranging on The Sing-Off, and the “pinch me” moments he’s experienced along the way. He shares practical advice for directors starting contemporary a cappella groups, essential technical adjustments when transitioning from classical to contemporary styles, and key things groups should focus on during competition season. We also dive into the creation of A Cappella Academy and how it continues to impact young singers around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned a cappella director or just getting started, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com, or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at thechoirguyspod@gmail.com. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/walton-music Haymes Insurance: haymesinsurance.com/