My deepest gratitude to the following institutions and organizations for welcoming me as a guest speaker in their virtual spaces over the past 8 months. I have loved engaging online with the educators and students in these places where choral music is alive and thriving:
California School of the Arts, San Gabriel Valley
California State University, Long Beach
Chapman University
The Choral Commons
Gonzaga University
The Handel and Haydn Society
InUnison Pod Cast
LHC Studios
Temple University
University of Chicago
University of Southern California
University of Utah
Virginia Commonwealth University
Composition
My choral works “No Fairy Tale Here,” “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” and “Can You See” continue to gain exposure across the country and even internationally. I’ve been so inspired from learning about and listening to music of other non-idiomatic Black composers over the last 2 months. There are so many musical ideas and sketches I want to develop that I almost don’t know where to start! Pray for me as I try to tackle new commissions for a short organ solo work and a new anthem for mixed choir and organ.
Teaching
On Friday, March 26, I’m presenting a virtual talk with Dr. Jace Saplan through the Western Division of ACDA on having transformative conversations in choral rehearsal spaces to help facilitate inclusion with the goal of producing more deeply meaningful and engaging performance experiences.
I’m also looking forward to participating in the Black Women Composers Summit presented by Dr. Lori Hicks of LCH Studios March 26-28.
For Fun
The 2021 ACDA National Conference March 18-20 celebrated the richness of our nation’s diverse choral communities. Even though it was a virtual conference without in-person activities, I was inspired and uplifted by the presentations and performances of colleagues, students, and friends. One of my favorite parts was participating in the Black Women Composers and Conductors network meet-up. There was so much beauty and musical magic all around me. It was humbling. Plus, it was really fun!
