With One Accord
By Houston Chamber Choir
Visit us at: houstonchamberchoir.org
With One AccordApr 24, 2020
Education Spotlight | Alysia Lee
On this episode of Education Spotlight the Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Alysia Lee, Founder and Artistic Director of Sister Cities Girlchoir, Education Program Supervisor of Fine Arts for the Maryland State Department of Education, Chorus America board member, and President of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund.
Behind The Music | Anthony Trecek-King
In this episode of With One Accord join our host St. John Flynn and special guest Dr. Anthony Trecek-King as we gain insight into our most recent concert "Ancestors' Dream". This podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at South Main Baptist Church on Friday March 10th, 2023.
Education Spotlight | Austin Hunt
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Austin Hunt, Houston-based Composer, Choir Director, and Singer. Austin directs multiple award-winning choirs throughout the Houston area, including the Springwoods Village Middle School Choir, HopePointe Cathedral Choir, and Luminari Boys Choir. Mr. Hunt also is an avid composer of choral music, with multiple works available through major publishers such as Carl Fischer Music, BriLee Publications, and Choristers Guild. In addition to choral activities, Mr. Hunt is also an accomplished tenor soloist, with highlights including Messiah with The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, “Nessun Dorma” with Kingwood Pops Orchestra, the role of Tamino in The Magic Flute with Sam Houston State University, and multiple seasons with the Houston Grand Opera Chorus. Austin holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University. He and his wife, Adaluz, love traveling and seeing the world together.
Behind the Music | Sarah Kirkland Snider
In this episode of With One Accord, we welcome young American composer, Sarah Kirkland Snider. Recently deemed “a rising star on the American compositional scene” (The Wall Street Journal), “one of the decade’s more gifted, up-and-coming modern classical composers” (Pitchfork), and “an important representative of 21st century trends in composition” (New York Classical Review), Snider discusses her spellbinding and impactful choral work, Mass for the Endangered.
Behind the Music | Sally Schott and Eddie Quaid
In episode seven of With One Accord, we welcome esteemed choral educators and Houston Chamber Choir educational consultants, Sally Schott and Eddie Quaid. Join our host, arts and culture expert St. John Flynn, for a brief discussion with the dynamic duo on choral education in Texas and the evolution of the Houston Chamber Choir's annual choral festival, Hear the Future.
Behind the Music | Treble Choir of Houston
In episode six of With One Accord we welcome two alumni of the Treble Choir of Houston. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, and hear about their experience with the choir and singing at the Villa de Matel!
Education Spotlight | Merri Ann Smith
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Merri Ann Smith, Owner and Director of Heaven Sent Choirs. Heaven Sent Choirs consists of a collection of some of the finest young voices around Houston, with a love for music and ministry. The students are regularly exposed to general music education and essentials, such as sight-singing, solfege, and ear training, a winter and spring concert, and ministry opportunities. The students will be challenged to excel while enjoying the fruits of teamwork with friends. These are the values and precious memories the students will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Behind the Music | Brazos Bookstore
In episode four of With One Accord, we welcome our Desert Island Playlist concert community partner, Brazos Bookstore. Join us as we explore the unique and limitless synergy between music and literary art.
Education Spotlight | Jorge Garza
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Jorge Garza, Founder and Executive Director of Garza Studios and the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus. Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus is Houston's First and Only Bilingual Choir for Children. Based out of Houston's historic Second Ward (Segundo Barrio) neighborhood, this program offers tuition-free access to music and vocal instruction, as well as transformative performance opportunities which increase representation in the arts for our community while celebrating the culture, language and traditions of its members and their families.
Behind the Music | Cissy Segall Davis
In episode two of With One Accord we welcome Cissy Segall Davis, Managing Director of Miller Outdoor Theatre. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, and learn about Miller Outdoor Theatre and the rich culture of live theatre in Houston.
Behind the Music | Richard Hyde, British Consul General in Houston
In the first episode of Season 3 of With One Accord, we welcome Richard Hyde, British Consul General in Houston. Join us as we discuss the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, arts and culture in Houston. We hope you will enjoy this podcast as we prepare for our first concert of the season “Let All The World in Every Corner Sing” a tribute to Ralph Vaughan Williams on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Behind the Music | Benedict Sheehan
In this final episode of the season, we welcome GRAMMY®-nominated composer and conductor, Benedict Sheehan. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Sheehan about his recent nomination, and the exciting projects waiting around the corner.
Education Spotlight | Jennifer Agbu and Tiffany Sau
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Adams Jr. High choral directors, Jennifer Agbu and Tiffany Sau. Jennifer, a veteran teacher, started the program at Adams just before the pandemic. Despite circumstance, enrollment greatly expanded, leading to Tiffany’s new position as a first year teacher. Together, the two are commanding a flourishing choral program, and have built a phenomenal partnership as colleagues and co-directors. Join us as we discuss how to develop a healthy co-director relationship, the mentor-colleague dynamic, and how teachers and students alike thrive with the right mindset and environment.
Behind the Music | Jason Thoms
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome conductor, singer, educator and composer Jason Thoms. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Thoms and shares his personal journey including his early introduction to music, his unique basso profondo skills and unique perspective on choral education.
Education Spotlight | Peyton Moseley
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Peyton Moseley. Peyton is the Director of Choirs at Victory Lakes Middle School, and Assistant Choral Director at Clear Springs High School, both in Clear Creek ISD. Peyton received his Bachelors of Music Education from University of Houston, and began his first year as a middle school and high school choral teacher this past Fall. Despite challenges from the pandemic, his middle school choirs received top marks at University Interscholastic League (UIL), an annual assessment that grades the sight-reading and performance skills of choirs in Texas. Join as we discuss what it was like beginning as a teacher during the pandemic, and how Peyton learned to inspire his students.
Behind the Music | María Guinand
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome renowned choral conductor Maria Guinand. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Guinand and shares practical tips for North American Choirs in teaching and performing Latin and South American choral music, and her experiences in the multiple roles she has held in her renowned career.
Education Spotlight | Heather Orr
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Heather Orr. Heather is currently the Head Director of Choral Activities at Montgomery High School in Montgomery ISD. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Heidelberg University. Choirs under Heather Orr’s direction have performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention (TMEA) in 2018, 2010, and 2005. In addition, they have performed at the National ACDA Conferences in 2021 (Dallas, TX/virtual) and in 2011 (Chicago, IL), as well as the SWACDA Divisional Conference (Oklahoma City, OK) in 2018.
Behind the Music | Sarah Rothenberg
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome pianist, writer, director and producer Sarah Rothenberg. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Rothenberg about her early introduction to piano, her creative process, her experience as Artistic Director at DACAMERA and much more.
Education Spotlight | Matthew L. Hazzard
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with our very own Choral Conducting Intern, Matthew Lyon Hazzard. This past December, Matthew conducted the Houston Chamber Choir on his piece, “The Lamb.” Matthew talks about the performance, the experience of being an intern for a professional choir, and about the exciting things Houston Chamber Choir is doing for students in the Houston community and beyond.
Behind the Music | Carl R. Cunningham
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome long-time Houston Chamber Choir collaborator and performing arts writer, Carl R. Cunningham. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as Cunningham looks back on over 25 years as a critic and program annotator in Houston’s performing arts scene.
Behind the Music | Daryl Robinson
In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome leading organist Daryl Robinson! Winner of both First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Performance, Daryl currently serves as Assistant Professor of Organ at the University of Houston and Cathedral Organist for Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal).
Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn in this episode as Daryl talks about his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, his passion for the organ, and everything you need to know about this beautiful instrument!
Education Spotlight | Michael Kessler
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Pearland High School Choir Director, Michael Kessler. Michael received his B.M. in Music Education at the University of Houston in 2011, and has been teaching ever since. Choirs under Michael consistently receive superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading as well as other state and national music festivals. Just recently, he had 22 students move on to the third round of Texas All-State Choir auditions!
Behind the Music | J. Todd Frazier
We welcome J. Todd Frazier, composer and Director at Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine, on our first episode of Behind the Music. Todd is a long-time friend of the Houston Chamber Choir, and we have had the honor to perform some of his works. Most recently, we premiered his new work "Hymn for Strength," with words by Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean, at the "To Bring Comfort" concert on November 6, 2021. Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn as we take a glimpse into Todd's early interest in music, his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, and his passion to help his community through music and arts.
Education Spotlight | C. Paul Heins
Our first season of With One Accord wraps up with today's Education Spotlight featuring C. Paul Heins! Paul is the associate conductor of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC and the founding director of their youth chorus, GenOUT, which is one of nine vocal ensembles for LGBTQ+ and allied youth in the country. GenOUT has welcomed over 100 students from more than four dozen schools around the DC area since its founding in January 2015.
Learn how the youth ensemble has continued to serve youth throughout the pandemic, offering weekly private lessons and rehearsals, virtual performances, engagement in social justice activism, and community-building opportunities.
Music Mondays | Earth Song
“Earth Song” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2018-2019 season’s “This Is Why I Sing.” This performance was featured on the first episode of With One Accord on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Behind the Music | Dr. Andreea Muţ
Get ready for our latest episode of Behind the Music with Houston Chamber Choir accompanist, Dr. Andreea Muţ! Andreea has been our piano master since 2015, and she played a significant role in our upcoming album Circlesong.
Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn on Andreea's musical world. Take a glimpse into her childhood in Romania, her remarkable academic journey in the states, and some of her favorite moments with Houston performers as a collaborative musician.
After the show, enjoy Andreea's curated playlist!
Music Mondays featuring the Treble Choir of Houston
Music Mondays featuring the Treble Choir of Houston and Founder and Artistic Director Marianna Parnas-Simpson.
"Circles of Motion," composed by Bob Chilcott and text by Joy Harjo, performed by the Treble Choir of Houston with accompanist Andreea Muţ. This was performed and recorded at South Main Baptist Church in March 2019 and will be included in the Houston Chamber Choir's upcoming album Circlesong.
Behind the Music | Clipper Hamrick
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to alto and educator Clipper Hamrick! Hamrick has been singing with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2016 and is also a passionate middle school choir teacher in Conroe ISD.
Music Mondays featuring Chanticleer
Music Mondays featuring Chanticleer and Countertenor & Assistant Music Director Gerrod Pagenkopf.
"Trade Winds," composed by Zhou Tian (b. 1981), was performed by Chanticleer with soloists tenor Matthew Mazzola and countertenor Adam Ward. This was recorded live in concert at Mission Santa Clara, September 18, 2019, during the "Trade Winds" concert.
Behind the Music | Mark Buller
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to composer Mark Buller! Buller has collaborated with the Houston Chamber Choir on several occasions, including our most recent commission "The Passion of St. Cecilia".
Music Mondays featuring the Young People's Chorus of NYC
Music Mondays featuring the Young People's Chorus of NYC and Founder and Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez.
"So Much On My Soul," composed by Ellen Reid and text by Adedayo, Ana, Brandon, Marcus, Ronan and Skye of the Young People's Chorus of New York City, was performed by the Young People's Chorus of New York City at National Sawdust on September 27, 2020.
Education Spotlight | Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with conductor, singer and composer Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles! Dr. Robles is a monumental community leader and advocate for diversity and inclusivity and shines with her ability to educate, motivate and inspire through choral music. Her vocal talents and passion for choral music performance and education have greatly benefited her Southern California community, as well as national and international audiences and students.
Music Mondays featuring the National Lutheran Choir
Music Mondays featuring the National Lutheran Choir and Artistic Director David Cherwien.
"Hold On!", text comes from a Negro Spiritual and arranged by Marques L.A. Garrett, was performed by the National Lutheran Choir and featured in their 2020 Virtual All Saints Program – “In Memoriam: We Remember.”
Behind the Music | Paul English
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with composer, pianist, producer and educator Paul English! Get to know Paul as he shares his favorite memories during the Houston Chamber Choir concerts, his musical childhood, and his expansive career.
Music Mondays featuring Boston Children's Chorus
Music Mondays featuring the Boston Children's Chorus and representing the choir Director of Artistic Programming
"Harriet Tubman," composed by Walter Robinson and arranged by Kathleen McGuire, was performed by the Boston Children's Chorus at their 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert "She Persisted" at Boston Symphony Hall, and was conducted by Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins with Pieter Struyk on percussion.
Behind the Music | Michael Skarke
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with countertenor Michael Skarke! Michael is one of the newest members of the Houston Chamber Choir, embarking on our journey with his unique voice since December of last year.
Music Mondays featuring The Crossing
Music Mondays featuring The Crossing and Artistic Director and Conductor Donald Nally.
"At Piece," the last movement from "A Native Hill" (music by Gavin Bryars and words by Wendell Berry) was composed as a gift for The Crossing, dedicated to Cassia Bryars-Rockey, and in memoriam Julian Rockey. It was recorded on October 8-11, 2019 at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley, Malvern, PA and included in A Native Hill by Navona Records.
Behind the Music | Jack Byrom
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to Tenor and Board Member Jack Byrom! Byrom has performed with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2014. Jack is a double performer: in the tenor section during the weekends and as a full time lawyer during the week!
Music Mondays featuring Cantus
Music Mondays featuring Cantus and Tenor Paul Scholtz.
“Stars,” composed by Ēriks Ešenvalds, was recorded by Cantus on March 17, 2020 and is included in their album The COVID-19 Sessions.
Music Mondays featuring the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas
Music Mondays featuring the Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas and Artistic Director Cynthia Nott.
“Peace” (composed by Ruth Watson Henderson) and "Patapan" (arr. Roger Stratton, translation by Janine Cortell) were performed by the Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas and Mary Anna Salo, piano on December 1, 2019 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.
Education Spotlight | Sonja Bruzauskas
Houston Chamber Choir speaks with musician and educator Sonja Bruzauskas. Sonja is the Founder and Director of the pARTnerschools, an arts education non-profit dedicated to bringing the joy of music and art to all children, especially in our underserved communities. She also has a rich history with Houston Chamber Choir, formerly serving as a board member, choir member and instructor for the Rise Up Singing! educational program.
Music Mondays | Nostalgia World
Nostalgia World was performed virtually in "A Time to Give Thanks", the first concert of our 2020-2021 season To Everything A Season. Watch the full video performance on the Houston Chamber Choir Digital Stage. Ryan Stickney and L. Wayne Ashley, scat soloists; Jesús Pacheco, percussion; Thomas Helton, bass.
Behind the Music | One-Year Anniversary of With One Accord
In this episode, we're celebrating With One Accord's one-year anniversary! Learn more about the podcast straight from the creators: how we came up with the idea, the ins and outs of post-production, and how we've raised the podcast to where it is today! Don't forget to stay until the end of this episode and enjoy some of our favorite clips from behind-the-scenes!
Music Mondays | Gloria
“Gloria” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2016-2017 season’s “Mass in B Minor.”
Concertists: Kelli Lawless, Lauren Pastorek, Matthew Mazzola and Rameen Chaharbaghi
Gloria
(From Mass in B Minor, BWV 232)
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
[Sung in Latin]
[English translation:]
Glory to God in the highest.
And on earth peace
to people of good will.
Behind the Music | Marc Garvin
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to classical guitarist Marc Garvin! Marc has performed with the Houston Chamber on a number of occasions, and we're glad to welcome him back at our upcoming concert, A Time to Journey Inward, which will debut on Sunday, March 21st on our Digital Stage.
Music Mondays featuring Volti
Music Mondays featuring Volti and Founder & Artistic Director Robert Geary.
“Cæli enarrant,” composed by Robin Estrada, was performed by Volti with soloists Celeste Winant, Philip Saunders, Nica Claire Dennis, and Andrea Mich at their premiere on March 23, 2017.
Behind the Music | Rebecca Castillo
In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to soprano and educator Rebecca Castillo! Rebecca joined the soprano section of the Houston Chamber Choir in 2018 and has ever since enriched our performances. She is also very dedicated to teaching, lifting young voices at her work every day!
Music Mondays featuring Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus
Music Mondays featuring the Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and Former Artistic Director Emily Ellsworth.
“Stars Do Tell,” composed by Imant Raminsh and text by Okanagan First Nation poet Ben Abel, was performed by Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and accompanied by William Buhrat on July 2012 at Glinka Cappella at St. Petersburg, Russia.
Education Spotlight | Greg Fernandes
In this episode, we speak with musician, educator and motivational speaker Greg Fernandes. Greg is an Assistant Conductor for the Boston Children’s Chorus and the Founder of the music and mentorship non-profit, The Rose Conservatory. Greg is a passionate and dedicated leader in his community, who strives to help children of all backgrounds harness their potential and creativity positively through the power of music and shared experience.
Music Mondays featuring the Elmer Iseler Singers
Music Mondays featuring the Elmer Iseler Singers and Artistic Director Lydia Adams.
"Ave Verum" composed by Peter Togni was performed by Elmer Iseler Singers at the Église du Gesu in Montreal on April 27th, 2019.