I taught at schools with students who had tremendous talent and dedication. Those same programs were not the wealthiest. Finance was, and always is, an obstacle. So, when I say that I’ve had this same objection, I mean it: “It’s just too expensive.” This is the most relatable objection I could write about. Substitute “We can’t afford it,” and it…
Summer camps are more than just a fun break — they’re a vital spark. They give both teachers and students a chance to grow, connect and come back to their classrooms in the fall more inspired, more confident and more appreciative of the work you do all year long. I know educators need the summer to recharge and you deserve…
There are moments at every event when we are reminded why the competitive arts matter. It might be the feeling coming right off the stage after your students had an amazing performance. Maybe it's in a clinic room, when something finally clicks. It might be after our awards ceremony, when students, no matter the result, realize what they just accomplished…
“If you try to please all, you please none.” - Aesop I hear this every year: “It’s not fair.” From students. From parents. And if we’re honest, from everyone. Heck, even I’ve said it! And I get it. This time of year, coming out of March Madness, along with choir festivals and show choir contests, conversations surrounding fairness happen more…
Last month, we began a conversation about the good, the hard and the honest questions that come with competition. Each month, I’m taking on one concern I hear from directors and staff - not to dismiss it, but to look at it from a place of experience and growth. March brings us to another concern I hear often: “Judging is…
One of the most common concerns I hear about competing is a simple, valid one: “Competitions create unhealthy stress.” I agree - to a point. Stress absolutely exists in competitive environments. Students feel it. Directors feel it. If we’re not careful, it can spill over into places it doesn’t belong. That said, how on earth can we teach students the…
Why compete? Why take your students on the road, put them in front of judges, clinicians and adjudicators, and give up evenings, weekends and personal time with family and friends to do it? Early in my career, I had to answer those questions for myself. Over time, I’ve learned that every music educator answers them differently. That answer can change…
This one is personal. Every year in the classroom, it happened. Sometimes it was during late fall, getting ready for the winter and holiday concerts and activities. Sometimes it was in the spring, in the heat of all those contest rehearsals and solo and ensemble activities. It even happened during those exciting days right before school started. What happened was…
Our Heart of America 2028 dates are officially set! If you are a planner and you’ve ever dreamed of taking your program to the next level, now’s your chance to be first in line. Our 2028 HOA VIP List offers directors exclusive early access to registration, hotel blocks and event updates BEFORE they are publicly released. It’s our way of…
Every season, directors tell us the same thing: “We wish we had registered sooner.” Groups come back year after year because Heart of America Championships are more than competitions: they are immersive performance experiences in ideal locations. We design these events around directors, students and the art of choral music itself. By registering early, you create excitement in your program…