Activate! Asks: Erik Whitehill

Fun Facts

      My favorite dessert is butterscotch pudding

      My favorite musical is “The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert Brown

       I am half Swedish and I love to bake pepperkaker

       I can’t live without coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper

      My work is published by four different publishing companies

How many years have you been teaching?

10 years teaching, 11 years in music ministry.

How many students do you see in a typical week?

About 600.

What inspired you to become an elementary music educator?

When I student taught, general music surprised me with how much I liked it. During my church music years, I got to know a lot of great general music teachers and I wanted to emulate them.

Tell us about your funniest teaching moment.

At the end of the year, I let the students request activities and songs from earlier in the year. A little boy shouted out his request, “Dirty old man! Dirty old man!” It took me a moment to realize that he meant “Old Dan Tucker.”

If you could have only one item in your teaching bag, what it would it be and why?

My monkey puppet, Larry. He is tried and true and effective! The kids love him and he makes them feel immediately comfortable in my room.

What is your favorite teaching resource?

I really like "GamePlan" by Jeff Kriske and Randy DeLelles.

What music do you listen to in your free time?

Mostly, I listen to classical piano (Argerich, Rubenstein, Biss) and theater music (Sondheim, Brown, Flaherty)

Tell us about your favorite lesson/unit to teach?

I do a Broadway unit at the end of the year with my fourth graders. I created an interactive whiteboard experience with maps of New York City, pictures and videos from the various theaters to which I have been, etc. It ends with role-playing all the various theater jobs from producing, to being a part of the creative team, to tech crew, to performing. 

What is one piece of advice you would suggest for folks who are new to the elementary music classroom?

Talk to your students like they are humans. Be exacting in your standards, but make sure you don’t forget to show them your personality. Also… in everything you do, remember to be a positive and caring presence in your students’ lives. They need you.

What educator(s) most influenced your teaching style or your life?

Phyllis Whitney, my middle school choir director, who suggested I might play the piano for the choir. Gary Fiscus, my high school choir director, who inspired me to be a music teacher for my career. Weston Noble, my collegiate choir director, who taught me that music feeds the soul.

If there was one instrument you could ban from all elementary music classrooms what would it be and why?

The discount store recorder (I love recorder, but any store with “dollar” in its name is selling a party toy, not an acceptable classroom instrument.)

Tell us about your most memorable performance moment (when you were directing).

Performing “Rhythm of the Rain” by Jerry Estes with 25 kids playing Orff and percussion instruments and 50 children singing. When we were done, someone in the audience shouted, “Do it again!” So we did!

What is your go-to strategy to rein in an unruly class?

If they are lower elementary, Larry the Monkey is an effective behavior management tool. If they are upper elementary, I make them aware that I will treat them like the age of their behavior. If they are focused, I can talk to them like humans. If they are not focused, then I have to become their baby sitter. When this happens, no one is happy.

What excites you most about the future of music education?

Using multi-media and interactive technologies. Also, the research that continues to show music education is beneficial to the “whole child.”

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My first response is...free what? What is this "free time" you speak of? Actually, I am an avid Netflix and Hulu viewer. I love to cook and read, and spending time with friends and colleagues is also very important to me.

Would you like to share your story?

We are looking for Activate! subscribers to share their teaching advice and anecdotes. You can complete the interview at www.bit.ly/1T4ikVp. We will share as many responses as we can on our blog, and one lucky subscriber will win a free subscription to Activate! and be featured in an upcoming issue.

 

New Music for Two-part Choirs

Here are some new two-part pieces for your spring concert consideration!


How Doth the Little Crocodile
Mark Burrows

A delightful musical interpretation of the beloved Lewis Carroll poem, this piece is easy to put together and is an excellent choice for a choir's first experience with part-singing. The catchy melody transitions to a round in two or three parts, giving you practical options for your beginning choirs.

Two-part or Three-part Equal Voices





Out of This World
Julie Gardner Bray

Full of stylistic variety and tonal color, this piece includes a positive message about how imagination and forward thinking sets us free to accomplish great things. I'm riding the tail of a comet, floating through new galaxies. If you're looking for me, you'll find me taking my place among the stars.

Two-part




Ripple of Kindness
Donna Butler Douglas

Artful tonal shifts with a splendid modulation grace this effective piece for young voices that features a meaningful text reflecting on how we all play a part in spreading joy and goodwill as we each make a difference in building a better world.

Two-part





Go Down, Moses
Russell Robinson

Elegantly set to bring out the best in young voices, this cool jazz, laid-back treatment of a favorite spiritual is loads of fun to sing! The repeated sections aid in quick learning and make for a great piece for any program.

Two-part

Festival Music for the Middle School Choral Classroom

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

Last month, I put together a blog post that highlighted secondary selections that would bring the festival experience to your high school choral classroom. This post is a follow-up to that post and includes selections for middle school choirs. All of the pieces below have been performed in a variety of festival settings and will recreate this transformative experience in your middle school choral classroom. Enjoy!


Bonse Aba
Victor C. Johnson

Sizzling with celebratory energy, this African folk song loosely translates: "Those that sing have the right to be called the children of God." Hand drum, djembe, and shaker add authentic flavor and opportunities for improvisation, and the vocal parts are repetitive and easy to learn.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, SSA, and TTB


Here is a performance by the 2011 Nashua All City Middle School Chorus...

Cantate Deo
G. F. Handel/Becki Slagle Mayo

Becki Slagle Mayo creatively adapts the Hornpipe movement from Handel's Water Music Suite for voices. Complete with original text, contrapuntal texture, and imitative vocal lines, this festive choral gem is sure to make an impact.

Two-part and Three-part Mixed




I Hear America Singing
André J. Thomas

This stunning selection is the perfect attention-grabber for the beginning or conclusion of a concert. Quoting the traditional spiritual Walk Together, Children, André Thomas creates an energetic and rhythmic experience that will make choirs of all shapes and sizes feel successful.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, and SSA



Here is a mass choir performance from the 2010 St. Olaf College Choral Day...

She Sings
Amy F. Bernon

The haunting yet whimsical quality of this piece is truly refreshing. Centered around a child who loves to sing during the day and at night "cries for those who have never loved and for those who never sing," this endearing selection will stir the emotions of the audience.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, and SSA



 Here is a performance by the 2009 IMEA Middle School Honor Choir...

Oh, Won't You Sit Down?
Greg Gilpin

Greg Gilpin works his magic with this absolutely infectious arrangement! Through the use of rounds, vocal ostinatos and dynamic contrasts, all will be instantly engaged in this energetic and fun-filled work.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, and SATB




 Here is a performance by the 2008 GMEA All State Middle School Mixed Choir...

____________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

Festival Music for the Choral Classroom

Selections for Secondary Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

What is it that makes the honor choir experience so special? Most would probably say that it's the sense of community, the high level of musicality demanded, and the pride that comes along with seeing how focused preparation yields positive, inspiring results. The selections below have all been performed in a variety of festival settings. If you're going to be conducting an honor choir, or if you're looking to recreate this transformative experience in your choral classroom, I highly recommended these tried-and-true selections.


Do, Lord, Remember Me
André J. Thomas

André Thomas presents the traditional spiritual in an energetic and dynamic fashion. Including accessible vocal parts that are supported by a rhythmically and harmonically fresh accompaniment, both choirs and audiences will both enjoy this rousing piece.

SATB


Here is a performance by the 2013 Florida All State Concert Choir...
 

In Paradisum
Gabriel Fauré/arr. Earlene Rentz

This lovely piece features a simplified accompaniment that retains Fauré's original harmonies. Care has been given to voice leading so that singers of all skill levels can sing the luscious chord changes and progressions that characterize this well-respected work.

SSA





Will There Really Be a Morning?
Victor C. Johnson

Victor Johnson combines a thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickinson with a tender original melody. Exquisite vocal lines, lush harmonies, and a sensitive accompaniment ensure that this heartfelt setting will make an impact.

SATB and TTBB





Gloria
André J. Thomas

Commissioned for the finale of the 2015 ACDA High School Honor Choir concert, this gospel-style selection features energetic vocals supported by a driving piano accompaniment. Singers and audiences alike will appreciate this spirited piece.

SATB



Here is a performance by the 2015 ACDA National Conference HS Mixed Honor Choir...

Inscription of Hope
Z. Randall Stroope

Limited ranges, an a cappella section, and narration contribute to the effectiveness of this song of hope. Incorporating fragments of a Russian folk melody and a Jewish text, the message is universal: hope and firm belief will reign victorious over even the greatest of odds.

TTB/TBB, SATB, SSA, Three-part Mixed, and Two-part


Here is a performance by the 2010 Suffolk All County Choir...

____________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

MS/JH Contest Selections

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

For music educators, the last half of the year is often just as busy, if not more so, than the first. We understand that the last thing you have time for is an extended search for the perfect, hand-selected contest piece. So that you can spend more time rehearsing and less time reviewing, we've gone through the selection process for you. The five pieces below will inspire your singers towards success in the classroom and on the stage!
 

Festival Gloria
Richard A. Williamson

This energetic, forward-moving concert work is a great learning piece for beginning mixed choirs, with diverse musical styles and engaging vocal lines that flatter a choir of any size.

Three-part Mixed




Lux Aeterna
Mark Burrows

This is a stunning work for young voices that creates a simple beauty from emotional melodic lines. The timeless Latin text comes from the Requiem mass. Light eternal, shine on them. A richly orchestrated performance/accompaniment CD is also available.

Two-part and Three-part Mixed

I Never Saw a Moor
Victor C. Johnson

Emily Dickinson’s inspiring poem receives Victor Johnson’s sensitive musical touch in this impassioned concert selection. With opportunities to teach lyrical singing techniques, phrase shaping, and dynamic contouring and music that naturally promotes a mature sound, this piece is destined to become a repertoire staple.

Three-part Mixed and SATB




If Music Be the Food of Love
Henry Purcell/arr. Russell Robinson

Russell Robinson presents this choral masterwork by Henry Purcell in a well-constructed arrangement for middle school mixed choirs. The music for the first and second verses is identical to aid in quick learning of this especially fine contest selection.

Three-part Mixed, opt. a cappella





Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
André J. Thomas
André Thomas was at his creative best when he wrote this energy-driven setting of the spiritual standard. The repeated material makes for quick memorization, allowing you to easily and effectively showcase your singers in a vibrant program pleaser that utilizes a cool jazz piano accompaniment.
Three-part Mixed, SATB, and TTB/TBB




__________________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

Contest Selections for Secondary Choirs

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

The Christmas season is often coined the busiest time of the year. If you're a music educator, however, Christmas doesn't hold a candle (pun intended) to the months of January through May. With the start of the new year come preparations for solo and ensemble, contest, musicals, and spring concerts, not to mention fundraisers for all of the above.

With all that you have going on, the last thing that you have time for is an extended search for the perfect, hand-selected contest piece. Because we want you to be able to spend more time rehearsing and less time reviewing, we've selected five pieces of music that we're confident will inspire your singers and captivate the judges.

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
André J. Thomas

André Thomas was at his creative best when he wrote this energy-driven setting of the spiritual standard. The repeated material makes for quick memorization, allowing you to easily and effectively showcase your singers in a vibrant program pleaser that utilizes a cool jazz piano accompaniment.

SATB, TTB/TBB, and Three-part Mixed




Cool Moon
Richard A. Williamson

With limited horizontal movement in the vocal parts and no awkward melodic skips, Richard Williamson’s Cool Moon offers an easy and effective introduction into contemporary a cappella singing. Soothing harmonies enhance this beautiful pairing of words and music.

SATB, a cappella



Don't You Weep, Don't You Mourn
Bryan Sharpe

Cool vocal jazz elements in a relaxed swing style bring this traditional African-American text to life in a fresh, original work. With independent parts and spontaneous twists and turns throughout, it would be equally effective programmed with a full choir or a smaller ensemble drawn from your best singers.

SATB, a cappella




Down by the Salley Gardens
Douglas E. Wagner

This beloved Irish folk song includes the words of William Butler Yeats in an unusual arrangement for women's voices. The vocal parts combine with the masterfully written piano part to add a depth to the musical fabric that will make this piece a lasting and substantial contribution to the concert and contest repertoire.

SSA and TTB/TBB




And Music Shall Untune the Sky
Douglas E. Wagner

Showcase the fullness and strength of the male voice with this robust setting of a powerful passage from Dryden’s A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day. An exceptional opener, this selection would make a dramatic first impression at any concert or contest. "The trumpet shall be heard on high and music shall untune the sky."

TTBB and SATB


_____________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.