The Crescendo Music Education Podcast Debbie O'Shea

Join us as we unravel Sandra's composition process, discussing whether she starts with words or chords, and how this decision shapes the final musical arrangement. We'll delve into the creative minds behind the music, uncovering their techniques and inspirations along the way.







In today's episode, we're thrilled to spotlight the Queensland Kodaly Choir project, a remarkable initiative that celebrates the artistry and passion of choral singing. From innovative arrangements to captivating performances, we'll explore how this project is pushing the boundaries of choral music and inspiring new generations of composers and singers.







So sit back, tune in, and let's embark on a musical journey together!







About Sandra Milliken:







Sandra Milliken is a respected conductor in choral music, known for composing, conducting, teaching, and adjudicating. She holds degrees from the University of New England and the University of Queensland, specializing in choral conducting.







Sandra has directed choirs like the Bayside Divas and worked with renowned groups like the Queensland Youth Choir. Her compositions, including Choral Vivace, are published by Edition Peters London, earning international recognition. She promotes Australian choral music through workshops and performances worldwide and has conducted acclaimed recordings, including premieres of works like the Ramirez Misa Criolla.







Full bio HERE.







Links Mentioned in the Episode:







✏️ Qld Kodaly Choir Legacy Project (with free downloadable PDF booklets and learning tracks)







💻 My website: https://www.sandramilliken.com.au







🖥️ My website page for Qld Kodaly Choir Legacy Project (with individual free downloadable PDF links to 45 arrangements)







📧 Email: sandra@sandramilliken.com.au 







🎙️ Embracing Average: A Chat with Astrid Jorgensen (Part 1 and Part 2)







Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

As a conductor, you're not just waving your baton; you're unleashing a symphony of giggles, learning, and pure joy.







So, grab your baton, put on your musical cap, and get ready to dive into a world where every high note is met with a chorus of cheers and every low note transforms into a learning opportunity. Music teachers, get your students ready to make music a fun-filled, harmonious delight with Sandra Milliken!







About Sandra Milliken:







Sandra Milliken is a respected conductor in choral music, known for composing, conducting, teaching, and adjudicating. She holds degrees from the University of New England and the University of Queensland, specializing in choral conducting.







Sandra has directed choirs like the Bayside Divas and worked with renowned groups like the Queensland Youth Choir. Her compositions, including Choral Vivace, are published by Edition Peters London, earning international recognition. She promotes Australian choral music through workshops and performances worldwide and has conducted acclaimed recordings, including premieres of works like the Ramirez Misa Criolla.







Full bio HERE.







Links Mentioned in the Episode:







💻 Free Download on https://crescendo.com.au/resources/







Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Discover valuable tips and tricks for enhancing your music room experience from our guest Clare Finlayson, an esteemed choral conductor, music educator, and vocalist.







One of Clare's tips and tricks is using sticky notes. Listen to this episode to see how Clare uses sticky notes in her classroom.







About Clare Finlayson:







Clare Finlayson is a distinguished choral conductor, music educator, and vocalist whose vibrant energy and deep understanding of the transformative power of choral singing have made her a highly sought-after clinician. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Choirs at Brisbane Girls Grammar School and as Assistant Conductor to Resonance of Birralee, Clare's expertise extends to her roles as the immediate past president and committee member of ANCA QLD/NT.







👉🏼 Instagram







📘 Facebook







Links Mentioned in the Episode:







🎙️ Ep 90: Making Choir Accessible







Resources: Canva







Some of Clare's Favorite Composers:









Dan Walker







Jake Runestad (Come to the Woods and Let My Love Be Heard)







Sally Whitwell







Katherine Ruhle









Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Making choir accessible to everyone and fostering a sense of community within the music community are essential aspects of creating an inclusive and enriching musical experience.







By breaking down barriers such as logistical challenges and misconceptions about musical ability, choirs can welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and create a space where everyone feels valued and empowered. This inclusivity not only enhances the musical repertoire and diversity of voices but also strengthens the bonds within the choir and the broader music community.







Building community in the music community involves fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where musicians can connect, learn from each other, and collectively strive for excellence. Through regular rehearsals, performances, workshops, and outreach programs, choirs can create opportunities for meaningful interactions, skill development, and personal growth.







Join me as I chat with Clare about Making Choir Accessible and Building Community!







About Clare Finlayson:







Clare Finlayson is a distinguished choral conductor, music educator, and vocalist whose vibrant energy and deep understanding of the transformative power of choral singing have made her a highly sought-after clinician. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Choirs at Brisbane Girls Grammar School and as Assistant Conductor to Resonance of Birralee, Clare's expertise extends to her roles as the immediate past president and committee member of ANCA QLD/NT.







With over 15 years of experience in working with choirs as both a conductor and chorister, Clare has had the privilege of working with singers of all ages in diverse school and community settings. Her international tours to France, Belgium, Austria, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and South Korea have enriched her perspective and deepened her passion for choral music.







Among her notable performances are the Australian production of “He’s Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy)” with Eric Idle, the "You’re the Voice" Massed Choral Concert as part of the Queensland Music Festival featuring John Farnham, the world premiere of “Encounters of the Third Kind in Concert” at the World Science Festival, and her participation in ANZAC services in significant locations such as Fromelles, Poziere, Allonsville, and Polygonwood. Clare's dedication to musical excellence and her commitment to the art of choral singing continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.







Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

As our Wellbeing Series draws to a close, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many music teachers: the comparison trap.







In an era dominated by social media, where success is often measured by likes and followers, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others. This can be particularly challenging for music teachers, who may feel pressure to showcase their skills and achievements online.







Don't miss this episode! Together, we can break free from the comparison trap and create a more supportive and nurturing community for music teachers everywhere.







Links Mentioned in the Episode:







📕 Happier Music Teacher by Beth Duhon







🎙️ Ep 83: Introduction to The Wellbeing Series with Beth Duhon







🎙️ Ep 84: The Wellbeing Series: Rest and Recharge







🎙️ Ep 85: The Wellbeing Series: The Commute







🎙️ Ep 86: The Wellbeing Series: Fuel Your Body







🎙️Ep 87: The Wellbeing Series: Vocal Health







🎙️Ep 88: The Wellbeing Series: Movement







Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

As music teachers, we spend countless hours honing our craft, guiding students, and nurturing their musical talents. In the midst of our busy schedules, it's easy to forget the importance of staying active and taking care of ourselves. Incorporating movement into our daily routines not only benefits our physical health but also rejuvenates our minds and enhances our teaching.







One of the simplest ways to stay active is by taking daily walks. Walking not only provides a break from the confines of the studio but also allows us to immerse ourselves in nature's beauty. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the park or a brisk walk around the neighborhood, the fresh air and change of scenery can do wonders for our creativity and mental well-being.







Walking with a friend can make the experience even more enjoyable. Not only does it provide an opportunity to catch up and socialize, but it also adds an element of accountability. Knowing that a friend is waiting for us can be a powerful motivator to get moving, even on days when we may not feel like it.







So let's lace up our shoes, grab a friend, and get moving!







Links Mentioned in the Episode:







📕 Happier Music Teacher by Beth Duhon







📘 The Four Pillar Plan: How to Relax, Eat, Move and Sleep Your Way to a Longer, Healthier Life by Rangan Chatterjee 







🎙️ Ep 83: Introduction to The Wellbeing Series with Beth Duhon







🎙️ Ep 84: The Wellbeing Series: Rest and Recharge







🎙️ Ep 85: The Wellbeing Series: The Commute







🎙️ Ep 86: The Wellbeing Series: Fuel Your Body







🎙️Ep 87: The Wellbeing Series: Vocal Health







Where to find me:







Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunityOfficial Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEdTwitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb