Texas Choral Directors Association - TCDA

This past weekend I went to San Antonio, TX for the Texas Choral Directors Association Convention.  I was invited to this convention to conduct a piece of music, nominated by my conducting teacher at school, Dr. Allen Hightower.  I was also selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from TCDA for school.

My experiences this past weekend were plentiful!  I got to work with two great conducting coaches, Dr. Jerry McCoy from University of North Texas and Dr. Richard Bjella from Texas Tech University.  Also, I met many choir teachers and made great connections with them.

At the convention, John Rutter was asked to come and do 2 workshops on his music.  If you don't know John Rutter.....well, you're crazy!  He is a very famous composer from the UK.  He has worked with many of the best choirs, voices, conductors, and other composers throughout his lifetime.  We got time to sightread some of his music and hear his stories of life.

Friday night I received my scholarship from Bob Horton, past president of TCDA and also our camp manager for the choir camps we did at SHSU this summer (the ones I worked).  Bob and I have become great friends!  In the scholarship speech he wrote, he quoted one of my teacher's recommendations, saying that I was "the most mature student he has ever taught" and quoted my essay I submitted saying "that music has always been my passion.  I want to inspire others as I have been inspired."  It was truly touching!!

Here are some of my pics from my adventures!!

Me on the Riverwalk

 Me and my high school choir director, Margaret Miller...she treated me to lunch one day

 

Me and Rick Bjella, my conducting coach
Not pictured....Carl Braden, my fabulous accompanist!!

Me and Bob Horton

John Rutter presenting at one of his workshops

Me conducting my piece, Sinner Man (fast paced men's piece)

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Oh yeah.......

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!!!