Tom Michalek, OAKE President From the OAKE President: Plan B Greetings, OAKE friends, As I type, my mind is still “coming down” from another year with the children. This “ending” seemed to go a little smoother than others have, in part because I let go of some of…
Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director I hope each of you are enjoying summer opportunities to invest in yourself and consider what will make next year an even stronger one in your educational life. It’s exciting to see pictures of summer training programs underway and more educators growing professionally, personally,…
Update: OAKE National Conference High School Choirs Dear OAKE Members: We’re excited to announce that, after thorough study and thoughtful debate, OAKE will be able to continue offering conference honor choir experiences for singers in Grades 4 – 12. I understand that perspectives within the organization may vary,…
Joan Litman, author. This is a transcript of the Conference Keynote Address presented by Joan Litman at the 2024 OAKE National Conference in Chicago, Illinois: It’s an honor to stand with you this evening. It really is. I want you to know that I do so as one…
Brent GaultOAKE President, 2006 – 2008 One of the immense privileges I have had as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration of OAKE was to request reflections from our organization’s past presidents. Many of us have felt the impact of these individuals via workshops, teacher education and…
Bethany Houff The 2024 OAKE National Conference in Chicago was filled with inspirational choral singing. As both a singer in the Participant Choir and an audience member at the National Choir Concerts, I witnessed brilliant teaching, sequencing, rehearsing, and performing throughout my five days in Chicago. I arrived…
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PROGRAM TEAM “Music can change the world, because it can change people.” – Bono It may sound like a cheesy, inspirational quote, but, if you know me, you know that’s what I’m all about. I try to bring the smiles, the energy, and an overall…