Events and Presenters
CONFERENCE EVENTS AND SESSION INFORMATION
KEYNOTE Our Journey in Authenticity
presented by JOAN LITMAN
We know where our journey began… in a far away land. Two musicians carrying unimaginably heavy equipment to gather/record jewels; hidden and endangered melodies. We may know where our personal journey began; at home—perhaps with a lullaby. OAKE’s founding visionaries worked hard to extract the beautiful, the authentic, the endangered little jewels in our young, complex land. There was always a longing for authenticity… in repertoire, in performance practice, in inclusion; in reaching out. These days, in this place, we reflect. We look back, and acknowledge with gratitude, those who have come before us. We see where we are today. Like little songbirds we perch, we sing; we consider. We always sing. Our journey in authenticity has taken many routes. This address will consider many starting points, but primarily the dimensions of our search, our journey in authenticity today- And we’ll leave singing; inspired by our strong, united, community Singing. Always singing.
MINI-CONFERENCE Experience Choral Works and Game Songs from Southeast Asia
presented by SUSANNA SAW
Southeast Asia region is rich with musical heritage from the various ethnic groups. Over the past 20 years, many composers have collected the beautiful folk elements to include in the choral arrangements, to help introducing the wonderful tone colours to the world. Participants will have the opportunity to experience singing some of the most beautiful choral arrangements from this region during the workshop. Participants will gain the ideas of how to derive musical ideas from the folk elements, and transfer them into Musicianship exercises, for the training in music classroom or ensemble rehearsals.
The Mini-Conference is held on Thursday, March 14 @ 1:00 pm (CDT). This is a separately ticketed event: $80 for members, $125 for non-members
OAKE PARTICIPANT CHOIR directed by SUSANNA SAW
We need YOU! You are needed to be a member of the Participant Choir! This is a great opportunity to deepen your conference experience. We especially encourage Tenors and Basses (never can have too many of those!) to join us. Signing up is easy on your Conference Registration! When Early Bird Registration is closed, those who have signed up will receive an email with instructions and rehearsal schedule. The first rehearsal traditionally occurs on Thursday evening of the Conference and the rehearsal schedule will not conflict with sessions.
SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT SESSION Partners: Past, Present, and Into the Future
presented by JO KIRK
PAST: Through video technology, participants will travel back through time as Sr. Lorna Zemke and Mrs. Jo share delightful stories of the early beginnings of the Kodaly approach in the USA.
PRESENT: Come experience Partner Games that lead to a deeper understanding of how we can support one another in our present settings.
FUTURE: Kodaly’s philosophy asserts that music education must begin early in the life of the child, instilling a musical thrust that will last a lifetime. So, COME and observe a demonstration class with 2 to 3 year olds and their guardians. They are our future!!
Performance Location: Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
NATIONAL CONFERENCE CHOIRS CONCERTS
Our annual National Conference culminates in a performance of singers selected to participate in the OAKE National Honor Choirs. There are four audition-based OAKE National Conference Choirs, each led by a nationally renowned conductor. Accepted singers learn and memorize music at home with their own teachers before going to the conference city. The National Conference Choir Concerts are a beautiful expression of bringing singers from across the country to make music together.
This year’s 50th Anniversary concerts will be held in Orchestra Hall, the home of the Chicago Symphony
We’ll share more later. For now, learn more about the history of Orchestra Hall and the CSO.
2024 NATIONAL CONFERENCE CHOIR CONDUCTORS
Children’s Choir – Judith Chan (SSA grades 4-5)
Youth Treble Choir – Sandy Knudson (SSAA grades 6-8)
Concert Treble Choir – Tracy Wong (SSAA grades 9-12)
Chamber Choir – Árpád Tóth (SATB grades 9-12)
Conference Kickoff Event
Come join us as we kickoff the 2024 OAKE National Conference
Affinity Events
D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
These events will be a space to find connections, support, and inspiration from one another, and to share your voice to peers who serve on the OAKE Equity Committee. Grab a snack from the reception and come join us to DIVE in!
BBIA Affinity Event: D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
This gathering is for conference attendees who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian or multi-racial BBIA.
LGBTQIA+ Affinity Event: D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
This gathering is for conference attendees who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Unable to make it? Please join this mailing list to get updates on virtual events throughout the year.
Participants in the 2019 Morning Sing
Social Events
Morning Sing: Being Human Together: A Community Sing Experience
Led by Coty Raven Morris (Friday and Saturday)
Get each morning of the conference started right with beautiful singing with your colleagues.
Grand Opening Reception (Thursday)
Grab a snack and say hello to all your friends at the Grand Opening Reception! After a morning of travel, let’s re-fuel and get reacquainted. Our exhibitors will be officially open and ready to show what they’ve brought especially for our Kodály educators.
Newcomer Event (Thursday)
Is this your first conference? Come learn about OAKE and get the inside scoop on the conference by attending the Newcomer Event!
Retired But Not Retiring (Thursday)
The best is yet to come from our friends who are out of the classroom but not out of touch! Let’s get together to share ideas and pool our many talents to support and encourage OAKE for its next 50 years!
Community Dance (Thursday)
Dance the night away with friends new and old as singers, families, and teachers gather together to kick off the first night of conference with laughter and community!
Friday Night Social Event: “Glitter and Glam”
Come dressed to sparkle and shine as we socialize, dance and celebrate OAKE’s 50th together on Friday Night!
Saturday Night Social Event
Socialize, rekindle Kodály friendships or make new ones, at the Friday and Saturday night social events.
Special Sessions and Offerings
Join the Participant Choir led by Susanna Saw
We need YOU! You are needed to be a member of the Participant Choir! This is a great opportunity to deepen your conference experience. We especially encourage Tenors and Basses (never can have too many of those!) to join us. When Early Bird Registration is closed, those who have signed up will receive an email with instructions and rehearsal schedule. The first rehearsal traditionally occurs on Thursday evening of the Conference and the rehearsal schedule will not conflict with sessions.
Administrators and Choir Family Event
The clinician will give an overview of the Kodály philosophy and approach for choir parents/families and administrators. The presentation will give the audience a chance to experience some music making together. Attendees will gain insight into the teaching that students/singers receive in their local music classrooms.
Choir Rehearsals Are Open to Observation
A bonus opportunity for more professional learning!
Choral Reading Session led by Sandra Mathias
Find fresh repertoire for your classroom, community, and performing treble groups! Join us in singing through literature appropriate for your beginners through advanced elementary and middle-level ensembles.
Educating the Teachers of Teachers Track (ETT)
The ETT (Educating Teachers of Teachers) Track is a time for program instructors to learn from each other and hear new developments from the Teacher Education Committee.
Instrumental Track (IT)
Designed for instrumental educators of all levels, this track explores the application of the Kodály-approach and philosophy to band and string instruments, in the hopes of fostering greater literacy and learning.
OAKE President’s Forum
The OAKE President curates a session on a topic of their choice.
Secondary Choral Track (SCT)
These sessions are designed for Middle and/or High School choral educators to explore a Kodály-inspired, skills based, approach to music literacy, rehearsal techniques and repertoire.
Research Poster Session
Come speak with OAKE members as they share current research projects related to aspects of Kodaly-inspired pedagogy.
OAKE Business
Advisory Council
Advisory Council Luncheon for Chapter and Division Leaders, or their proxies.
Division Membership Meetings
Meet up with your OAKE Division leadership at the Division Membership meetings.
General Assembly Meeting for OAKE Membership
During our general assembly, we meet as a membership to learn about OAKE’s latest developments, celebrate scholarships and awards, and unveil the next OAKE conference!
Conference Breakout Sessions
Click the link above to see a full list of breakout session descriptions
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Dynamic Developments Sarah Bartolome, Christopher Roberts Jonathan Dillon Melissa Fuller Flores Kristin Marchilena Andra Vaughn Educating Teachers of Teachers Track Rebecca Lakes Georgia Newlin Michele Paynter Paise, Becky Halliday Jill Trinka Embracing & Evolving Alicia Brown Cordara Harper, Ramon Jackson Jason Jones Jana Martin Liza Meyers Sarah Reyes Finely-Tuned Musicians Mandy Algate Susan Brumfield Darla Eshelman, Suzanne Morrison Leigh Ann Garner Matthew Hanne Instrumental Track John Crever, Chris Anne Powers Rebecca Knox, Tristi Wren Legacy / History Cathy Dietsch Mary A Epstein, Judith Kramer Koret, Virginia Pohlmeier, Jill Trinka Matthew Hanne Katherine Hickey Sandra Mathias Refining Folk Song Research Juliana Cantarelli Miriam Factora |
Nicholas Flott Crystal Henricks Mary Ellen Junda Erasmia Voukelatos Reflective Practices Judy Bond, Crystal Henricks, Victor Lozada, Herbert Marshall Sarah Burns David Thaxton, Crystal Pridmore, Lisa Sempsey Sarah Tullock Nichole Witman Regroup, Refocus & Renew Madolyn Accola Susan Brumfield Beth Duhon Cecile Johnson Kendall Mencio Mary Neeley Stevens Coty Raven Morris Coty Raven Morris Megan Sheridan Secondary Choral Track Emily Evans Bethany Houff, Georgia Newlin Niké St. Clair Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy Demonstrations Alicia Brown Cecile Johnson Jana Martin Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy Erasmia Voukelatos |
For Presenters:
To find instructions for your session, including the following important links, please find an email titled “2024 OAKE – Congratulations! [take action by June 15 to present at Chicago conference]”
Commitment to Equity | due by November 1
Equipment Request | due by November 1
Session Notes | due by January 15, 2024
Proposals:
2024 Research Poster Session Proposals | Deadline November 1 | Click Here To Submit Your Proposal
Important Contacts and FAQ
For concerns and inquiries, please contact the OAKE National Office.
Equipment inquiries should be addressed to the Equipment Coordinator, Nick Mercier.
Materials inquiries (pictures, biographies, agreements, handouts) should be addressed to the Administrative Coordinator, Colleen Graves.