Q&A with (Virtual) Choral Clinicians Andy Beck and Krista Hart

Get to know choral clinicians Andy Beck and Krista Hart ahead of their upcoming webinar, Holiday Treats & Treasures: Choral Music for December Performances ! This engaging sing-along session presents new festive holiday literature from Alfred Music. You'll discover the perfect SATB, SAB, 3-part mixed, and 2-part choral selections to sing throughout the season. This free webinar will feature music in a variety of styles, including traditional carols, holiday pops, winter texts, novelty songs, and more.

What can teachers expect from attending a virtual choral reading session?

ANDY : Teachers can expect an engaging introduction of outstanding new materials that have been thoughtfully curated to fit the session topic. If a webinar is advertised as “accessible middle school repertoire,” that is exactly what we’ll do. With so many publications available these days, reading sessions truly are a fast track to the most applicable repertoire. We introduce each selection live, offering background, anecdotes, teaching suggestions, programming ideas, and more. Then we listen to a full performance recording as the score scrolls across the screen.

KRISTA : We are really trying to give you a live experience, even though we aren’t in the room together. So it’s more than just watching a pre-recorded session, or viewing Score & Sound videos on your own—we will be asking questions of the group and having discussions in the chat window. There are lots of links to additional resources that we give out during the course of the session. You might find yourself doing some choreography, taking a virtual conducting lesson, learning a new warm-up, and hopefully, singing along!

How has the virtual dynamic shifted how you present materials?

ANDY : You know, we still do our best to engage the group in meaningful conversations, learning activities, singing, movement, etc. So, not much has changed there. The nicest shift for attendees might be that this all takes place in the comfort of their own homes/offices. That means coffee can be close at hand, there’s no commute, and attire may be as casual as you’d like. (I promise not to be in my pajamas, haha.)

KRISTA : It has allowed me to bring in more types of media to help showcase the music. In addition to the Score & Sound videos, we have some fantastic videos of our authors talking about their compositions that we incorporate. It’s also nice to be able to talk about a relevant blog post and drop a link into the chat so that people can see it or bookmark it immediately.

What’s your favorite new title to share with teachers?

KRISTA : Honestly, it’s impossible to choose favorites! I think we have a great collection of music for choirs at all levels, different types of performance situations, etc. If I have to list one, I would say I am always excited to see Andy present Theme from Elf because he has created adorable choreography designed for especially virtual choirs. I haven’t seen anything else like it, and it’s exactly what we need right now.

ANDY : Most teachers know that I love to share warm-ups and rounds, those are certainly favorites. But when it comes to specific choral titles, that’s a tough one. And honestly, the answer might change every time we have the opportunity to present. I’m typically thrilled by whichever song seems to resonate most with the participants, and that can change from day to day, group to group. It’s very fun to see, and that’s why we share such a wide variety of repertoire—to fit many different situations.

In what ways has virtual presenting improved your session? How do you feel technology has enhanced the way you’re able to present?

KRISTA : I think we will all agree that there is no substitute for the experience of singing together. I know teachers feel the same way about how they will have to conduct their classes this fall. Although it’s not ideal, it does force you to think in a new way, do some creative thinking about how to interact, and work on solving different types of problems.

ANDY : The virtual format allows us to share screens (for a closer look at samples), deliver related internet links (to discover more), and quickly view related websites or videos (for context, or just for fun). Very often, we show titles slides for each song or book with additional voicings or components clearly identified. These technological features can truly enhance the experience.

What has been the biggest challenge in shifting to virtual events?

KRISTA : It’s a very odd feeling to look into that little computer camera and hope that you are connecting with someone. I miss seeing the faces, and of course, hearing the voices! Attempting to duplicate and maintain the energy and engagement that you have in a live experience is a challenge.

ANDY : I miss conducting the group, hearing their voices, and collaborating with accompanists. While the professional recordings sound great, nothing can replace making the music in real time. Plus, I miss seeing the smiles from the crowd. That’s why that chat window is so fun, we get to exchange happy thoughts there.

What’s your favorite part of virtual events?

KRISTA : I love seeing the comments in the chat in real time as the music is playing. It’s immediate feedback on how people feel about the music and what is resonating with them.

ANDY : Working with Krista, and the incredible support we get from Alfred’s events manager, Michaela Graham. Not only has Michaela helped to plan and organize each event, but she is also in our virtual “control room,” running the slides and videos, sharing links, answering questions, and troubleshooting along the way. It’s been great to have the whole team working together!

What type of feedback have you been receiving from attendees?

ANDY : Feedback has been very positive. Teachers often sign off with a final message saying that they feel reinvigorated, connected, even inspired. One educator commented that, after many months of fearing the return of school, she suddenly felt fully excited for next semester.

KRISTA : For a lot of people discovering new literature is one of the best parts of the job! I’ve read a lot of comments about enjoying getting to connect again with something familiar.

What have you learned about yourself as a clinician, how has it made you better?

KRISTA : Adapting to this new format does force you to think in a new way, do some creative thinking about how to interact, and work on solving different types of problems.

ANDY : I learned that, regardless of the challenges or necessary adaptations, my passion for music education and inspiring others is unwavering. Even though current events have quickly changed our “normal” routines, we music teachers are experts when it comes to reimagining, finding solutions, and innovating. At first, we all wondered if online sessions would resonate, and now we know that they really work. I am hopeful that virtual classrooms and rehearsals can prove to be as effective in the coming months. As far as getting better, there’s no doubt that I have become more tech-savvy than I was at the start of this year. What a joy, to be learning something new while continuing to embrace something I love.