Vocal HERSpective: Recent Episodes
Acaville
Allison Thompson certainly knows how to keep about a dozen balls in the air at once. As the Convention Manager for Harmony, Inc., Allison is the driving force behind the annual International Convention & Contest. This year, she’s also stepped up to help with the organization’s expansion efforts and is leading the team for Harmony Fest West. Hear more about the upcoming events and gain a little insight on what goes into pulling off stellar large-scale events!
Learn more about Harmony, Inc. and Harmony Fest West at harmonyinc.org
Just how much can Amanda and Kris fangirl over one of their favorite arrangers? Find out in Episode 115 with esteemed guest, MaryAnne Muglia Smith! MaryAnne is an accomplished arranger, composer, songwriter, performer, clinician, and just…Renaissance Woman. You may best know her from Red Letter Daze, but you can also find her as a camper turned Director at A Cappella Academy. Hear her story and all of the unexpected places she finds inspiration.
MaryAnne’s Arrangements, Compositions, and Commisions – maryannemuglia.com
Red Letter Daze – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-Rkgf-mvp0msb-5ZuakwQ
A Cappella Academy – acappellacademy.org
This week we celebrate the non-traditional. The dream chasers. The fear facers. Join us for an interview with Teri Allred, a lifelong dancer that dove headfirst into barbershop singing about a decade ago, as we share her journey that is, of course, so much more than just music.
Learn more about Harmony, Inc. – www.harmonyinc.org
Learn more about Bella Nova – www.bellanovachorus.com
What happens when you confront hate with kindness? Criticism with resolve? Insecurity with authenticity? All that and more as we talk to Becca Eckes and Stephanie Taglianetti, the treble clef of Smoke Ring. With a well earned meteoric rise in the barbershop community, we talk about what’s behind the curtain. Quite literally!
Get the debut album: https://smokeringquartet.bandcamp.com/album/smoke-ring-vol-1
Get Smoke Ring merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/smoke-ring-shop/
Jess Leigh has found herself in her rural community arts community, especially in Northern Blend Chorus and Roulette, both 2024 Harmony, Inc. Champions. Hear about her entrance into barbershop and the personal journey behind her path to gold. Authenticity is key, but that’s just the beginning!
Learn more about Roulette: https://www.facebook.com/RouletteQuartet/
Learn more about Northern Blend: https://northernblendchorus.homestead.com/
Rochelle Rice is a captivating vocalist, composer, and creative force whose music
blends jazz, soul, and pop with undeniable emotion and technical brilliance. Rochelle is a self-proclaimed jack of all trades and underlying all of it is collaboration, whether with her band, ensemble bēheld, the iconic Sweet Honey In The Rock®, or one of her many other projects. In addition to these music projects, Rochelle has also launched and is now on tour with Tell Her This, a dynamic fusion of podcasting, visual art, and live music that amplifies the voices and wisdom of women.
Learn more about Rochelle: www.rochellericemusic.com
Learn more about Tell Her This: https://www.tellherthispodcast.com/
Upcoming Tour Dates:
04.25.25 – The Hill Center, Washington, DC
05.22.25 – Bombyx, Florence, MA
05.23.25 – Bombyx, Florence, MA
An unlikely entrance into barbershop, this lifelong instrumentalist is making waves in the barbershop and vocal music community. Kathleen Hansen is the genius behind the super popular YouTube page and app “Warmups with Kathleen,” a pandemic project that keeps on giving. Kathleen also explores several serious challenges facing directors and programs in the current era.
Connect with Kathleen: https://www.khansenmusic.com/#/
Learn more & get the app: https://www.warmupswithkathleen.com/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VocalWarmupsWithKathleen
Sally Galloway explores the mind-body connection and its importance in strengthening the human behind the performer. To learn more about classes, coaching, or connection, visit www.sallygalloway.com
Gaye LaCasce talks about her journey in harmony and in Harmony, Inc – often one in the same! Combining her lifelong love music with executive experience in the corporate world, Gaye’s leadership is guiding the organization to new heights.
Jen Hayman has experience in every role in the music business, but she always have the same mission of using her voice and giving a voice to others. Working with her is a masterclass in bringing meaning and mission over content.
Check out bēheld: beheldmusic.com
This week's episode features an interview with Kim Newcomb of The Ladies and Half and Half Quartet, the voice behind your learning tracks, and otherwise amazing human. Kim is definitely on the forefront of advancing women in barbershop and you'll want to hear what she has to say in this extended episode.
On Episode 101, world-renowned performance and presentation guru Theresa Weatherbee shares her expertise and humor as she talks about her experience coaching performance both inside and outside the barbershop world. The interview goes beyond buzzwords and digs deep into what it takes to entertain an audience - the perfect advice for competition season!
We did it! We made it to 100! Vocal HERspective hits a huge milestone tonight with Episode 100! Guest Angie Choo joins the podcast all the way from Singapore to talk about her incredible contributions to the a cappella community through The A Cappella Society supporting everyone from children to seniors and even offering a program for the blind, So many great things that the world should know about (and replicate!
Vocal HERspective returns as the hosts check in after a busy caroling season that ALMOST felt like normal. Minus the COVID surge, avoiding exposure, the return to masking, the constant testing, the staff juggling, and now the uncertain near future. A must listen for anyone navigating how to rehearse and perform and trying to plan for any of it right now!
You know when you watch a performer and you are immediately captivated by their magic? That's what you get from ARORA's Rachel Bearer, both on and off stage. On this week's Vocal HERspective, you'll hear about her slightly unconventional path into the ethereal, original electro-cappella sound we've come to know and love. Plus, more about all of the cool things she's working on now.
Blair Brown is trailblazing in the barbershop community - not just for women, but for all. A member of Double Date and the first ever non-male member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, she's also part of the most recent class of judge candidates. There's lots to unpack, but suffice to say, barbershop is in good hands with people like Blair. The interview premieres on Vocal HERspective at 6 pm Pacific tonight
This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda catches up with the beautiful and talented human being that is Clare Wheeler. Accomplished performer, arranger, composer, conductor, and coach, you may know her best from her 11 years with The Swingles, but you'll want to hear the whole story!
On Episode 95, Amanda Pitts of Adrenaline chats about her life in barbershop - and don't let her age fool you - she was one of the youngest women ever to take the stage for Sweet Adelines International! Plus, there's lots more on the horizon.
Kris and Amanda head to Toronto to chat with Jordana Talsky, an incredible performer and songwriter introduced to the wider world of a cappella through her involvement with the Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. The interview covers looping, the writing process, being in the studio, live performance and just the heart of what being a creative artist means. And even a little taste of her latest amazing album.
When you think of barbershop families, the McAlexander family is impossible to miss. A fixture at conventions and a leader in community conversations, Ann McAlexander talks about how barbershop become integrated into their family life, watching her kids grow into their own in the artform, the direction she'd love the community to take, and why you should just come up and say hi.
This week, Kris and Amanda sit down with Lynique Webster. Lynique cut through the crowd to have some of the most memorable collegiate performances in recent memory. From there, she took a chance on JUNE and launched Nomadic, a group with a bright future ahead. She shares her journey through grief and how her mom inspired to to cut to the chase.
There's a lot to be celebrated about taking risks, and Ariel Arbisser did just that. We promised to have her back to celebrate the release of her solo album, Risk of Love, and that moment is here! Hear more about the album, the process, and the importance of trust and collaboration in Episode 91!
For Episode 90 of Vocal HERspective, hosts Kris and Amanda sit down with barbershop royalty. Queen of Harmony Sandi Wright earned her first Sweet Adelines crown with the Tetrachords in 1978 and hasn't stopped since. She won again with Ambiance in 1986, performed and directed St. Louis Harmony Chorus, and now St. Louis Vocal Project. Aside from stories and tips from her barbershop career, Sandi also shares her advice on preserving your aging voice.
Be inspired by this week's interview on Vocal HERspective with guest Mary Ann East, who has dedicated her career to empowerment through music, directing multiple choirs for young girls, women, and even dementia patients and their caregivers. In these continued trying times, be reminded of all the ways that music keeps us going.
Barbershoppers recognize the Tramack family name - a family descended from multiple generations of chord ringers with no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Vocal HERspective speaks with Samantha Tramack from the youngest generation of stars. From begging to join the New England Voices in Harmony at age 6 to winning her first crown with Taken 4 Granite, she's just getting started.
Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands this week for an interview with Merel Martens - composer, arranger, director, performer, educator - she does it all. Not only that, she does it all while radiating true joy and love for the music. Heading up education with Vocal Leadership, a member of The Real Group Academy team, and leading groups like MAZE to great success is just part of her story.
This week on Vocal HERspective, Kris and Amanda meet with two-time Harmony Queen, Morgan La Croix. Morgan is pretty much a lifelong barbershopper, taking to the risers at a very young age. She's shared her magic with so many different communities within Harmony, Inc and has so much more to give. You can hear her sing with her latest chorus Northern Blend Chorus or her current quartet Roulette - HI Quartet.
There are legends... and then there are LEGENDS. Vocal HERspective sits down with New York Voices' soprano, Kim Nazarian on tonight's episode. Her immense talent is only matched by what a lovely human she is.
Hear about her experiences as a performer, educator, and clinician - jobs that have taken her all over the world from universities to top festivals and camps, including A Cappella Camp, vokal.total, Ithaca College, and more. She is adding to the list with her recent appointment as the Artistic Director of the DiMiero JazzFest. Seriously, if we listed everything she's done here you'd be here all day, so you'll have to tune in to hear more!
Vocal HERspective checks in with Wendy Spilker of Take 4 Quartet for a bird's eye view of barbershop and how it not only changed her life, but brings joy in so many ways!
Kris and Amanda put Talkappella co-host Elicia Edwards in the hot seat. The interview covers everything from BYU Noteworthy, how she met Brian, singing bass, and cats, of course!
When there is a lack of representation, the brave step up to correct it. A decade ago, a small group of enthusiasts recognized that Canada needed its own world class festival and Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival was born and has gone on to become one of the most unique festivals found anywhere. This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda and Kris chat with Pat Silver, the heartbeat of this incredible movement.
On this week's episode of Vocal HERspective Amanda and Kris chat with Sara Wood, one of the founding members of Bella Nova, A Harmony, Inc., Chorus, who is using her experience in the non-profit association world to guide the arts into the post-pandemic era.
Harmony, Inc. is a led by an incredible team of volunteers and the organization is luck to have Linda Brehaut as president of the International Board of Directors as the world navigates a time that has been especially unkind to performers.
"If it doesn't exist, I can just make it myself." When co-hosts of the Lez Hang Out podcast saw the need for more feel good queer content, they teamed up with some amazing producers and performers to create The Flame - a one of a kind original musical podcast debuting on June 2!
On Episode 78, we welcome guest Tiffany Haigler, president of Capital Blend and member of the Board of Directors for the Contemporary A Cappella League. In the same way that her smile lights up a room, the positive energy she brings to her interview will brighten up you evening. She talks about her group's secrets to success as they find time for their passions while they navigate all of the challenges of adulthood together.
Lindsey McGowen is tonight's guest on Vocal HERspective. She chats with Kris & Amanda about her journey, her challenges, and the joy she found in the extra time foisted on her by the pandemic.
See those smiles? Vocal HERspective hosts Kris & Amanda have a lot to be happy about after a week of performing that almost looked like normal. On tonight's episode they chat about the excitement and the concerns about the new road ahead for musicians.
What happens when you prepare your whole life for a future in musical theater and then you graduate college in a pandemic? If you are like Shannon Connors, you learn even more about yourself and gain new perspectives. And while your move to NYC might be postponed, it isn't canceled!
Music is in the hearts and souls of the Irish, but the a cappella community is just starting to make some noise. Vocal HERspective sits down with arguably one of the biggest forces behind putting Ireland on the map - Leanne Fitzgerald of Ardú.
There isn't enough time to name drop just how many top acts Kristin Denehy has worked with (*NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Home Free, Pentatonix...), nor what enormous productions she's choreographed (The Sing-Off, MTV, Critic's Choice...). You'll just have to listen to find out more, plus hear her advice for a cappella groups performance planning
Ariel Arbisser does not hold back - and nor should she. Vocal HERspective talks with her about the benefits of authenticity and pushing boundaries and why you should feel empowered to be yourself, no matter what.
Sometimes we bring on a guest that has no idea why she was asked to come on the show. But Stephanie Dietz came to us all in a unique way and adds so much to the a cappella community, so you don't want to miss this episode of Vocal HERspective!
What's your story? How are you choosing to tell it? Are you setting yourself and your group up for success? That's what's on tap for this week's episode with guest Mason Van Gieson! Mason is an alumna of Amazin' Blue and now sings with VICE A Cappella, BLACKOUT, and Bridges in NYC.
A Cappella Academy? Legacy A Cappella? The SoCal VoCals? And now Netflix? Not a bad resume for someone still in college! Kris and Amanda sit down with the amazing Zoe D'Andrea for an uplifting chat with this inspiring young woman on this week's episode.
Tune into Vocal HERspective for part 2 of an incredible interview with Epic. The conversation with these incredible Harmony, Incorporated Queens. If you missed part 1, download it now!
We're still getting to know our new host Kris, so we decided to bring in her squad. In the first of a 2-part interview, Amanda sits down with all of the lovely ladies of Epic the 2012 Harmony, Incorporated Queens.
What's that? The one and only Ali Hauger from GQ is joining in the conversation on Vocal HERspective this week? It's TRUE! Join us hear all about her music journey, her thoughts, and even the magic she brings to all of us and her "tiny humans"!
Vocal HERspective travels to Texas to sit down with Katy Dane, music educator, barbershop chorus director with A Cappella Unlimited & A Cappella Texas, and President of SING Texas. Don't miss this interview with one of the powerhouses fueling the growth of a cappella in the Lonestar state and beyond.
This week on Vocal HERspective is an interview with Tessa Walker - Harmony, Incorporated Harmony Queen and Sweet Adelines International Rising Star with Hot Pursuit Quartet and music educator toughing it out in the temporary normal.
We are making our 2021 debut with guest Johanna Horn, mezzo extraordinaire for several groups in the DC area and magical, innovative Music Therapist. She also happens to be besties with the hosts, so there's a lot of history in the conversation. But, best of all, the conversation turns to the healing power of music which might be the best lesson to come out of 2020.
For Kris' first official episode, she got to invite her first guest! For episode 62, Kris and Amanda sit down with Kris' quartet mate, Lynn Hughes. Together, they became Harmony, Incorporated Harmony Queens with Hot Topic in 2003. There's a little bit of reminiscing, but a lot of insight onto what made that group click, what they wish could have been different, and how music continues to play a role in Lynn's life.
It is both a happy and sad day for Amanda as she says goodbye to co-host Rachael Schoenbaum and welcomes new co-host, Kris Adams. All three ladies get together for a proper handover on this week's episode - WE 💜 YOU, RACHAEL!
It's number 60 and our guest is Laura Kruschke, the founder of greenTONE and president of the Contemporary A Cappella League. Get insight into the world of adult a cappella, tips for longevity, how CAL fits into the a cappella community and what the organization is up to in the pandemic!
Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands with guest Marlou Vriens, accomplished singer-songwriter, composer, and part of the incredible team at Vocal Leadership. We chat songwriting, music education, and her upcoming album which you DON'T want to miss!
Amanda's not one to idolize, but she and Rachael get to sit down with one of her biggest inspirations on tonight's episode of Vocal HERspective. Tune in for an interview with the heart and soul of Duwendé - longtime arranger and architect of the group, Abbey Janes is brilliant, dedicated, and so, so talented.
Ever wonder just how your favorite CASA programs keep going? We've got longtime superwoman Director of Technology Shane Ardell, and the person behind the most popular CASA programs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards & A Cappella Video Awards), Director of Awards Jessica Chen on this week's episode of Vocal HERspective!
This week Amanda and Rachael catch up with Lisa Hawkins, the one-woman crusader for bringing more a cappella to the northern reaches of the US. Leading by example, she's singing with Pipeline Vocal Project - a trio on fire that is taking the a cappella world by storm.
Vocal HERspective is back this week with a...slightly different kind of episode. For the first time since Episode 1, it's just the hosts and, while it's officially named the "Hosts' Check-in," we probably could have just called it "This Sucks." Tune in for this very unfiltered conversation about the state of the universe according to Amanda and Rachael.
It's not all doom and gloom - this episode also includes a look back at some of the episodes that have made the biggest impressions - ones you'll want to go back and listen to. Oh, and no animals were harmed in the making of this episode, but Moo and Gryffindor surely do sum up how we're feeling so they take center stage on the graphic!
Rachael and Amanda check in with a true success story coming out of the a cappella world. This week's guest is singer, songwriter, and disability advocate Lachi just ahead of her newest track release. A founder of Cadence and Mezzo A Cappella is making huge waves and we try to pack all of it into this 30 minute interview.
It's off to Germany this week on Vocal HERspective with guest Nina Ruckhaber of Black Forest Voices & Ninas VoxBox talking all things German a cappella. Don't miss this interview with a true ray of sunshine.
After decades of gender separation on the barbershop stage, the mixed ensemble movement is really starting to flourish. Get to know more about the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association with President Roxanne Powell. She just happens to also be one of barbershop's most rabid fans and an understated hero in the barbershop community!
Vocal HERSpective heads down under this week for a visit with Alex Van den Broek of Vocal Australia and MVP. Amanda and Rachael cover everything from the Aussie a cappella scene, to songwriting, to what it's like to be in an all female-identified band. Tune in to this fun interview and you'll fall in love with Alex, just like we have!
It takes a whole team to keep Acaville up and running and Rachael and Amanda felt it was time to make sure everyone gets to know one of the voices that you don't get to hear on the air very often. Dana Director has been there from the beginning, serves on the Board of Directors, and represents Acaville at events and festivals everywhere! Here more about the behind the scenes of Acaville and this very amazing woman!
Hear about the unlikely journey that led Lisa Marien to create a booming elementary a cappella program at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School.
Vocal HERspective takes a (virtual) visit to Denmark to speak with the brilliant, kind, and talented Tine Fris-Ronsfeld of POSTYR, Vocal Line, and AAVF about music, songwriting, connection, and life.
On Episode 47, Rachael and Amanda go more in depth on the conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion with Jo Sahlin, a member of Olympia Chorus, SoundWave Quartet, and the Sweet Adelines International Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. In a time of upheaval and rapid change, this episode highlights the progress that has been made, what more is ahead, and some ideas on maintaining productive conversations.
This week on Episode 46, Annette Philip of Women of the World talks diversity, the power of music, mental health, and finding the bright side of this pandemic.
If you ever needed to be reminded of just how much a music teacher can change lives, look no further than BriAnne Woodward. Her well-prepared students go on to great success in both PFC & Madison Avenue. Better yet, they are sent off better prepared for a world that often doesn't make much sense.
This interview is truly inspirational - for students, for teachers, for the future of vocal music, and, well, for everyone. Do your soul a favor and tune in.
Rachael and Amanda chat with Rachel Chalhoub - an all-star you may know as Rachel C. From an accidental start at FSU to being behind the scenes at many of your favorite festivals and events, and even a stint on national TV, she's got a unique perspective of the community from behind the lens.
We've always been inspired by Selame Scarlett's performance skills and passion for a cappella. Fans will know her from her stellar vocal percussion with groups like Traces, Lady Jaye, and Capital Green, or perhaps through her work with A Cappella Academy, The Sing-Off, or countless coaching sessions. Or, you've heard her cheers over crowds at concerts and festivals.
From the The Mandarins to Cape Harmony to a recently released solo album, Nina Pelligra is pushing boundaries. Learn more about her writing process and the art of looping which both play a prominent role in her music.
Nina Kasuya, superstar from HIVE and a driving force for inclusivity, is tonight's guest on Episode 41! She's also one of the most joyful people you'll ever meet.
You may know her best as half of FreePlay or as Artistic Director of Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, but there's a lot more to learn about Suba Sankaran! Rachael and Amanda sit down with her on Episode 40.
This week on Episode 39, Amanda and Rachael talk all things barbershop with Amy Rose, the Social Media and Digital Communications Manager for Barbershop Harmony Society, a longtime member of Sweet Adelines International, and currently singing in Harmony, Incorporated quartet, Swing Theory.
On Episode 38, Amanda and Rachael sit down with Christine Sack, the former Artistic Director of Voicebox. They talk everything from artistic vision, striving for constant improvement, the visibility and acceptance of non-binary singers, and so much more!
What better time to highlight educators in the a cappella community than right now? In Episode 37, we sit down with Amanda Roeder, the choir director at Chelmsford High School who works with The Crescendos and The Thursdays as well as many a cappella events in the Boston area.
One of the many purposes of art is to challenge yourself and your audience and sometimes that spurs a little controversy. Brittany Russell and Gestalt are making waves and that's one of the topics of discussion in Episode 36 .
This week on Episode 35, we went a little unconventional. Leslie Kekuewa and Pitches Be Crazy don't fit the mold of typical a cappella and they embrace it in a way we hope more singers will. Tune in for an interview that talks diving in, real commitment, and putting on a show.
On Episode 34, Amanda and Rachael sit down with former Acaville Radio Intern, McKinley Merritt, who was a founder of VOLT. Explore the process of concept through finding success in the collegiate scene, with great tips on getting your own collegiate group off the ground.
On Episode 33, Amanda and Rachael chat with Lisa McNulty. From classical training at Peabody Conservatory to blazing trails with Ember, Lisa is one to watch. Listen in to find out why!
A teacher. A director. A performer. At the heart of the huge undertaking that is The National A Cappella Convention.
For Episode 32 of Vocal HERspective, Amanda and Rachael sit down with Shannon McNulty, to talk about all of these things and more.
Vocal HERspective is back tonight with the one, the only, Shelley Regner! Rachael and Amanda got to sit down with this lovely human who happened to be a part of Pitch Perfect and DCappella. Seriously, she's the sweetest PLUS she has lots of great thoughts to share. A must-listen episode!
On Episode 30, International President of Harmony, Incorporated Donna McKay, sits down with Amanda to talk the past, present, and future of barbershop and Harmony, Inc.
This week we're sitting down with Jo Eteson, longtime soprano of The Swingles. We could elaborate for hours about her talent and experience, but we'll just leave it at: she is a living legend. And an incredibly kind and generous legend at that.
A relatively new group, The Crescendos have wasted no time making big strides. This young group out of Chelmsford High School are recent winners of their ICHSA quarterfinal, and a shining example of the newest generation of a cappella singers.
Holli Kitching can be found both on stage and off singing with VXN and producing the ICCA Mid-Atlantic for Varsity Vocals. She's seen and heard a lot over her a cappella career and we discuss so much more than just singing and competition in Episode 27 .
onight on Episode 26, Katie Mac of GQ & one of the newest employees of Barbershop Harmony Society sits down to chat (with her signature zeal!) all things barbershop and the positive impact "Everyone in Harmony" has had on her life and so many others.
And in honor of some birthday milestones, Rachael and Amanda talk getting older and why it's not as scary as you might think!
We've reached Episode 25 (!) tonight with a woman who excels in many avenues of a cappella. Whether it be on stage with Musae or creating some of the best recorded a cappella out there, Angela Ugolini stands out. And she's just getting started.
On Episode 24 we chat with Cassie Greene, a member of Business Casual. Even though this group isn't a full-time endeavor, they've seen some incredible success- including a National Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival title, winning the VoiceJam Festival and earning a ticket to Vocal Asia, and two trips to the Varsity Vocals AcaOpen Finals.
We are back with the first episode of 2020 with none other than Lisa Forkish! From Divisi, to Vocal Rush to HIVE and even more in between, Lisa is a champion of inclusivity in the a cappella community. Whether it be through the many years of work with the Women's A Cappella Association, being the driving force behind WeSing, writing original music, or being a constant mentor and coach to all, Lisa's work is bringing us all a deeper level of connection and understanding.
If there were a poster woman for girl power, Judy Fontana Minkoff might just be it. This DC area native has taken the NYC a cappella scene by storm, leading the SingStrong Single Singers and founding the 2016 Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival Champions and headliners for SoJam and Kettering National A Cappella Festival, Stiletta.
And, as all of the Acaville original content, we'll be on break for the holidays and we'll be back with Episode 23 with Lisa Forkish on January 7th!
Vocal HERspective is back for Episode 21 with quite possibly the most genuine human on the planet - Hannah Juliano! From a late start in singing, to success with Pitch Slapped, national tours, Super Bowl commercials, and now a second year on stage with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, there is just so much to learn from her journey. Plus she's the perfect feel good interview for this week of gratitude - your hosts and the a cappella community are certainly thankful for her!
What started as a fun experience in a service oriented a cappella group at UCLA has led to a full career in sound engineer at Stanford. In addition to working as a lecturer in studio engineering, Elena Georgieva also records and runs live sound for the a cappella groups at Stanford.
Since 2003, Sara Yood has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Varsity Vocals growing and running smoothly. These days you can find her backstage orchestrating Finals in NYC and doing it with incredible poise. All on top of her day job as an IP lawyer in NYC.
College isn't too early to start making an impact. Amanda Purdue is the music director of the ACAbellas at Central Connecticut State University. She's also been a part of the leadership team of the school's a cappella society for the last few years. Under her guidance, the a cappella community at CCSU has grown significantly stronger, with more involvement, more outreach, and more impact on the community at large. Listen in to hear her advice on what it takes make it happen on your campus.
Owner of Viridian Productions and owning the stage with Musae, Mel Daneke is changing the game. Studying Vocal Performance, Audio Production, and Music Education at Ithaca College, Mel got her a cappella start with Premium Blend. She’s gone on to tour the world and has landed tracks on all of the major compilations.
Rachael and Amanda also discuss how to plan ahead for what to do after your competition season ends.
Vocal HERspective is back with Episode 16 for an interview with another leader in the NYC a cappella scene. All-Night Yahtzee alumna Caitlin Nelson now sings with Concrete among many other projects.
Treble has been successfully navigating the post-collegiate a cappella scene since before the latest crop of recent grads was born. Longtime music director, Meredith Strang is a large part of their continued success and she has plenty of advice to offer on longevity, group dynamics, arranging for treble voices and more.
This week we're talking with Giorgia Renosto of Women of the World. She started in a family full of musicians in Italy with a dream of attending Berklee College of Music. Making that dream come true led her to becoming part of one of the most powerful quartets in the world.
Kristina Adams is a two-time Harmony Queen and longtime music educator. We like to call her the barbershop whisperer as what this singer does is nothing short of magic.
Kris talks about singing, teaching, and even some new way she is incorporating music into her life and career.
Tonight on Vocal HERspective Amanda & Rachael sit down with Esin Ozlem Aydingoz, part of the music team for DCappella. This Berklee College of Music grad is not only chasing her dreams, but making them a reality.
Episode 11 and we're feeling super lucky to sit down with Meron Mogos! Think you might be interested in event planning? You don't want to miss this golden advice from CASA - The Contemporary A Cappella Society's Director of Events. She also happens to be the powerful and sultry voice that brings the low notes for VXN, a successful long distance vocal group.
Episode 10! We've hit double digits! This week we are featuring the incredible Shana Oshiro, of HALO Quartet/HALO, Incorporated whose quartet is taking barbershop well beyond entertainment with their Race and #RealTalk seminars.
Ellie Brigida brings drive and confidence that we wish more people had. Mix that with her strong natural talent and skills acquired of several years of focused work, she also strongly believes in the concept that the sky is brighter with more than one star.
Anne Bureau is Musical Director of The Liberty Belles Chorus and North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus, Music Judge, International Quartet Champion and true QUEEN in every sense of the word. Anne brings an exuberant energy to everything she does and her joy is nothing short of infectious.
Amanda and Rachael interview Gina Deaton. If you don't know this name yet, you should - she keeps CASA running and running well! Learn more about the initiatives of the latest generation of CASA leadership and how the organization's commitment to the community goes far beyond the music.
Currently on the leadership team of Haunted Harmonies, Amy Malkoff is a foundational member of the a cappella community who continues to be a driving force in the management and development of a lot of the things we all hold dear.
Amanda and Rachael also discuss the ups and downs of the inner circles of the a cappella community and groups.
Learn more about Amy at: https://www.amymalkoffmusic.com.
This week Rachael chats with guest Amanda Newman, Executive Director of Varsity Vocals! The collective wisdom of women in leadership roles in a cappella is tremendous and this episode is another great example of that.
Learn more about Amanda and Varsity Vocals at: http://varsityvocals.com.
This week Amanda and Rachael chat with 3 time Harmony Queen, Katie Taylor. A barberbrat turned barbershopper at the age of 12, we learned a lot from this amazing singer, teacher, and community leader. Also, find out why we brought up Hannah Juliano, The Edge Effect, Hamilton, and Shoshana Bean!
Learn more about Katie on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/katie.taylor.146612
Amy Engelhardt spent 13 years as the sole female member of Grammy-nominated vocal "band without instruments," The Bobs, winning numerous ASCAP songwriting and ACA vocal performance awards for her writing, arrangements and vocals with the band.
Learn more about Amy on her website: http://amy-engelhardt.blogspot.com.
Kari Francis has a long and storied a cappella history - from her college days with The Tritones and The Daughters of Triton to founding Musae to her most recent turn with the Sirens of Gothem - she has an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge. Check out what Kari has to say about her experience in a cappella and her thoughts on the roles female and female-identifying persons play!
Learn more about Kari on her website: https://www.karifrancis.com.
Hosts Amanda Cornaglia and Rachael Schoenbaum interview each other in this very first episode of Vocal HERSpective!