Shows
The Choir Room PodcastKeith Childress: From World Action Singers to Teaching 1st-12th Graders, An Engaging CRQ, And Greg In the Minority.What creates lasting community in a world of increasing isolation? Musician, vocalist, composer, teacher, and choir director Keith Childress has discovered the answer through decades of choir leadership spanning continents, cultures, and generations. When a remarkable opportunity took him to Oral Roberts University as part of the World Action Singers, he found himself performing alongside legends like Aretha Franklin and Teddy Pendergrass—a divine appointment that transformed his trajectory. Now teaching first through twelfth graders, Childress brings innovative approaches to music education.Greg finds himself in the minority amongst his co-hosts and guest (you'll have to...2025-03-1246 minThe Choir Room PodcastBack Together Again: Mietta Shares About the Journey, The Benefits and Joys of Singing In the School Choir, Throwback Choir AudioStep into the Choir Room for an insightful exploration into the undeniable power of communal singing and choirs! In this episode, we unpack the significance of choir culture in today's society, addressing the vibrant sense of community that music fosters even in challenging times. With heartfelt anecdotes, co-host Mietta bravely shares her recent health journey and the impact it has had on her, reminding us all of the importance of community and support.Our discussion also highlights the transformative role of music in educational settings and the need to revive music programs in schools, affirming that singing...2025-03-0629 minThe Choir Room PodcastJared McClain joins us to discuss Navigating Choir Rehearsal Distractions, Captivating Young Minds Through Choir, and Choir Musical DiversityThis episode highlights the significance of choir culture and the challenges faced in both rehearsals and performances. With guest Jared McClain, we discuss the value of leadership in nurturing positive choir environments, memorable experiences in singing, and the integration of technology to engage new generations. Ever been in the middle of a choir rehearsal when the drummer starts tapping away, and suddenly it becomes impossible to focus? We've all been there, and in this episode of the Choir Room, we're tackling these not-so-uncommon rehearsal distractions head-on. Joined by the insightful Jared McClain, we dig into the art o...2024-12-2457 minThe Choir Room PodcastUnlocking Choir Mastery: Rehearsal Strategies, Theological Reflections on 'My Hope is Built on Nothing Less', and Band Collaboration With Ben and Renee WestryThere is no single way of conducting a successful choir rehearsal. Unlock some of the secrets to conducting effective choir rehearsals with insights from seasoned choir directors and their friends, Ben and Renee Westry, music directors at the Full Gospel Interdenominational Church. Ben and Renee discuss their journey from being young musicians in their church to becoming influential leaders in their music ministry. Join Greg Thomas, along with co-hosts Dorian Johnson and Mietta Stansil-Farrar, as they share best practices for managing church choir and band dynamics. Then, learn about the hymn of the week, "My Hope is Bu...2024-06-221h 02The Choir Room PodcastHearing the Harmony: The Hymn 'It Is Well With My Soul', Diversity in Choir, and the Joy of Choir Sundays at Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship.Step into the vibrant Choir Room where the rich tapestry of song and spirit comes to life. This week, my co-hosts Dorian Johnson, Mietta Stancil-Farrar, and I, Greg Thomas, as we uncover the poignant history of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" and then followed by a live rendition by the enchanting Sarai Negron-Ingold. Mietta brings us the CRQ and we delve into the conversation of recruitment for a community choir.With personal anecdotes, we delve into the transformative power of choir singing and the sense of community it fosters. From the unique perspective of o...2024-05-0857 minThe Choir Room PodcastHymns of Praise and Choir Mastery Cultivating a Transformative Singing ExperienceAs we gather in the Choir Room this Easter, a time of reflection and rejoicing unfolds through the power of choral music. The episode kicks off with a stirring reminder of Christ's sacrifice, captured in Kurt Carr's poignant composition, performed remotely during the 2020 pandemic by Greg Thomas and Misty Quinn, and we're transported through the rich history of Charles Wesley's "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Co-host Dorian walks us through this hymn's deep scriptural roots, inviting both heavenly and earthly voices to celebrate the resurrection. It's a moment that intertwines personal hope with the timeless victory over death...2024-04-0144 min
The Choir Room PodcastSinging Through Life's Challenges PART 2: The Spiritual Essence of The Hymn, Disney's - "Encanto's" Adassa on Balancing Career and Family in Music With Christ at the Helm.Choir is a fusion of singing, faith, community, and tradition that resonates with many of us. In this episode we've orchestrated a vibrant discussion around reviving choir traditions, the undervalued power of corporate singing, and the intricate challenges choir directors confront in today's ever-evolving world, particularly in the wake of a pandemic that left many choir rooms silent. We enrich the conversation with hymn highlights and thought-provoking queries that peel back the layers of this communal art form's impact on the fabric of society,Joined again by Disney's "Encanto" multi-talented artist Adassa, we step into hers and...2024-03-1059 min
The Choir Room PodcastSinging Through Life's Challenges: The Spiritual Essence of The Hymn, Disney's "Encanto's" Adassa on Balancing Career and Family in Music With Christ at the Helm.As the harmonies of "Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" resonated in the Choir Room, Dorian Johnson enlightens us on this deep content rich hymn of the church. Mietta Stancil-Farrar navigates us through our CRQ to discuss the rich tapestry of choir beyond the church walls, uncovering the wide-reaching impact of gospel music from serene nursing home gatherings to the raw vibrancy of street outreaches.Then, along with our live audience, we welcome the incredibly gifted Adassa, the voice of Dolores from Disney's "Encanto," a wife, mother of seven, singer, songwriter, and now voice-over actress adds...2024-03-0336 min
The Choir Room PodcastEmbracing the New Year with Gospel Choirs: The Legacy of Hymns, Dr. Scott Cumberbatch's Life Story, and Navigating Choir Music in the Digital WorldEmbark on a spiritual odyssey with us as we ring in the new year with a heartfelt celebration of choir and corporate singing, brought to life by the collective genius of Greg Tomas, Doria Johnson, Mietta Stancil Farrar, and Dr. Scott Cumberbatch. We promise a journey into the theological tapestry of Charles Wesley's iconic hymn "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" and an intimate look into the transformative power of gospel choir music in communal worship settings.Dr. Scott Cumberbatch joins us in the Choir Room to share his extraordinary life story, weaving through the...2024-02-0555 minThe Choir Room PodcastExciting Changes Coming : The Exciting Future of The Choir Room, Provoking CRQ’s, and The Reboot of Programs and Service.Step into The Choir Room where the harmonious blend of voices isn't just about music—it's a testament to the power of community and faith. Greg is joined by passionate co-hosts Dorian Johnson and Mietta Stancil-Farrar, and together they usher in a symphony of discussion on the resurgent love for choir and corporate singing. This episode promises a soulful journey through the hymn of the week that ties us to the divine, as Dorian spotlights Isaac Watts' "How Sweet and Awesome is the Place.” It's a weekly dose of musical enlightenment that will leave you pondering the depth of fell...2024-01-2432 minThe Choir Room PodcastCelebrating the Choir's Voice: Uniting Through Christmas Carols, Worship, and Choir Leadership with Special Guests from Metromusic & Arts. PART 2As the holiday season wraps us in its festive embrace, the Choir Room becomes a sanctuary where the soulful blend of voices lifts spirits and fortifies faith. Joined by a group of personal friends and supporters, we delve into the heartwarming world of choral singing, sharing personal journeys and the unspoken bonds it creates. Dorian unpacks the theological resonance of "O Come All Ye Faithful" with us, and shows how it encapsulates the core of Christmas – peace, divinity, and the embodiment of Jesus Christ's love. The ever-evolving landscape of church music ministry sparks a thoughtful debate on the...2023-12-2745 minThe Choir Room PodcastCelebrating the Choir's Voice: Uniting Through Christmas Carols, Worship, and Choir Leadership with Special Guests from Metromusic & Arts. PART 1Gather 'round the Choir Room's hearth as we kindle the spirit of Christmas with voices that echo the joy of the season. Lend your ear to an episode that promises to rekindle your love for traditional carols and the sense of unity they inspire. The hosts are joined by friends of Metromusic & Arts, we delve into beloved hymns like "What Child Is This?" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," unraveling their biblical roots and the stirring emotions they evoke. We exchange tales that underscore the importance of communal singing in nurturing our faith and togetherness during the festive period.2023-12-2654 minThe Choir Room Podcast"Hark the Herald Angels Sing", Christmas choir recordings and live performances that are sure to get you singing and clapping right where you are: The joy and excitement with singing in a choir during the holiday, and a Tribute to Duranice Pace.Ever wondered about the profound significance behind some of your favorite Christmas hymns? Prepare to embark on a journey with us, your hosts Greg Thomas and Dorian Johnson, as we unearth the theological truths embedded in the beloved "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." We dive deep into its history, tracing its origins back to Charles Wesley in 1739 and its later transformation by George Whitfield. Along the way, we experience the wonderful arrangement by Samuel Tolbert and Greg Thomas. Greg takes us on a musical journey with full length versions of some great choir Christmas recordings and live performances t...2023-12-1535 minThe Choir Room PodcastIgniting Christmas Joy Through Song: Unwrapping the Significance of Singing, Diving into "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", and Harnessing Technology in Modern Choir RehearsalsAre you ready to ignite the joy of the holiday season through song? Join us, hosts Greg Thomas, Dorian Johnson and Mietta Stancil-Farrar, as we unwrap the significance of singing during the Christmas holiday, community singing and the hymn of the week, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". We dive deep into the biblical references of this beautiful hymn, unearthing its rich connections to Old Testament prophecies. This beautiful hymn isn't just for Christmas - its timeless message brings comfort and hope all year round.Our CRQ prompts a length offering on the role of technology in choir...2023-12-0636 minThe Choir Room PodcastRenowned Modern Hymn Writer Keith Getty Expounds on The Power of Choir and Communal Singing: The Choir Director and Church Practices, Insights On The Importance of Innovative Hymn Writing, Q&A From Our Audience, and More.The internet, and the plethora of access it provides, is influencing young people's engagement with music, specifically with choir and corporate singing. Find out how you can contribute your thoughts on the evolution of choir music and the seeming disinterest among today's church generation. We also delve into the pressing issue of an apparent lack of new and innovative music specifically for choirs. The round-up of this segment is highlighted by our hymn of the week, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a timeless piece by Martin Luther.Join us as we unravel this conundrum in an...2023-11-161h 17
The Choir Room PodcastPart 2: Proper Hydration, Good Vocal Health, Choir Directing, and Vocal Training 102: Dr. Catherine Hall, Coach Tara Simon, and The Hosts continue with Great Insights and LIVE Participation from Virtual Audience. Listen and Learn.Ever wondered how weather can impact your vocal cords or what qualifies and makes a successful choir director? Don't miss out this episode as Catherine Hall continues to discuss the benefits of hydration to the effects of temperature changes on your voice, and much more. If you're a choir director or a singer, you’ll glean a lot from our conversation on the critical qualities and the need for education among choir directors. Then we're joined by Tara Simon, the phenomenal vocal coach, and YouTube sensation, who unravels some important aspects about maintaining vocal strength and longevity. Ta...2023-10-301h 12
The Choir Room PodcastProper Hydration, Choir in this Generation, and Vocal Training 101: Dr. Catherine Hall, Coach Tara Simon, and the hosts mix it up with a LIVE Virtual Audience. Training the Voice, Navigating the Decline of Choir Culture, and a Dive Into Vocal Exercises.Ever wonder why hydration is crucial for both your health and singing ability? Or why choir participation among teens is trending downward? Tune in as we, your hosts, along with Dr. Cathering Hall, and vocal coach and YouTube sensation Tara Simon, get to the root of these issues. We'll puncture the myth of modern hydration habits and how they affect not only our daily health but our vocal prowess as well. We also promise to shed light on a revolutionary healing approach from and former incarcerated doctor in Iran that emphasizes our bodies' basic need for water, more than...2023-10-181h 01