TXST Choirs Today
The official podcast of the TXST Choral Department
Interviews and discussions with outstanding choral artists.
Hosted by Dr. Jonathan Babcock
Season 5, Episode 2 - Michael Barrett, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Meet our 2024 TMEA All-State Conductor Michael Barrett on Texas State Choirs Today! Michael talks about the University of Pretoria Choir, including their travels, membership, and local events. We also discuss Dr. Barrett's activity as an arranger of South African folk music.
Season 5, Episode 1 - Rosephanye Powell, Auburn University
Composer, conductor and singer Rosephanye Powell talks about her life as an artist, an educator and performer.
Featured recordings:
Songs of Separation: If you should go William Grant Still
Gospel Trinity - III. Holy Spirit, Come Rosephanye Powell; Rosephanye Powell, soloist
To sit and dream Rosephanye Powell; California State University-Long Beach University Choir
The Word Was God - Rosephanye Powell; Texas A&M-Commerce Chorale
Season 4, Episode 2: Max Mendez, North Idaho College
Prof. Max Mendez discusses his research on the Amusia disorder (tone deafness), and his use of Body Mapping as it relates to singing and the choral rehearsal.
Season 4, Episode 1: Z. Randall Stroope, conductor & composer
Interviewed at the 2019 Southwest ACDA Convention, Z. Randall Stroope talks of his early mentors, balancing a career of conducting and composing and where to find great texts for composition.
Musical excerpts:
Sure on this shining night - Stroope
Amor di alma - Stroope
The Road Not Taken - Stroope
Season 3, Episode 3 Samir Savant, director of the Handel London Festival
On April 5, the TXST Chorale will perform as part of the London Handel Festival virtual performance of Handel's most famous oratorio Messiah. In this episode we speak to Festival Director Samir Savant about the project.
Season 3, Episode 2 - Dr. Deb Confredo, Temple University
Recorded from the floor of the 2020 TMEA Convention, Temple University professor Dr. Deb Confredo speaks with Dr. Babcock about the future of music education including technology in the classroom and the new world of remote teaching.
Season 3, Episode 1 - Dr. Craig Jessop, conductor
TXST Choirs Today speaks with Maestro Craig Jessop from the Southwestern ACDA Convention in Little Rock Arkansas. Dr. Jessop discusses his time leading the Air Force Singing Sergeants, his work with Robert Shaw and his time as Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.