62. Turning Tradition Upside-down with Kaitlin Simonson

Listen to this episode to hear all of the ways Kaitlin Simonson has been creatively overcoming virtual learning as a barrier and engaging students in singing in new ways! Kaitlin Simonson teaches music at The Brearley School in Manhattan, and is the conductor of the Lux Mea Women’s Chorus. She relocated to New York four years ago after teaching choir at Canarelli Middle School in Las Vegas, NV. Under her direction, the six choirs performed throughout the southwest earning superior ratings at festivals and competitions. As an associate conductor for the National Children's Chorus in Manhattan, Kaitlin works with the junior division students ages 4-6, and 10-12. She is trained in the Kodàly Method, an experience based pedagogy method that efficiently instills excellent musicianship in singers of all ages. Kaitlin has been a guest conductor of honor choirs in Nevada and Arizona. Her rapport with students, and focus on the human connection through music make her rehearsals unforgettable. As a classically trained soprano, Kaitlin has performed as a soloist with the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Pro Arte Voices. She is an experienced choral singer praised for her sight reading abilities, preparation and collegiality. Kaitlin holds a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she studied with Dr. Linda Lister. In addition, she holds a B.M.E. in Choral Music Education cum laude from Northern Arizona University where she studied with Dr. Edith Copley and Dr. Ryan Holder. Kaitlin has completed three years of coursework in the Kodàly Methodology with Susan Brumfield at Portland State University. She serves on the KONY board as a general member. She is a member of ACDA, OAKE, and NAfME. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerMusic by: Scott HolmesFollow @ChoirBaton onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | FacebookVisit ChoirBaton.comFollow @BethPhilemon onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInVisit BethPhilemon.com