Messiah University Chorister's Workshop 2024

In October 2024, I had the honor of stepping into a role I had always admired- from attendee to clinician- at the Messiah University Choral Workshop. This time, I wasn’t bringing my Baltimore students- I was leading them, along with over 300 eager participants. On Tuesday, October 8th, in Parmer Hall, I stood side by side with my former professors- Joy Meade, Rachel Cornacchio, and Yoon Soo Lim- now colleagues in this full-circle moment.

We worked from 8:30 a.m. until a 5:00 p.m. concert, teaching music from scratch. One highlight was conducting United in Purpose by Rollo Dilworth- a piece that filled the hall with energy. The most surreal part? Seeing my own students out there learning alongside so many others, while I stood on that podium, guiding a massive chorus.

It was an incredible day, one that blurred the lines between teacher, mentor, and conductor. It’s not every day that you get to inspire the next generation- while your own students get to see you shine in a whole new light.