Finding Inspiration Through Connection

Kennedy Niska

Finding Inspiration Through Connection

When one of my voice students arrived at their lesson this week, they sighed and exclaimed that January feels like a never-ending Monday.

This part of the school/programming year can have our students — and us — in a bit of a lull. In my first couple years of teaching, I usually looked for new ideas to ‘shake things up’ and sought effective solutions to any challenges I was experiencing. Sometimes it was hard to find that inspiration, as I worked in small school districts where my music colleagues taught different ages and content. At times, I felt isolated and a bit lost.

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I can still find myself in a rut this time of the year — but something has changed. I’ve become more comfortable finding inspiration through connection with others.

I’ve been a member of ACDA for 10 years now and recognize that the longer I am engaged, the more connected I feel to conductors around the state. Even though my current role has immersed me in the community/nonprofit sector, my connections with K-12 educators, collegiate conductors, and worship directors are just as purposeful. While the singers we teach and music we program may differ, we can still inspire each other and learn together.

Below is a short list of strategies I’d like to share for encouraging connection:

1. Ask Questions. In my first few years of teaching, the thought of asking a question of someone I didn’t know well was quite intimidating. Now, however, I am coming to realize that answers are often a quick email, phone call, or Facebook post away. Whether I am reaching out to a member of the ACDA leadership team, a conductor, or an executive director, I’m pleased to find that our colleagues around the state are happy to connect and share a few words of wisdom.

2. Share Ideas. I always look forward to repertoire reading sessions and live conference performances to provide me with programming ideas. (As a matter of fact, I was introduced to a few new selections at the recent fall conference that I am excited to add to my program this spring!) I also make an effort to attend local concerts and connect with conductors to learn more about their repertoire choices. Sometimes that spark of inspiration comes from a colleague’s recommendation.

3. Get Involved. ACDA offers numerous ways to get involved, whether it be serving on a committee, volunteering at a conference, or submitting an interest session proposal. These commitments are not only a great way to ‘give back’ — but also an effective way to learn valuable skills and deepen relationships with conductors from all corners of Minnesota.

4. Join the Minnesota Choral Mentorship Program. This fantastic program has already connected approximately 30 emerging conductors with experienced conductors. The program coordinators chose the term ‘emerging conductor’ for the mentee role, as mentorship doesn’t have an age limit! Anyone new to teaching choral music, regardless of age or professional background, may make a great mentee. I’ve been pleased to participate in this program and have benefited greatly from mentor visits and follow up discussions that provide me with valuable insights on how to improve my craft.

5. Seek Opportunities for Collaboration. In my current role, I strive to offer collaborative opportunities for my choirs, whether it be with other nonprofits, community groups, or school programs. Collaboration is enriching for the conductors involved, but it is also meaningful for the singers who take new ideas and perspectives back to their classroom or rehearsal space. This past fall, the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota (YCCM) hosted their annual A Choral Community concert in Little Falls, which involved singers from YCCM, Little Falls High School, and my organization’s youth program, the Legacy Youth Chorale. The event was just one example of a meaningful partnership that brought singers from all over central Minnesota together to be inspired through connection.

Collaboration and connection come in many forms: large festivals, select choir events, or conferences; a luncheon to debrief with a mentor or catch up with a friend; even a simple phone call or email. If you’re feeling the January ‘lull’ I encourage you to connect in a way that makes sense for you. The result could spark the inspiration you need this programming season.