Choral Student Leadership Conference

Student leadership in the choral classroom provides the opportunity for emerging leaders to set the pace musically, organizationally and inspirationally within their choir community. Recognizing the potential of young people early offers them time to consider the type of leadership style that fits with their values and beliefs. Consciously considering the leadership styles that they are experiencing in their daily lives creates an awareness of effective leadership and its impact. MSVMA has created a conference experience designed to encourage and develop the leadership skills and knowledge of our high school and college student leaders. MSVMA members will serve as facilitators for related sessions.

Objective

Provide an inspirational and educational experience for high school and college students focused on examining, developing and enhancing leadership skills. 


Outcomes

Students will:

  • Create a personal strategic plan for living leadership that includes specific goals.

  • Learn to communicate in ways that motivate and encourage listeners.

  • Explore the dynamics and the strategies of win-win negotiation and conflict solution.

  • Examine the power of teamwork and how to encourage collaboration in a group.

  • Evaluate personal leadership strengths and identify those areas that they wish to improve.

Students will apply these outcomes in their choral experience to: 

  • Lead effectively in formal and informal roles in their choirs, ensembles and sections.

  • Interact with peers and professionals from other schools and develop confidence in their skills as leaders and as followers.

  • Understand the art of singing in community and be able to articulate their standards of excellence to other singers.

  • Recognize the potential for their leadership roles in future ensembles at the university and community levels.

  • Connect with MSVMA mentors and gain an understanding of MSVMA and its mission.


Registration

High school directors may may register up to 10 students to attend the conference. Please complete the registration form and submit your payment by credit card or check by June 11, 2025.


Cost is $50 per student and includes CSLC Conference materials and lunch. Refreshments will not be provided. Snacks/water are the responsibility of the student. 


Directors who are thinking about growing your student leadership program but are not ready to send students - you are welcome to attend. Please complete the registration form and check the Teacher Only level.

Invoices and checks should be mailed to:

MSMVA

P.O. Box 1131
Big Rapids, MI  49307

Registration fees are non-refundable.

Choir Director/School Responsibilities
Directors/Schools are responsible to provide one adult/chaperone for students attending. Since students will be involved throughout the day, contact information for the “chaperone” will be requested in case there is an emergency and they need to be reached during the conference. If the choral director is attending the CSLC, they can be listed as the “chaperone” on the registration form.


          

               Dr. Matthew Arau

                      Headliner


Internationally renowned speaker, coach, author, and conductor, Dr. Matthew Arau has a proven track record of helping people shatter limiting beliefs, unlock their full potential, and orchestrate their lives in alignment with their values and vision. As the founder of Upbeat Global and author of the bestselling book, Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond, Dr. Arau believes in the power of gratitude and joy to make meaningful, transformative change from within. Drawing on his 27 years as a conductor, music educator, and professor, Matthew empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to create inner harmony and resonance through focusing on their well-being, inner voice, and mindset.

Read more

Darel Middaugh

Choral Student Leadership Coordinator
middaughd@slcs.us

734.383.3627

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
8:45 - Conference check-in

9 AM - 4 PM


Earl V. Moore Music Building

University of Michigan

503 Thompson Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

                                                                                                  

Michigan School Vocal Music Association

P.O. Box 1131

Big Rapids, MI 49307-1131

(231) 592 - 9344

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