This week's conversation is with Ruthie Millgard, the Artistic Director of San Diego Children's Choir. With her high school level singers, Ruthie makes time for improvisation and "circle songs" in rehearsal (and even, often, in performance!). Through these improvisation exercises, students are allowed to explore musical phrases and are given lots of space to be "wrong". Community is built in this non-judgemental space, and connects the ensemble in a unique way. At the end of the episode, we talk about Ruthie's passion project, Music & Memory, and how her students are singing with, serving, and holding hands with people effected by dementia.
Interested in more information about the San Diego Children's Choir Youth Festival in 2024? Find more info at this link.
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