Many ensembles claim to be "welcoming," but true affirmation requires examining the systems that make some voices feel less valid than others. What if creating LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces isn't about grand gestures? How can we make it part of intentional daily practice? Together, we'll explore gender-inclusive language, repertoire that reflects diverse experiences, and vocal classification beyond binary systems. Instead of tolerance, we'll focus on transformation: building rehearsal spaces where every singer can show up authentically and be celebrated for exactly who they are.
Kimberly Waigwa (they/them) is a thinker of thoughts, meower of tunes, and interdisciplinary conductor committed to intentional music-making at the intersections of racial justice, queer advocacy, and community building. Their work centers the interior experience of being human, using choral music as a medium for reflection, learning, and collective meaning-making. Waigwa has led ensembles including Phoenix Women’s Chorus and Desert Voices Mixed Chorus and served as a clinician with Tone Cluster, Temple University, and the Choir School of Delaware. They currently serve as Artistic Director of One Voice Mixed Chorus in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Dr. Dustin S. Cates (he/him) is a teacher, conductor, presenter, researcher, and proud native of Kansas City, Missouri. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships with people through music and encouraging future conductor-teachers to discover and embrace their authentic voice. Dr. Cates serves as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the Boyer College of Music and Dance, part of Temple University's Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts. At Temple, he conducts the University Chorale, supervises graduate students, and teaches courses in music education, choral/vocal pedagogy, and choral methods. His research and scholarship explore issues of equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice in choral music. A frequent presenter of professional development workshops for music educators, Dr. Cates is also an active conductor and clinician for honor choirs and music festivals across the United States.
Free Registration
Monday, June 1st
7:00 PM ET
Please note that no recording of this webinar will be made public in order to protect the intellectual property of our presenters. Those wishing to join us must attend synchronously.
Delaware Academy of Vocal Arts (DBA: Elevate Vocal Arts) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.
