Director of Choral Studies and Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Jace Saplan is busy promoting his groundbreaking research and Hawaiian choral music across the nation. He recently returned from a conference titled “Transgender Singing Voice Conference” at Earlham College in Indiana. This is what Dr. Saplan has to say about his participation:
“The conference is the first of its kind and celebrates the need for inclusive and ethical practices in choral and vocal pedagogy for our trans* students and artists.
I was invited to facilitate a ‘virtual’ session entitled “Decolonizing Transgender”, where I discussed the intersections between race, culture, queerness, and choral pedagogy using my experiences and connection to Hawai’i as a primary example. I then shared practical examples of how pedagogues can ensure that the inclusion of trans* voices must also include trans* voices of color.”
In late June, Dr. Saplan will headline another conference for the Northeast region (Vermont, Delaware, and New Hampshire) of the American Choral Directors Association at Dartmouth University. At the conference, he will not only be featured as guest conductor for the Summer Conference Honor Choir, but will also present a talk on Hawaiian choral repertoire and innovative rehearsal techniques, and another on his work and journey as a conductor.
July and August will also be busy months for Dr. Saplan as he will be the visiting guest artist and scholar for their graduate summer programs in choral conducting and music education. His work at the camp held at the University of St. Thomas will include masterclasses with the university’s graduate conducting studio, conducting lessons, and a course on the performance and pedagogy of Polynesian choral music.