Session Proposals

Dr. Joshua Chism is an Associate Professor and the Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. There Joshua advises music students; teaches private voice, Diction, and Vocal Pedagogy courses; and conducts the OBU Chorale, Bisonette Glee Club, Golden Bison Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and OBU Community Chorale. Joshua is the Conductor and Artistic Director for Chorale Coeur d'Alene, a 140-voice regional choral arts society based in Idaho.

Joshua holds a PhD in Music Education with an emphasis in Conducting and Choral Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma in Norman (2022). He earned an MM in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri–Columbia, graduating in 2019. Joshua holds Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Bachelor of Music Composition degree from Missouri State University in Springfield (2010). Additionally, he holds Kodály Level I, II, and III certification.

His research interests include the impact of service-learning internships, music assessment, MUED curriculum content, and community music. Joshua has recently presented research at the Collegiate Musicological Society, NAfME, ACDA, and SMTE conferences. In his spare time, Joshua likes to compose, travel, garden, eat sushi, and play board games. Joshua, his wife Natalie, and their young children (Jacob and Hannah) reside in Shawnee, OK. For more information, visit www.joshuachism.com.

Choral rehearsals are a dynamic space where musical growth should be both nurtured and measured. However, traditional group assessment methods often fall short in capturing the nuanced progress of individual singers and the ensemble as a whole. This session will delve into practical, innovative, and research-based strategies for effective assessment within the choral rehearsal, moving beyond simple checklists and rote memorization.

Participants will explore a variety of assessment techniques, including:
• Formative Assessment in Real-Time: Learn to utilize quick unobtrusive methods, visual in-rehearsal assessment, and targeted questioning to gauge understanding and adjust teaching on the fly.
• Self- and Peer- Assessment: Empower singers to become active participants in their own learning through structured self-reflection and constructive peer feedback (large- and small-scale), fostering critical listening and collaborative skills.
• Performance-Based Assessment: Move beyond solely focusing on note accuracy to assess musicality, expressive qualities, and ensemble cohesion through rubrics and focused listening. Participants will gain a greater understanding of effective rubric design.
• Utilizing Technology: Discover simple digital tools that can streamline assessment, provide personalized feedback, and track individual progress over time.
• Creating a Culture of Feedback: Cultivate a rehearsal environment where assessment is seen as a tool for growth, not judgment, encouraging open communication and a willingness to learn.

This interactive session will include practical examples, sample rubrics, and opportunities for participants to share their own assessment strategies. Through hands-on activities and interaction, attendees will leave equipped with a toolkit of effective assessment techniques to enhance their choral rehearsals and foster meaningful musical development in their singers. By implementing these tips and tricks, directors can gain valuable insights into their students’ progress, tailor their instruction, and cultivate a more engaged and successful choral experience.

• Choral - Middle School
• Choral - Secondary