Don't Limit the Kids
Jenny Tisi
In this session, we will discuss the importance of the voices of children and youth in worship, how to build a quality children’s and youth choir program, the formation of community, holding standards for a quality music program, how to design an effective rehearsal strategy, and where we go beyond the walls with our choir programs. We will also discuss how we as choral directors keep ourself educated and continue the work and development of our own craft.
Topics Include:
- Why children and youth voices in worship?
- The importance of forming community.
- Fibonacci designed rehearsal
- Ways to recruit children and youth
- What do you want this program to look like?
- When will they offer music in worship?
- Will you be enhancing the music education of these choristers
- Attendance policy
- Tours
- Service projects – in and outside of your church
- Helpful resources
- The importance of a mentor
Meet Your Professor
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Jenny Tisi is a children’s and youth choir director, choral mentor, choral singer and soloist, and vocal music educator. In her 35-year career, she has taught all levels of public school choral music in New York, Washington State, and currently conducts all children’s and youth choirs at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena. She currently sings with the Donald Brinegar Singers and continues to develop her voice and conducting skills studying privately.Â
She recently completed her Masters in Choral Conducting from Cal State LA and graduated in May, 2022. The focus of her master’s thesis was The Creation of a Peace and Social Justice Focused Children’s and Youth Church Choir Program, which concluded with a two-hour liturgical designed with congregational singing lead by the children and youth using the Justice Choir Songbook, included anthems and readings from marginalized communities in our society, sitar, drum circle, and a cantata that served as the sermon.
She recently coordinated and lead a 10-day peace and social justice choir tour to the Deep South, which included concerts in Birmingham, New Orleans, Memphis, and Saint Louis.