Kierstin Blanchard-Bible
Page 2
Page 3
Private Voice Teacher, Opera & Musical Theatre Director, Choir Conductor, Classroom Teacher
ACADEMIC PREPARATION:
D.M.A. in Vocal Performance, Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Projected graduation in May of 2006
Coursework completed in May of 2004
Comprehensive exams completed in March of 2005
Final recital and research to be completed by May of 2006
Concentrations: Vocal Instruction, Directing Opera & Musical Theatre, Vocal Performance
Advisor: Dr. Anne DeLaunay
M.M. in Vocal Performance, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, May, 1997
Concentrations: Vocal Instruction, Directing Opera, Vocal Performance
Advisor: William Farlow
B.M. w/ all-level Teaching Certification, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, August, 1995 (cum laude)
Concentrations: Secondary and Elementary Music Education, Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance
Advisor: Debrah Ehrhardt
APPRENTICE PROGRAMS:
Opera in the Ozarks, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center, Eureka Springs, AR, 1994
Opera in the Ozarks, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center, Eureka Springs, AR, 1996
LANGUAGES:
Semi-fluent in German (lived in Germany for eleven years)
Choral Director - Ozarks Chorale in Eureka Srpings, AR - Sep 05 to present
Conduct the Ozarks Chorale, which is one of two community choirs in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Lead the choir in a two-hour rehearsal, once a week, in preparation for two major concerts and several smaller concerts. Choose music for each concert, purchasing music when necessary. Work with the board members to keep purchases within a specified budget.
Adjunct Music Faculty - University of Arkansas in Ft. Smith - Aug 04 to May 05
Taught private voice lessons to music majors. Students studied all areas of vocal technique, such as breathing, support, diction, tension release and character analysis, in preparation for recitals and their vocal juries examination . Taught one section of music appreciation during the fall of 2004.
Private Voice Teacher & Choir Director - Institute of Music Worship and the Arts, AR - Aug 04 to present
As choir director - Direct the student choir, preparing them for several concerts and church conventions. Continually work with choir members on proper vocal and choral technique, as well as musical analysis and interpretation. Guide students in proper vocal technique, musicality and in communicating a specific idea in their singing. Carefully choose music appropriate to the choir's ability. Choreograph simple movements for appropriate songs.
As voice teacher - Teach vocal students of all ages, including very young students. Students study several different styles of singing, including classical, jazz, Christian contemporary and pop. Teach students proper vocal technique (breathing, breath support, etc.), phrasing, musicality, recital and character preparation, sight-reading and rhythmic training. Work with students on how to communicate a specific idea in their singing. Choreograph and/or stage songs when desirable.& Plan several recitals each year to give students a goal to work towards. Choose challenging and enjoyable repertoire tailored towards each student's needs and goals.
Adjunct Music Faculty - John Brown University - Aug 04 to Dec 04
Taught private voice lessons to majors in music ministry. Students worked on all areas of vocal technique, with specific attention to learning classical technique and adapting it to contemporary styles. Attended and team-taught studio voice class once per week.
Memorial Day, Walk of Honor Observed at Liberty Memorial
Choir Conductor and Featured Soloist - Kansas City, MO - May 04
Rehearsed with a special Memorial Day choir, comprised of community members and high school students. Selected music arrangements of patriotic songs and an appropriate solo. Helped the event organizer manage rehearsal logistics. Rehearsed with the choir and the American Legion Band. Conducted the choir and sang a solo in the Memorial Day ceremony at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. The governor of Kansas City was present.
Substitute Choir Director - Faith Lutheran Church in Prairie Village, MO - Oct 02 to July 03
Rehearsed with the Chancel Choir each week. Was responsible for leading the alto section, both in rehearsals and sectionals. Contract included cantor duties, as well as singing solos when required. Directed the Chancel Choir and the Hand-bell Choir in rehearsals and services, whenever choir director was sick or was unable to be there.
Graduate Assistant ? University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO - Aug 01 to May 03
Taught private voice lessons to music education vocal majors and taught voice class to music education majors and non-music majors. For music majors, the emphasis was on vocal technique for choirs. For non-music majors, the emphasis was on the aspects of learning new repertoire and preparing for performances. ; Students studied all areas of vocal technique, such as breathing, support, diction, tension release and character analysis, in preparation for their vocal juries examinations. Preparation for voice class included forming lesson plans, writing class handouts, and designing a spreadsheet for grade records. Organized a recital every semester to give students the opportunity to perform in front of their peers. Graded music education majors in their jury examinations.
Choir Director - Institute of Music Worship and the Arts, and Halo Sound, AR - Jan 01 to Aug 01
Directed the student choir, preparing them for several concerts and church conventions. Continually worked with choir members on proper vocal and choral technique, as well as musical analysis and interpretation. Guided students in proper vocal technique, musicality and in communicating a specific idea in their singing. Carefully chose music appropriate to the choir's ability. Choreographed simple movements for appropriate songs.
Choir Director - First United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove, AR - Aug 96 to Aug 01
Directed the adult choir with member numbers ranging from five to twenty throughout the year. Selected and rehearsed music for Sunday anthems, introits, prayer responses and for holiday programs. Ordered any new music for the choir, using the choral music budget. Chose music within the choir's capabilities, while also trying to stretch their abilities. Continually worked with choir members on proper vocal and choral technique and music interpretation. Composed anthems, introits and prayer responses for the choir. During the Advent Season, directed a combined choir during the "Mid-Way" program. Created a Christmas and Easter program by using appropriate music from the church library and writing a narration to link them into a holiday "cantata". Brought in guest singers, instrumentalists and a liturgical dancer to enhance the worship service. Introduced "Christian Contemporary" music to the church by singing solos and bringing in several of my private students and ensembles during the worship service.
Small Ensemble Director/Scenes Director - Halo Sound in Fayetteville, AR - Sep 99 to Aug 01
Directed several small vocal ensembles of young singers, preparing them for recitals, competitions and community performances. Each ensemble performed a selection of pop, big band, Christian contemporary, gospel and classical music, as well as music from movies and musicals. Chose music appropriate to their age and skill level. Worked on balancing their sound, developing proper vocal technique (several of the members were also my private voice students), diction, choreography, staging and achieving the style desired in each particular song. Guided students in how to cut their music for competition and sat in on several recording sessions as a vocal and musical advisor. Students were very successful in local and national competitions, winning awards both as soloists and groups in Arkansas Kids and American Kids competitions, local and state vocal competitions, as well as regional and state fairs and rodeos. Directed students in evenings of musical theatre scenes, including a compilation of scenes from THE SECRET GARDEN and JECKYLL AND HYDE.