News
Music Students and Alumna Participated in the American Choral Director's Association Masterclass
From left to right: Emma Lutz '24, Megan Tatro '22, Ruth Michel '24, and Adam Potter
Roberts Wesleyan University music students Emma Lutz ’24 (B.S. Choral Music Education) and Ruth Michel ’24 (B.S. Choral Music Education), along with alumna Megan Tatro ’22 (B.S. Choral Music Education), participated in the conducting masterclasses at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conference in Providence, R.I. on Feb. 29 and March 1, 2024.
Tatro is in her final semester of her Master of Music degree at the University of North Florida, where she studies conducting with Dr. Cara Tasher. Lutz, Michel, and Tatro were selected by a committee of eminent choral music professionals from video recordings submitted in the fall.
“This was quite a competitive and prestigious opportunity,” said RWU Director of Choral Activities Adam Potter. “Even more significant was the presence of three Roberts conductors on the conference stage.”
The masterclass experience outcomes were:
Emma Lutz ’24 conducted in the undergraduate rehearsal techniques masterclass with clinician Dr. Arianne Abela from Amherst College
Emma Lutz with Dr. Arianne Abela
Ruth Michel ’24 conducted in the undergraduate gesture masterclass with clinician Dr. Jeffrey Douma from Yale University
Ruth Michel with Dr. Jeffrey Douma
Megan Tatro ’22 conducted in the graduate rehearsal techniques masterclass with clinician Dr. Caron Daley from Duquesne University
Megan Tatro with Dr. Caron Daley
In addition to Roberts Wesleyan University, other institutions represented included Westminster Choir College and Yale University, with two participants each. Amherst College, Boston Conservatory, Ithaca College, Penn State University, Rutgers University, Syracuse University, and the University of Maryland all had individual students participating.
This was an excellent opportunity for our students and alumna to learn from the leading professional organizations for conductors!