Music Educator Workshop
Vocal Technique & Rehearsal Strategies
Saturday, September 6 | 9am-3pm
Phoenix Children's Chorus | Phoenix Bible Church
6060 N 7th Ave. Phoenix, Az 85013
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This workshop is sponsored by our partners in travel​​
​Join us for an inspiring and interactive workshop led by Dr. Edith Copley, Regents’ Professor Emerita at Northern Arizona University and current ACDA National President. This collaborative session will explore practical vocal techniques to strengthen breath connection, develop tone, coordinate onsets, address common diction challenges, and improve ensemble listening. Participants are invited to share a few repertoire suggestions of quality repertoire that you have taught that singers love.
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Demonstration choirs from Phoenix Children’s Chorus will sing during the afternoon session, allowing attendees to see and hear real-time application of the techniques discussed. Whether you’re looking to expand your rehearsal toolbox or connect with fellow choral educators, this workshop offers expert insight, shared resources, and meaningful collaboration with one of the nation's most respected choral leaders.
Workshop Details
Registration Fee:
FREE - Thank you Accent Concerts
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Schedule:
9:00-11:45 - Morning Session
11:45-1:15 - Break for Lunch
1:15-3:00 - Afternoon Session with demo choirs
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Participants will Receive:
Professional Development Certificate (6 hours)
Repertoire List from fellow Music Educators
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Copley has received numerous honors, including the NAU Centennial Teacher of
the Year, Arizona Music Educator of the Year, AZ-ACDA Lifetime Achievement
Award, The Weston H. Noble Award from her alma mater, Luther College, and
most recently, the 2025 Arizona Choral Educators Lifetime Achievement Award.
Copley has served the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in various
leadership roles over the last 30 years, including Arizona President, Western
Region President, National Conference Chair, and is currently ACDA National
President.
Copley has contributed articles and chapters for several publications and has
conducted all-state choirs in over 30 states. She has conducted international
choral festivals in Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Luxembourg, Tasmania,
England, Australia, China, Oman, Turkey, Ireland, Austria, and France. In
retirement, she continues to be in high demand as a guest conductor,
adjudicator, and conference clinician.
Dr. Edith A. Copley is a regents’ professor emerita at Northern Arizona University. During her 31-year tenure at NAU in Flagstaff, she conducted the Shrine of the Ages Choir, Chamber Singers, and University Singers, and taught courses in undergraduate and graduate conducting, secondary choral methods, and graduate choral literature. Prior to her NAU appointment, Copley taught secondary choral music for seven years in the Iowa and four years at the American International School in Vienna, Austria.