Vocal HERSpective

We did it! We made it to 100! Vocal HERspective hits a huge milestone tonight with Episode 100! Guest Angie Choo joins the podcast all the way from Singapore to talk about her incredible contributions to the a cappella community through The A Cappella Society supporting everyone from children to seniors and even offering a program for the blind, So many great things that the world should know abou...

Vocal HERspective returns as the hosts check in after a busy caroling season that ALMOST felt like normal. Minus the COVID surge, avoiding exposure, the return to masking, the constant testing, the staff juggling, and now the uncertain near future. A must listen for anyone navigating how to rehearse and perform and trying to plan for any of it right now!

You know when you watch a performer and you are immediately captivated by their magic? That's what you get from ARORA's Rachel Bearer, both on and off stage. On this week's Vocal HERspective, you'll hear about her slightly unconventional path into the ethereal, original electro-cappella sound we've come to know and love. Plus, more about all of the cool things she's working on now.

Blair Brown is trailblazing in the barbershop community - not just for women, but for all. A member of Double Date and the first ever non-male member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, she's also part of the most recent class of judge candidates. There's lots to unpack, but suffice to say, barbershop is in good hands with people like Blair. The interview premieres on Vocal HERspective at 6 pm Paci...

This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda catches up with the beautiful and talented human being that is Clare Wheeler. Accomplished performer, arranger, composer, conductor, and coach, you may know her best from her 11 years with The Swingles, but you'll want to hear the whole story!

On Episode 95, Amanda Pitts of Adrenaline chats about her life in barbershop - and don't let her age fool you - she was one of the youngest women ever to take the stage for Sweet Adelines International! Plus, there's lots more on the horizon.

Kris and Amanda head to Toronto to chat with Jordana Talsky, an incredible performer and songwriter introduced to the wider world of a cappella through her involvement with the Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. The interview covers looping, the writing process, being in the studio, live performance and just the heart of what being a creative artist means. And even a little taste of her latest...

When you think of barbershop families, the McAlexander family is impossible to miss. A fixture at conventions and a leader in community conversations, Ann McAlexander talks about how barbershop become integrated into their family life, watching her kids grow into their own in the artform, the direction she'd love the community to take, and why you should just come up and say hi.

This week, Kris and Amanda sit down with Lynique Webster. Lynique cut through the crowd to have some of the most memorable collegiate performances in recent memory. From there, she took a chance on JUNE and launched Nomadic, a group with a bright future ahead. She shares her journey through grief and how her mom inspired to to cut to the chase.

There's a lot to be celebrated about taking risks, and Ariel Arbisser did just that. We promised to have her back to celebrate the release of her solo album, Risk of Love, and that moment is here! Hear more about the album, the process, and the importance of trust and collaboration in Episode 91!

For Episode 90 of Vocal HERspective, hosts Kris and Amanda sit down with barbershop royalty. Queen of Harmony Sandi Wright earned her first Sweet Adelines crown with the Tetrachords in 1978 and hasn't stopped since. She won again with Ambiance in 1986, performed and directed St. Louis Harmony Chorus, and now St. Louis Vocal Project. Aside from stories and tips from her barbershop career, Sandi als...

Be inspired by this week's interview on Vocal HERspective with guest Mary Ann East, who has dedicated her career to empowerment through music, directing multiple choirs for young girls, women, and even dementia patients and their caregivers. In these continued trying times, be reminded of all the ways that music keeps us going.

Barbershoppers recognize the Tramack family name - a family descended from multiple generations of chord ringers with no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Vocal HERspective speaks with Samantha Tramack from the youngest generation of stars. From begging to join the New England Voices in Harmony at age 6 to winning her first crown with Taken 4 Granite, she's just getting started.

Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands this week for an interview with Merel Martens - composer, arranger, director, performer, educator - she does it all. Not only that, she does it all while radiating true joy and love for the music. Heading up education with Vocal Leadership, a member of The Real Group Academy team, and leading groups like MAZE to great success is just part of her story.

This week on Vocal HERspective, Kris and Amanda meet with two-time Harmony Queen, Morgan La Croix. Morgan is pretty much a lifelong barbershopper, taking to the risers at a very young age. She's shared her magic with so many different communities within Harmony, Inc and has so much more to give. You can hear her sing with her latest chorus Northern Blend Chorus or her current quartet Roulette - HI...

There are legends... and then there are LEGENDS. Vocal HERspective sits down with New York Voices' soprano, Kim Nazarian on tonight's episode. Her immense talent is only matched by what a lovely human she is. Hear about her experiences as a performer, educator, and clinician - jobs that have taken her all over the world from universities to top festivals and camps, including A Cappella Camp, vokal...

Vocal HERspective checks in with Wendy Spilker of Take 4 Quartet for a bird's eye view of barbershop and how it not only changed her life, but brings joy in so many ways!

Kris and Amanda put Talkappella co-host Elicia Edwards in the hot seat. The interview covers everything from BYU Noteworthy, how she met Brian, singing bass, and cats, of course!

When there is a lack of representation, the brave step up to correct it. A decade ago, a small group of enthusiasts recognized that Canada needed its own world class festival and Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival was born and has gone on to become one of the most unique festivals found anywhere. This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda and Kris chat with Pat Silver, the heartbeat of this incredi...

On this week's episode of Vocal HERspective Amanda and Kris chat with Sara Wood, one of the founding members of Bella Nova, A Harmony, Inc., Chorus, who is using her experience in the non-profit association world to guide the arts into the post-pandemic era.

Harmony, Inc. is a led by an incredible team of volunteers and the organization is luck to have Linda Brehaut as president of the International Board of Directors as the world navigates a time that has been especially unkind to performers.

"If it doesn't exist, I can just make it myself." When co-hosts of the Lez Hang Out podcast saw the need for more feel good queer content, they teamed up with some amazing producers and performers to create The Flame - a one of a kind original musical podcast debuting on June 2!

On Episode 78, we welcome guest Tiffany Haigler, president of Capital Blend and member of the Board of Directors for the Contemporary A Cappella League. In the same way that her smile lights up a room, the positive energy she brings to her interview will brighten up you evening. She talks about her group's secrets to success as they find time for their passions while they navigate all of the chall...

Lindsey McGowen is tonight's guest on Vocal HERspective. She chats with Kris & Amanda about her journey, her challenges, and the joy she found in the extra time foisted on her by the pandemic.

See those smiles? Vocal HERspective hosts Kris & Amanda have a lot to be happy about after a week of performing that *almost* looked like normal. On tonight's episode they chat about the excitement and the concerns about the new road ahead for musicians.