“Help! I teach choir, not English! How can I support multilingual singers?” Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) are the fastest growing population in U.S. public schools. Outside of schools, 22% of the U.S. population speak a language other than English in the home. Choral conductors who wish to support the lifelong musicking of all singers in their communities may consider implementing strategies on how to support EMLs in their ensembles. In this panel session, presenters will provide research-informed and rehearsal-tested strategies for supporting ensemble singers who are in the process of learning English. Based on research on a combined two decades of teaching and conducting ensembles with EMLs, the presenters will provide attendees with strategies, resources, and suggested repertoire to support multilingual ensemble members to sing throughout the ages of life.
Target Audience
P-12 music educators, choral educators
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Ramon Cardenas
San Diego State University
Dr. Ramon Cardenas is so excited to be in his third year as the Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at San Diego State University. He teaches music education courses, conducting courses, and conducts the University Choir. Dr. Cardenas holds a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University. He is a passionate conductor-educator and researcher.
Dr. Cardenas’ research interests relate to DEI initiatives, preservice teacher preparation, blending music with fitness, and pop music’s influence on identity formation and informal learning. He has presented his research regionally, nationally, and internationally at music education professional conferences and has been published in Florida Music Educator, Visions of Research in Music Education, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.
Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Cardenas taught high school choral music and was the music director at several churches in Southern California. In addition, Dr. Cardenas is an active conductor, clinician, pianist, and singer-songwriter. When he’s not teaching, he’s most likely spending time with his partner and two corgis (Noodle and Soup), weightlifting, playing video games, or baking.
Austin Norrid
University of Missouri
Dr. Austin Norrid is Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Missouri where he conducts the Concert Chorale and teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in music education and choral conducting. Dr. Norrid previously served as Assistant Professor of Instruction for Choral Music Education at Ohio University. While completing his Ph.D. in Music Education at the Pennsylvania State University, Norrid served as interim director of Essence of Joy. Norrid studied conducting with Drs. Kathryn Hylton and Christopher Kiver, and assistant conducted under the late Dr. Anthony Leach. Norrid’s research focuses on inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ and multilingual music students and music educators. He has presented research and professional development sessions at state and national conferences and has guest lectured at universities across the US on topics including multilingual learners, world music pedagogy, and empathy in choral ensembles.