Best Dean Harper Podcasts (2024)

1
Roderick Harper- Keeper of the Love Song 1:35:42

5d ago1:35:42

1:35:42

Episode 109- Join Host Troy Saunders as he converses with the smooth, jazzy, multi genre vocalist and songwriter the incredible Roderick Harper. The Keeper Of The Love Song. In the this episode Roderick and Troy take a trip through Roderick's catalog from 1999 to present. Starting with his first offering "Beautiful Beginnings". A well sung collecti…

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Ep. 90 - Reinvigorating Historic Music with Modern Creativity - Robert Hollingworth 51:56

8d ago51:56

51:56

“Uniformity is a two-edged sword, isn't it? Within a choir you need uniformity or you're not going to get a good blend, but within that uniformity, I want as much individuality as possible. I do a lot of 16th-Century music, early 17th-Century music, which has very, very high, passionate stakes. The individual has to come through. That's what makes …

1
Ep. 89 - Creating Choral Camaraderie on a Global Level - T. J. Harper 49:41

16d ago49:41

49:41

“The folks who I think are really doing incredible work around the world, not just for one festival or for one tour, but for decades, are the folks who are trying to literally make the world a better place through choral music. How many opportunities can we provide for them so they can feel like they're part of that bigger family to help legitimize…

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Ep. 88 - Prioritizing Representation in Choral Music - Matthew Chi Lee 44:50

26d ago44:50

44:50

“I haven’t moved exclusively to doing multicultural music in our classroom, but I have done a lot of music that has a positive message that they can relate to. If this song has nothing to do with them, no matter how much I love it, no matter how epic or famous this is, the students will have a hard time connecting to it. I’m not saying that everyth…

1
Chester Gregory- A Look Into His Multiverse World 1:12:25

27d ago1:12:25

1:12:25

Episode 108- Join host Troy Saunders as he takes a look into the world of the multitalented Chester Gregory! Troy and Chester met back in 2008 and by that time Chester had already solidified his name in the annuals as one of Broadway's finest performers; and was in the process of releasing his first independent soul album, "In Search Of High Love".…

1
Ep. 87 - Sharing Stories to Stir the Soul - Tim Seelig 57:27

1M ago57:27

57:27

“From my first ACDA in 1991 to ACDA now: complete reversal. People are not afraid to perform something that moves the soul, and in 1991 nobody did it. Now people are digging in and not being afraid. I applaud all of my fellow choral conductors for being fearless and not being afraid to tell the stories that mean something.” Tim Seelig is a conducto…

1
The Multi Genre Sax Sounds of Michael J. Thomas 1:30:03

1M ago1:30:03

1:30:03

Episode 107- Join Host Troy Saunders as he converses with the genre bending vocalist, saxophone player, writer. producer and entrepreneur Michael J. Thomas. From a small town in Kentucky to riding the top slot on The Billboard Smooth Jazz Top Airplay Chart twice; Michael J. Thomas is reaching goals and setting new ones as a Indie Jazz Musician dail…

1
Marcus Devine- Singer, Musician, Producer, Entrepreneur & So Much More 1:04:16

1M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Episode 106- Join host Troy Saunders as he opens his mic to chat with multi- instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, business man, musical director and so much more Marcus Devine. Born in Detroit Michigan Marcus came from a musical family. Everyone could sing. He states in this episode that his biggest musical influence is his baby brother. …

1
Rhona Bennett- The Constant Evolution Of A Funky Diva!! 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Episode 105- Join hosted Troy Saunders as he converses with Singer, Songwriter, Actress of stage and screen, Life Coach, one of the Funky Divas of the legendary girl group En Vogue, and so much more; the multi- talented Rhona Bennett. Rhona Bennett has been in the entertainment industry since the age of 11. In this episode Rhona tells Troy how she …

1
Ep. 86 - Honoring Diversity Through Historical Research - Elizabeth Schauer 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

“I have fallen deeply in love with looking at a piece, seeing what it is, and realizing that there are no real absolutes in music. There are no rules. You have to look at each piece of music for what it is and consider it in its historical and cultural context and then find out enough about the composer. It feels like a journey, a rabbit hole that …

1
Ep. 85 - Choral Music and Personal Growth - Jonathan Talberg 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

“I grew up thinking that we should sound like the music we're singing. There was never one right way for me. There are those great choral traditions where they sing everything a certain way. I never wanted to be that way. We can do seven different pieces in seven entirely different styles. You would think, 'is that the same choir?' That's something…

1
Ep. 84 - Building Choral Skills from the Adjudication Table - Brett Epperson 45:12

2M ago45:12

45:12

“I’ve really enjoyed getting into classrooms to affirm my colleagues. I seek whenever I do a visit to say something that is both positive and true. I could just be positive, but if it’s not truthful, students can sense that. I’ve really enjoyed getting to bop in, see great teaching in action, and affirm my colleagues in front of their students.” Dr…

1
Michon Young- Love Is The Message 1:58:50

2M ago1:58:50

1:58:50

Episode 104- Join hosted Troy Saunders as he converses with Singer, Songwriter, Producer and all around beautiful spirit Michon Young! Michon's smooth, sultry, and inviting voice has been seducing Indie soul and inspirational listeners for nearly 15 years! In this episode Troy and Michon discuss how she started as a choir member in Pastor Marvin Wi…

1
Ricky Jones- The Love & Pain Behind His Latest Masterpiece 1:09:12

3M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Episode 103- Join Host Troy Saunders as he chats with songwriter, producer, arranger, musician and of course singer Ricky Jones. You all my remember Ricky from a previous episode where Troy conversed with him and his then wife Shireen Crutchfield. Together they were Crutchfield Jones. Today Ricky is a solo act and spilling his heart out on his late…

1
Ep. 83 - Building Choral Excellence to Serve Communities - Joshua Cheney 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

"Choral programs don't exist in a vacuum. They exist in a place, and they exist in a place that serves a people. That people group is always bigger than choir. The first thing that you've gotta do is answer the question, 'how are my people, how is my place going to be served by choral music?' and then build that. You've gotta build that one step at…

1
Toy Taha- A Philadelphia Rose Blooms 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

Episode 102- Join Host Troy Saunders as he chats with singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and performance artist Toy Taha!!! Hailing from Philadelphia Toy has a long list of talented family members that have roots in music. In this episode She talks to Troy about her passion for music and its origins. They also discuss where she draws inspirati…

1
Ep. 82 - Inspiring and Motivating Adolescent Tenors and Basses - Vincent Oakes 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

“Octave displacement is a really big thing with adolescent singers. Make a game out of it - I’ll have them match me, match me up an octave, match me down an octave - versus scolding when you’re in the middle of rep and someone is singing too low and you just point and say ‘that’s too low.’ That’s a little ambiguous for the average 13-year-old. To g…

1
Lawrence Rosenborough- The Brilliant and Expressive Mind of A Soul Singer 1:19:03

3M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Episode 101- Join Host Troy Saunders as he presents Lawrence Rosenborough, a new up and coming artist who artistry bridges the gap between, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Rock, Blues and Gospel. His voice brings to mind soul stirring singers like CeeLo Green and D.J. Rogers; but with a style all his own. In this episode Troy and Lawrence cover all the songs in h…

1
Ep. 81 - Expanding Access to Choral Participation - Marcela Molina 48:37

3M ago48:37

48:37

“I started to see the possibilities of what a youth community choir could be. Seeing that profound impact on a young woman was very transformative for me. After two or three years, everything that I did had more layers. There was a new potential of enhancement and community impact. The things that make me go like a volcano are about community, acce…

1
100th Episode Celebration with Special Guest: Ledisi - Welcome To The Good Life 1:07:56

3M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Episode 100 - Join host Troy Saunders as he celebrates the BAAS Entertainment Podcast's 100th Episode and 3rd Anniversary. Hanging out for the celebration is singer, songwriter, producer, actress, professor, entrepreneur, Grammy Award winner Ledisi! Ledisi has been a constant on the R&B and Jazz charts since 2001. Collecting several Billboard Top 1…

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Ep. 80 - Bridging Artistry and Scholarship - Jessica Nápoles 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

“If a student has been unsuccessful at elementary and middle school, by the time they get to high school, it’s really hard to shift and course correct. But if they haven’t been successful at elementary and you get them at the middle school level, you really do have the potential to shift that course in a monumental way, to reshape their views about…

1
Kevin Owens- Ministering Through Love Songs 1:08:42

3M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Episode 99- Kevin Owens may not be a household name; but his voice is woven into some of R&B's greatest moments. From lead singer of the group Ray, Goodman and Brown, to one of Luther Vandross' center stage background vocalist to lending his sound to some of music's most memorable tunes like, Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name"; just to name a fe…

1
Devon Howard- The Son Of Love 1:07:56

4M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Episode 98. Join Host Troy Saunders as he reintroduces to the audience to the smooth soulful sounds of Devon Howard. Devon has been on the R&B music scene since the 1990's. He originally was introduced to the world as a member of the group Me 2 U. They hit the charts with songs "Want U Back" , "All Night" and "Raindrops". Since then Devon has been …

1
Bradd Marquis- The Soul Behind The Soulful Sound 1:28:29

4M ago1:28:29

1:28:29

Episode 97. Join Host Troy Saunders as he takes the listener on a ride through the life and career of a true renaissance man, Bradd Marquis. Since childhood it seems that Bradd had been groomed to be in the field of entertainment. From singing in church as a child to starring roles in several plays; Bradd has learned to do it all. He can sing, act,…

1
Ep. 79 - Voice Pedagogy Concepts for a Variety of Genres - Ryan Deignan 55:35

4M ago55:35

55:35

“Contemporary commercial music is closer to the students’ everyday musical culture. There’s that component of culturally relevant pedagogy that both show choir and vocal jazz meet. They are a bit more naturally motivating to a majority of students, and we honor the musical culture of the United States and our popular styles from the last 100 years …

1
Frank McComb- A Jack Of All Trades and A Master Of Them All 1:36:41

4M ago1:36:41

1:36:41

Episode 96. Join Host Troy Saunders as he chats with the exuberant, musician, singer, producer, songwriter, arranger, innovator and all around wonderful person; Frank McComb. Frank McComb has worked with the Who's Who's in popular music from Prince to Stevie Wonder to George Duke to Chaka Khan to Branford Marsalis and the list goes on and on. Many …

1
Ep. 78 - Optimizing Choral Administration with a Booster Club - Cathy Britton 49:17

4M ago49:17

49:17

"I didn’t want to do any middle level teaching because of behavior, but I ended up teaching eight years at Patrick Henry Junior High. I loved every moment of it. I learned that if the kids loved and trusted you, they would do anything for you. It was just so much fun to take what they were willing to give and do some good work with them. It all tra…

1
Matt Cusson- The Heart and Soul of A Man 1:19:58

4M ago1:19:58

1:19:58

If you haven’t heard of the multi talented, singer, songwriter, musician, arranger; Matt Cusson you are in for a treat!! I must admit I was in the dark until this past Christmas when I heard his rendition of the Carpenters “Merry Christmas Darling”. I was blown away. His arrangement and vocal style was phenomenal!!! He has worked with such legends …

1
Ep. 77 - Creating Opportunities Through First Impressions - Stephen Caldwell 55:30

4M ago55:30

55:30

"The greatest lesson that I learned as a gig singer is that your career and reputation are built one chance at a time. You get one chance and one chance only. If I want people to go out on a limb for me and recommend me for a gig, then I have to make sure that I'm protecting their reputation as well as my own. That starts with never being late, alw…

1
Season 3 Wrap-Up 13:29

5M ago13:29

13:29

Thank you for listening to our show this season!! Here are the favorite choral pieces from our guests in the second season: Sommerpsalm, Waldemar Åhlén Christmas Oratorio, Johann Sebastian Bach Komm, Jesu, Komm; Johann Sebastian Bach Agnus Dei, Samuel Barber Bluegrass Mass, Carol Barnett Afternoon on a Hill, Eric Barnum Missa Solemnis, Ludwig van B…

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Minisode Intro Part 3 - Share Your Story with the Choir Fam 2:55

5M ago2:55

2:55

We want to hear from you! We'd love all our listeners to answer our Season 3 lightning-round questions for us to share with our audience. We are looking forward to getting to know you better. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com with the following info: Subject Line: Choir Fam Minisode First and last name, pronouns optional City and state you live in Sc…

1
Minisode 3 - Stephen Salamunovich, Anneliese Zook 6:44

5M ago6:44

6:44

Choir Fam Minisode 3 includes Lightning Round answers from two of our Choir Fam listeners: Stephen Salamunovich Renton, Washington Anneliese Zook Garfield, Washington We want to hear from you! We'd love all our listeners to answer our Season 1 lightning-round questions for us to share with our audience. We are looking forward to getting to know you…

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Stix Bones- The Perfect Blend Of Hip Hop and Jazz 1:22:53

5M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Episode 94. Join host Troy Saunders as he and his follow East New York, Brooklyn, native; Stix Bones, discuss Stix's journey though the worlds of Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Jazz and more. In this episode they dive deep into the thought process behind the making of Stix's most icon projects. From his 2006 breakout album "Groove Like This" to his latest c…

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Ep. 76 - Approaching Choral Music with Imagination - Jean-Sébastien Vallée 45:36

5M ago45:36

45:36

“The number one thing that I look for when I meet a younger conductor is imagination, someone who comes with ideas but also has a story to tell with the music. Often younger conductors are really worried about technique, the way they look, the way they rehearse, but it starts with imagination. What do you want to communicate? People are so worried …

1
Lady Alma- "The Lady" Of Soulful House 35:29

5M ago35:29

35:29

Episode 93. Join host Troy Saunders as he chats with San Diego Born, raised in Philly vocalist, songwriter, producer and international icon of House Music, Lady Alma! In 2018, after taking a 10 years hiatus to care for her mother; singer and songwriter LADY ALMA brought her soaring, searing vocals back to eager audiences who desired her incomparabl…

1
Ep. 75 - Connecting with Audiences Through Choral Programming - Erick Lichte 50:07

5M ago50:07

50:07

“We are there to be servants of our community. A lot of amateur choirs can become bowling leagues; they show up on Wednesday night, they have a great time, and that’s the reason they do it. I think the trick is to satisfy the needs of our singers, develop them as artists and people, but also make the focus constantly about reaching out to our audie…

1
Sy Smith - The Fierce And Unstoppable Lady Of Soul 1:18:22

5M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

Sy Smith has been a force in the Indie Soul scene since its inception. Always a lady; but don't mess with her. Sy has a way of unapologetically getting what she wants with a smile. Since the beginnings of Indie Soul, Sy has written a plethora of songs of other artists like Adina Howard, Gerald Albright and more. Sung backgrounds many of the greats …

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Ep. 74 - Commercial Music within the Large Choral Ensemble - Eric Rubinstein 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

“So many people view conducting as a reflection of the music, and if that works for them, that's great. I view conducting as a reflection of the movement. Undergrads aren't always predisposed to musical language, but they are already predisposed to the language that Laban uses: time, space, weight, flow. Instead of saying 'that's not marcato enough…

1
Ep. 73 - Developing a Personal Compositional Voice - Christopher Tin 45:12

6M ago45:12

45:12

"The question I had to ask myself was, 'Do you want to change who you are as a composer just so can match a particular sound that is in fashion or is expected of you in the concert hall world or do you want to say true to yourself as an artist?'" Time and time again, whenever this question pops up, it's always you turn towards yourself and ask your…

1
Debórah Bond - The Passionate Soul Behind The Music 1:08:43

6M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Episode 91. Join host Troy Saunders as he chats with Washington, DC-based, New Haven, CT-born vocalist, songwriter, and so much more, Debórah Bond! Debórah is one of the bright lights in indie soul. She has worked with the greats like Incognito, Foreign Exchange, Ledisi, Melba Moore, Frank McComb, and more! Her sounds is a fusion of music from R&B,…

1
Ep. 72 - Bridging the Exquisite and the Accessible - Melissa Dunphy 56:10

6M ago56:10

56:10

“The music that I fell in love with that made me want to be a musician when I was a young teenager was not loved because it’s super difficult. That’s not the reason you love music. You love music that makes you feel and makes you think. If something is challenging, that feeling of reaching the finish line and being able to create a performance that…

1
Cecily - A Woman with a Voice and a Pen 1:44:20

6M ago1:44:20

1:44:20

Episode 90. Join host Troy Saunders as he chats with Washington, DC-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, known for her agile soprano voice and honest lyrics, on the latest episode of the BAAS Entertainment Podcast. Cecily grew up with an interest in political science and international relations, and initially planned to get her degree, join the Pe…

1
Ep. 71 - Openness and Authenticity in Choral Education - Marques Garrett 53:38

6M ago53:38

53:38

“You can’t be a good teacher, you can’t be a good conductor, without being a good human being... I’m grateful that I have stuck with so many of the things that felt true to me. I’m honest and vulnerable but also still open to learning from other people, because everything that I do is not right. If I realize it’s not right, I need to ‘fess up to it…

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Ep. 70 - Building a Career in Contemporary A Cappella Performance - Anders Edenroth 40:45

7M ago40:45

40:45

“My professional career comes from something that I did not study. I think it’s called the hidden curriculum - things that you learn that are not on your schedule that are many times equally or more important as things on the schedule. Now, don’ t tell your students not to study and only spend time doing whatever they do. The combination is the sec…

1
Ep. 69 - Choral Music for Singers in All Career Paths - Elizabeth Chilton 43:55

7M ago43:55

43:55

"When you're singing choral music, you can't be thinking about all those other things that are going on in your life. It takes incredible mental focus. People would say to me, 'how do you have time to sing in a choir when you're working on a doctorate?' and I would tell them that for me, it's like getting a mental holiday. It revives me. It refresh…

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Ep. 68 - Choral Music for Social Action and Community Dialogue - Alexander Lloyd Blake 44:17

8M ago44:17

44:17

“Being text-focused has been really beneficial and a change from the way I’ve seen concerts programmed in the past: ‘Do the keys align? What is the soundscape?’ Those things are important, but for these concerts, the message that we’re putting out there has to be priority. We are choral musicians, and we have words and stories to share, and those h…

1
Raja-Neé - The Soulful Journey of an R&B Sovereign 1:27:46

8M ago1:27:46

1:27:46

Episode 89. Join host Troy Saunders as he chats with legendary singer/songwriter Raja-Neé on the latest episode of the BAAS Entertainment Podcast. Raja-Neé shares stories from her early career, including how her love of reggae lead to her producer calling her Raja-Neé, how her first single "Hot & Ready" was recorded in a producer's bedroom closet, …

1
Ep. 67 - Promoting Healthy Singing in All Styles - Ryan Holder 45:37

8M ago45:37

45:37

Ryan W. Holder is currently in his eighteenth year as the Associate Director of Choral Studies at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ), where he directs Vox Astra and the Northern Voices and High Altitude vocal jazz ensembles, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and choral methods, supervises choral student teachers, and serves as …

1
Tony Walk - Inside His Multi-Faceted World 1:29:39

8M ago1:29:39

1:29:39

Submerge yourself into the passionate world of the multi-talented Tony Walk. Host Troy Saunders and Tony freely converse about several life changing events in his life, like being raised by his mother, a divorcee, and the challenges he and his family faced, Tony's wonderful church family that supported and nurtured his talents from a young age, and…

1
Ep. 66 - Building Connections Through Music Education - Hilary Apfelstadt 48:43

8M ago48:43

48:43

“I really thought I wanted to be a high school teacher, but the first job I got was in elementary. That turned out to be the best ‘teaching-me’ experience I could have had, because I learned that if one could get music across to people without much background, you can get it across to anybody.” Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt is Professor Emerita of Choral S…

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