Ever since Jason Ferdinand moved from Oakwood, the choir world started to wonder what was next for the Aeolians. After their 2019 National ACDA performance, they were thrust into the conversations about the “BEST” collegiate choirs in the world. I started to wonder who the next director would be and what kind of pressure might be attached.
Enter Jeremy Sovoy Jordan, an Oakwood Alumn, composer, conductor and mutli-faceted musician who knows, loves and appreciates the history and tradition of this renowned ensemble. In this conversation Jeremy and I discuss what it has been like to take over the group and his dreams for the future. We also discuss ideas about programming in terms of repertoire, as well as philosophies related to creating an ensemble cohesion and culture.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos
Jeremy Sovoy Jordan – A native of Huntsville, AL, Jeremy Sovoy Jordan attended Oakwood University where he studied vocal performance and pedagogy and was a member of the Aeolians, under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand. In 2017 along with his brother Justin, Jordan was inducted into the North Alabama Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. In 2013, he accepted the position of Director of Music and Choral Department at Miami Union Academy (MUA), teaching grades 6th-12th.
MUA is a historically black private academy that has been in existence since 1917. The high school choir enjoyed much success under the direction of Jordan, being participants in the 2018 Music for All National Choir Festival. They’ve also had the privilege of performing at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. Under his leadership, the MUA Choral Department initiated an annual social justice concert to raise awareness about the injustices our students see in their communities and the world at large. Jeremy also serves as Conductor and Composer-in-Redsidence for the New Canon Chamber Collective Orchestra whose goal and purpose are to promote new and existing compositions by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color(BIPOC) composers. Jordan is currently the Director of Choral Activities and conductor of the Aeolians of Oakwood University.
Find Justin on Social Media!
IG – oakwoodaeolians
FB – The Aeolians
TikTok – TheAeoliansofOU
BONUS Virtual Unit on Resonance- VIDEO VERSION RECOMMENDED.
COVID and Social Justice: A Look Back at Audience Favorites of 2020
Episode 52: Better Choirs with Less Work After Hours with Guest Host John Sargent
Choir Director Probs: Rose Colored Glasses on Virtual School
Episode 51: Diversifying Repertoire is a Personal Journey with Dr. Janet Galván
Composer Exposer: David Von Kampen
Episode 50: An Eagle’s Eye View with Dr. Eph Ehly
Episode 49: Cutting Through the Hype of Covid in Schools with Dr. Tracy Høeg
Episode 48: The Choral Marathon with Dr. Emily Williams Burch In the Studio
Navigating Post-Election Conversations at Thanksgiving Dinner with Angel Eduardo
Episode 47: The Mental Gymnastics of COVID Rehearsals with Dr. Kyle Nielsen
Who Does This Guy Think He Is?
Episode 46: Teaching With Heart with Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand
Episode 45: It’s Time to Transfer the Deed to Our Singers with Dr. Betsy Cook Weber
Choir Director Problems: The Psychology of Growth vs. Achievement in Assessment
Episode 44: Prioritizing Technique. Not Style with Andrew Crane and Jami Rhodes
Episode 43: The Tools for Our Time With Troy Robertson of Chor Amor
A Conversation and Concert With Michael McGlynn and Anuna
Episode 42: Tips And Tricks for Vocal Health. Masked or Online. With Lori Sonnenberg
Episode 41: The Kids are Not Ok-Class of 2020 Edition
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