How to succeed at a national-level conference performance, with Daniel Gutierrez

Today, I deep dive into the practices of Daniel Gutierrez of Reed Academy Singers to find out what it takes to put together the type of performance that receives not one, but two standing ovations at the National ACDA conference.   Click to download episode! Show Notes: Stay the course (Don’t go crazy) Be open to advice and criticism Perform a lot Raising the standard Record everything Hold students accountable Demonstrate vulnerability Trust each other 3 Key Takeaways: Do more of what you do best. Don’t change what you do in your program just because you were accepted to a conference. Your language matters. “That was good” after everything doesn’t raise the bar. Vulnerability is key. Resources/links Mentioned: Danny’s first episode, Find Your Forte episode 057: Boop After Me: How to 25x your choral program, with Daniel Gutierrez Link to purchase ACDA performance by Reed Academy Middle School Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) Bio: Daniel Gutierrez, a native of Long Island, New York, is the choral director at Reed Academy as well as the artistic director for Boys Choir of Springfield, Missouri. Daniel is an active clinician and presenter throughout the country. He was named "Springfield Hometown Hero" by Springfield’s CBS station, was finalist for Springfield Public Schools "Teacher of the Year" in 2014 and 2015, and a quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY National Music Education Award. The Reed Academy Choirs have won their division at the Worlds of Fun Festival of Choirs the past three years, been featured at music educator conferences and university performances, opened for world-renowned lecturers, and have been very active within their local community. In addition to being selected to perform at the National ACDA Conference, the program also had two choirs performing at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference this school year (representing both elementary and middle school).