“That's my job: to take the foundation of what they have – love of singing and basic vocal technique – and then just refine it, to challenge them to start being more musical artists themselves. I personally do a lot of giving the kids choices: ‘If it's not in the music, how do we want to sing this? What are your thoughts?’ We listen, we reflect. I really want them to have ownership of what we're doing.”

Karla McClain (she/her) is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent/Young Adulthood Music in her 24th year of teaching. Currently, she teaches Choir and General Music at Illing Middle School in Manchester, CT. Prior to teaching in Manchester, Karla taught at Irving A. Robbins Middle School and East Farms Elementary in Farmington, CT, in West Hartford, CT and Hilliard, OH. She also is the former director of the Canticum Choir of the Connecticut Children’s Chorus at the Hartt School of Music, Community Division. Karla is also an active staff member at Laurel Music Camp in Plymouth, Connecticut. Karla is an active presenter and clinician and has presented for state, regional, and national conferences. Her choirs have been Featured Showcase Ensembles for the CMEA State Conference. Karla has served on the Diversity Initiatives Committee of CT-ACDA and was the Co-Chair of Middle School Repertoire and Resources. She is a past member of the Professional Development Committee for CMEA. She is a frequent adjudicator for Regionals and All-State. As a performer, she has remained active by singing as a soloist and section leader, currently with the South Church Chancel Choir in New Britain. She has also performed in several musical theater groups. Karla received her Bachelor of Music in education from Ohio Wesleyan University, and her Master of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. In 2021, she was selected as the CT- ACDA Choral Director of the Year. She has a passion for using music technology and global music to engage students. She lives in Cromwell, CT with her husband and 2 children.

To get in touch with Karla, you can find her on Instagram (@karlachips) or Twitter (@karlachips).

Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.

Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.

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Photo in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“My goal is that no child will leave my classroom thinking they can't sing. If I have a coworker say, ‘I can't sing,’ I'm like, ‘no, no. First, give me 15 minutes and a piano and I will show you that you can. Second, you can't say that because if you say that, then the kids think it's okay to say that.’ I'm really fighting all day to prove to them that yes, they can sing, and it's cool, so do it. That foundational skill is just confidence and belief in their instrument.”

Bethany Main is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Conservatory of Music and Dance, where she received her Master’s and Bachelor’s of Music Education. She teaches general music in Kansas City. She also directs the 6th-9th grade choir, Intermezzo, with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City.

In addition to teaching, Bethany is a composer and author. She has written her first children’s book titled “Our First Day of Music,” featuring an original song. Her piece, “Becoming You,” was selected for the JW Pepper’s Editor’s Choice distinction, as was her piece, "Be Who You Are," written in collaboration with Ryan Main.

Bethany is an active presenter and honor choir clinician, and has presented at numerous conferences and led various honor choirs. She is a two-time Olathe School District finalist for Teacher of the Year, and the recipient of East Central KMEA’s “Outstanding Young Educator” award in 2021. Previously, she taught music and directed the Special Chorus at Manchester Park Elementary in the Olathe School district, serving students in grades K-5. During her tenure at Manchester Park, her students performed with distinction at the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference. Bethany is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Kansas Music Educators Association.

When Bethany isn’t teaching music, she can be found running, cross stitching, or snuggling on the couch with her husband Ryan and their two dogs, Pippa and Missy.

To get in touch with Bethany, you can find her on Instagram (@mrsmainsmusicians) or TeachersPayTeachers (@mrsmainsmusicians) or visit her website: mrsmainsmusicians.com.

Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.

Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.

Podcast music from Podcast.co
Photo in episode artwork by Trace Hudson