We are revisiting a topic today to bring in more perspectives. Dave Ritschard teaches choir in Alabama, where they are considering ADDING sight reading to the All State Choir audition. Dave is opposed.
Today, we are diving headfirst into a hot-button topic that recently blew up on Facebook: what is the true purpose of an All-State choir? Is it a reward reserved strictly for the pinnacle of high school choral achievement, or is it a spark meant to transform smaller music programs from the bottom up? Joining me to parse out this classic debate is Dave Richard, a choral and drama director at a school in Marshall County, Alabama.
From growing up as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea to navigating a 6th–12th grade schedule, Dave brings a unique perspective centered on student access. This perspective bumps up against mine in some friendly back and forth. He recently went public with his concerns over the Alabama Vocal Association’s plan to add a required sight-reading component to auditions, arguing that it creates massive equity issues for rural programs where students receive zero elementary music education. I, of course, hold a different view also citing equity concerns, setting the stage for an incredibly honest, constructive clash over the fine line between defending musical excellence and accidental gatekeeping.
🎧 Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
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David Ritschard (pronounced Richard), or “Mr. Ritz” as his students know him, is a 6–12 choral and drama teacher in Douglas, Alabama. After completing his first year teaching, he has become passionate about building choir programs in rural communities and creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire students to stay involved in music for life.
Dave grew up in Papua New Guinea, where his family served as missionaries, and is a graduate of Jacksonville State University with a degree in Choral Music Education. As both a choir and drama teacher, he is particularly interested in music literacy, accessibility, student participation, and the role of honor choirs in music education.
Find Dave on TikTok and Instagram at @mr.ritzchoir
@choralosophypodca