Home > What I Do

Song Leading, Composing, Speaking, and More

I’m available to:

• FACILITATE GROUP SINGING for conferences, retreats, memorial services, weddings, and more. This could be a fun and interactive opening or closing for your gathering, or a longer session from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
• COMPOSE singable songs that are quickly learned by gathering participants. Commission me to create a memorable take-away for your guests!
  
• DESIGN, ADVISE and/or DIRECT multi-disciplinary events that create powerful, embodied experiences for attendees.
  
• SPEAK on many topics regarding creativity, singing, and non profit management.

Check out upcoming events, browse my portfolio to see what I’ve been up to and find my music, and see what others are saying about my work.

Song Facilitation

My super-power is getting people to sing … even those who think they can’t.  As co-leaders of SongSquad Indianapolis, my brother and I led over 700 people in 20 minutes of spontaneous singing (in 3 part harmony!) for the Mayor’s Luncheon for Indy Parks and the conference of Healthy Equity Fellows presented by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Contact me to see how we can create fabulous memories for your group or event.

Workshops / Retreats

I offer workshops and retreats for choirs, congregations, community groups, and the general public for all skill levels. Topics include chant from various faith and cultural traditions, body percussion, music improvisation (great for team-building), song-leading, and more. I often partner with other professionals in movement/dance, ethnomusicology, visual art, and more. See upcoming events or contact me to discuss a session for your institution.

Music

I work largely with simple, repetitive song structures that build singing confidence, allow for musical flexibility, and build both energy and community. Because these forms have tremendous power to entrain groups, transform consciousness, and effect cathartic release, each score offers suggestions for performance and engaging audiences deeply. Most pieces work for both sacred and secular purposes. Contact me, let me know who you are, what organization you are with, how you plan to use the music, and anything else you want to share. I also happily accept commissions.

Writing / Speaking

Drawing from over 40 years of experience in nonprofit management and over 30 years as a choral conductor, I’m available to speak on a wide range of topics from creativity and music improvisation to interactive program design, collaboration, and crisis management. I’ve presented for congregations, neighborhood associations, women’s groups, professional associations and conferences, and more. Contact me for more information and see my writing here.

Projects / Ensembles

I performed with THIN AIR, a five-member ensemble of classically-trained instrumentalists (who also sing) that presented completely improvised performances. Our primary instruments were flute, clarinet, cello, violin, and percussion, but we play dozens more including ukulele, accordion, Bundt pan, kazoo, boomwhackers, and the occasional bell pepper.  I play the flute (transverse and Native American), hang drum, shruti box (a drone instrument), and whatever is nearby that might sound cool. Our performances frequently included audience participation because we believed all things and all people are musical.

Upcoming Events

I design public events that deeply engage audiences on multiple levels, from humanities programs and performances, to solstice ceremonies and Sunday services. Many occupy that complex and nuanced boundary between performance and participation … my favorite place to create. I’ve partnered with dancers and yoga teachers, ministers and rabbis, storytellers and historians, actors and drummers, among others, to mount events that explore unexpected combinations and spaces. See upcoming events or contact me if you’d like to partner on an event. Also check out the Spirit & Place Festival, a cool Indianapolis project that I manage which brings the arts, humanities, and religion to build stronger communities