Amazing Chorus and Conductor
June 14, 2010A gift!
Even though it has been over 3 weeks since the All State Music conference and festival I keep thinking about what I felt during the day I was able to attend. After Rob Westerberg and I held our session I wondered over to watch and listen to the band, orchestra, and chorus rehearsals. Truth be known I really love visiting the rehearsals. If I could become one of the seats or a music stand or an instrument I would be happy.
I am usually impressed with the teaching skills of the conductors and the dedication of the students. Each has their part, all are intensely focused and considering the schedule, they are enjoying their work. I must say that when I went into the Minski Auditorium where the chorus was practicing I had a difficult time leaving. It was probably a good thing there was a break so I could get some much needed lunch.
When I returned I was moved even more. So, what was it that was so unique?! The conductor, Dr. Jonathan Talberg, from California State University at Long Beach. We all know that a good teacher has a presence and brings out the best in every single student. Not just a handful are successful, but every student feels connected to the work and the teacher. Now, we’re talking about a room filled with high school young men and women, not just a few, but 240 of them from 72 school districts. The schedule is intense, rehearsal starts on Thursday morning at 10AM and continues with breaks for meals and sleep. Saturday morning is dress rehearsal. And, oh yes, an opportunity to attend a performance one evening.
So, back to this conductor, who from what I could tell, really made this experience awesome. I heard from more than one music teacher that he and the chorus were the best in over 10 years. I googled Jonathan Talberg at the university site and this is some of what I learned.
Dr. Jonathan Talberg serves as Director of Choral, Vocal, and Opera Studies at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, where he is music director of the University and Chamber Choirs, and he oversees one of the finest—and the largest—undergraduate voice programs in the state of California. Ensembles under his baton have toured the United States and the world. He has twice conducted at the Music Educator’s National Conference regional honor choir, at the 2008 ACDA Western Convention, at numerous All-State choir concerts, and in various venues throughout Europe and Asia, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Italy, the Karlskirche in Vienna, the Matyas Templom in Budapest, and at the Great Wall of China. In constant demand as a guest conductor, he has worked with all levels of singers—from elementary to professional—throughout the United States and Europe. He has prepared choirs for the Cincinnati Symphony, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Pacific Symphony and the Pasadena Pops. Dr. Talberg is Music Director of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, where he also serves as director of the Los Angeles Bach Festival, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008.
Imagine singing in the Sisteen Chapel, let alone conducting a chorus there?! He is in great demand and how awesome that he not only came to Maine to work with our students but he and they were awesome! I so enjoyed hearing him say to them that they had the sound of a university chorus! What a impact that must have made on Maine students.
As I drove south that day I couldn’t help but wish that every student in Maine could have the chance to work with such a gifted music educator and wonderful person. I was also sad knowing that I could not attend the performance that these students had worked so hard to participate in. I understand it was AWESOME! Who knows what seeds Dr. Talberg planted?!
me arts ed 
I was moved to tears as I sat in the front row of the All State Choral Concert this year. Thank you for reminding me of the experience. I’m not sure if the exhaustion from dorm chaperoning and the intense workshops was a factor, but the beauty of the music completely overwhelmed me. One of my students posted on Facebook that evening that this was the best All State of the 4 in which he had participated. Thank you to the person(s) involved in recruiting this fine conductor, to the chorus manager and accompanist, but most especially to Dr. Talberg – these memories will last a lifetime for students and audience alike.
Thank you Beverly for your comments. These young people were fortunate and I am glad to hear that adults like you benefited greatly as well.
Indeed, the Chorus and conductor were AWESOME. Dr. Talberg is a master of teaching the technical aspects of the music while inspiring passion to each work.
I have, as a student and teacher, participated in and heard many All State Choral performances over the years, and this ranks as one of the finest and most inspiring ever!!!
We are blessed with great teachers such as Dr. Talberg and wonderful students!!!
Thank you for adding to the conversation Ed. I am so glad you were inspired by Dr. Talberg as well!
My son Willis participated in three All-State choruses during his high school career, with Dr. Talberg’s being his last. I don’t think I can make comparisons as to which sounded better…I would say that each had amazing and unique qualities that I will never forget (and thanks to my iPod, I don’t have to! :). In 2008, Dr. Janet Galvan’s direction resulted in the crispest renderings of foreign-language singing that I’ve ever heard young people produce, as well as a moving version of “Shenandoah”. 2009 brought the incredible spiritual presence of Dr. Isaye Barnwell, who gave her students the gifts of spontaneity, cultural history, and dynamic emotional range. In 2010, Dr. Talberg inspired the choristers with his exuberance and phenomenal skill, and they delivered with power and joy, on a challenging program.
I can’t say enough how meaningful it has been as a mother to experience these concerts. My son’s life has been changed, surely, by participating, and his current intention to study music education partly stems from these experiences. I’m so grateful!
Thank you Nessa for contributing your perspective as a mother! Best wishes for much success to your son.