Confessions of a Recovering Choir Empire Builder

Hi, I’m Ms. Amedee, and I am a BIG choir nerd. There, I said it. No regrets!

I absolutely love choral singing. I love choirs, conducting choirs, directing choirs, and singing in choirs. I always tell my students that, for a singer, choir is our only team sport. We can’t participate in marching band or an orchestra as vocal musicians. Choir is it! It is our arena to learn how to be great teammates, play the game, and show up to win. Together.

This year marked some beautiful milestones on my home turf: my 5th season directing the East End Miracle Makers Children’s Choir, my 4th year as Dominion Academy’s choir director, and my 6th year directing St. Paul’s Children’s Choir.

But my playbook didn't always look the way it does now.

Over my 15 years of leading ensembles, my teaching philosophy has undergone a massive transformation. It changed for the better, but I'll admit it took a swift kick to my ego to make it happen.

The Empire Mindset

You see, I was educated in a strict music conservatory. I spent my 20s to 30s working as a professional opera singer and chorister. Because of that high-pressure background, my first years of teaching were a bit... lopsided.

I wanted my choirs to be flawless. I wanted them to look and act like the professional ensembles I grew up in—standing straight, uniform, and imposing. I wanted to build an empire of singers, a towering legacy to look back on just like my own conductors had done.

Looking back honestly, there was a lot of pride in those early years. A lot of "build an empire" thoughts. I had to learn the hard way that choir is never about "I" or "me"—especially when you're the one holding the baton.

The Plot Twist

A few years ago, I was let go from a choral directing job. The loss was deeply painful, but it forced a complete rewrite of my direction as an educator.

Here is the cliff notes version: Midway through a school year, my family and I converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The school administration didn't approve of my religious choice, and just like that, I was let go.

It hurt deeply. I had excellent marks as a teacher, rave reviews from my superintendent and principal, and my choirs had performed beautifully at every concert. All signs pointed to a roaring success. And then, it was just done.

Changing the Score

Walking away from those students so suddenly brought a wave of heavy regret. I realized I had spent so much energy pressing them toward musical perfection, and not enough time showing them that they were truly incredible human beings. I had invested more in "the program" than in the people.

Right then and there, I made a promise. From that moment on, my main focus would be ensuring every single child knew they were loved and believed in, first and foremost.

The brilliant Maya Angelou once said, “People won’t remember what you say to them, but they will remember how you make them feel.” That quote became my anchor and my litmus test for teaching.

Losing that job taught me that we are only ever guaranteed today with our students. If I am only granted this exact moment, what do I want to give them?

Do I want to pass down stress over concert deadlines? Should we spend our precious time hammering away at phrasing, arguing about dress codes, or obsessing over dynamic shifts?

No way.

The New Anthem

If we only have today, it should be about them. It should be about the pure joy of making music together.

I want to instill a lifelong love of communal singing. I want to give my students tools they can use to sing for the rest of their days. More than anything, I want them to feel supported, loved, and part of a real team. I want them to know that I care infinitely more about their hearts than my own ego.

When they leave my room, I want them to feel connected to a long, beautiful heritage of singing that spans generations. I want them to laugh, move their bodies to the beat, and never, ever forget how good it feels to create something beautiful together.

Let’s Make Some Noise!

The new season is officially upon us, and the stage is set for an absolutely incredible year of music-making. Whether you are a seasoned bathroom-shower soloist, a car-karaoke champion, or a brand-new voice ready to find your rhythm, there is a place just for you.

Don't let the music stop! Keep singing, keep smiling, and come over for some voice lessons or join a choral ensembles this year. ( I can help point you in the right direction).  Let’s team up, make some magic, and fill the world with a whole lot of joy.

Are you ready to sing your heart out with AR Vocal Studios this year? Drop a comment below.