Miami’s Chamber Singers performing this month at OCDA Conference
Reina Dickey, director of the group, also is part of International Conductors Exchange Program
Miami’s Chamber Singers performing this month at OCDA Conference
Reina Dickey, director of the group, also is part of International Conductors Exchange Program
June is a whirlwind month for Reina Dickey. Not only is Dickey traveling to Portugal as part of the International Conductors Exchange Program, but she’ll also lead up to 18 Miami University students for a performance at the Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) Conference on June 16.
Miami’s Chamber Singers will perform music at the conference in Upper Arlington from their recently completed season. The group was selected from a blind review process conducted by choral directors from across Ohio.
Dickey, director of Miami’s Chamber Singers and assistant professor of Music, plans a diverse program based on an amalgam of their performances from the past year.
“We’re excited to be able to share this with the larger Ohio community,” Dickey said. “I’m very proud of our students and very honored they have the opportunity to represent Miami University.”
Miami’s Chamber Singers serve as “musical ambassadors,” Dickey said, noting the group includes non-music majors. Typically, there are around 25 members a semester, though that number is a little lighter for the conference because of availability throughout the summer.
Held June 15-17, the OCDA Conference also features professional development opportunities, reading sessions, an exhibit hall, and more.
“They are eager to show the work that is happening in Oxford,” Dickey said. “The conference is great for our students who are Music Education majors as well because they’ll have a chance to connect with current professionals in the field.”
Dickey, too, is making connections. She is one of six U.S.-based Conducting Fellows with the International Conductors Exchange Program.
During her time in Portugal, Dickey will work with conductor and educator Maria Nunes, who visited Miami and held workshops in March as part of the program. Dickey also is looking forward to her visit to the musical archives in Coimbra.
“Portugal has so much historical music in manuscript form that people don’t know about because it hasn’t been transcribed,” Dickey said.
Last summer, Dickey visited Portugal and performed 17th century transcriptions of Portuguese music. The experience was so positive it led to Dickey applying for the exchange program.
“I’m excited to be back in Lisbon. It’s a beautiful city,” Dickey said. “It’s a great opportunity to share music.”