EMILY WILLIAMS BURCH
Dr. Emily Williams Burch began teaching in 2007, including directing community choirs, teaching in public schools, training in professional development settings, and as a professor at the university level. Currently the Coordinator of Music Education and Professor at the University of South Carolina, Aiken, Dr. Burch is also the Founder/Artistic Director of RISE Chorales, a community choir organization with youth and adult choirs based in Savannah, GA. On the side, Dr. Burch is an active clinician, adjunct music faculty at Savannah Technical College, and serves as chair for the ACDA National Standing Committee for Advocacy and Collaboration as well as R&R Coordinator for the Southern Region. Catch Dr. Burch on her podcast Music (ed) Matters wherever you listen to podcasts, or follow her adventures running and pacing marathons at @elevatedrunningandpacing.
ALEX GARTNER
Alex Gartner serves as the Artistic & Executive Director of the Pensacola Children's Chorus in Pensacola, FL. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to impact nearly 25,000 individuals throughout Northwest Florida, including over 5,000 youth, through innovative programs, performances, and organizational practices. He also serves the American Choral Directors Association as the Children’s and Youth R&R Coordinator for the Southern Region, is an all-state coordinator for the Florida Music Education Association, and previously served on the national arts education council with Americans for the Arts. An active clinician, guest conductor, and composer, his arrangements are available through many reputable publishers. Check out his latest work on social media or at www.AlexGartner.com.