Ep. 53 - All in the Family: A Choral & Wind Conducting Duo - Shelby and Micah Laird

"In this small community, they’re going to hear Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in their backyard. The festival has the intention to broaden the horizons of this community through music. That’s why we do what we do: to learn and grow and teach and support each other." - Shelby Laird
"I've always been in love with the choral rehearsal. It is so methodical and engaging. Every step is planned out, but there's always room for flexibility and growth. That kind of stuff that is so streamlined and normal in the choral classroom is something we can really learn from in the instrumental world." - Micah Laird
Shelby Laird is from Hays, Kansas and has grown up entrenched in the choral world. Throughout her education she has had the privilege to work and learn from some inspiring and brilliant conductions including Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Anton Armstrong, Simon Carrington, Helmuth Rilling, Kim Ritzer, and Dr. Edith Copley. She was a Young Artist for the Ad Astra Music Festival in Russell, KS, in 2015 and now serves as their Festival Manager and sings on select projects. Shelby graduated from Northern Arizona University in December 2018 with a degree in choral music education. While at NAU, she performed with Shrine of the Ages Choir, High Altitude, Handbell Choir, and Women’s Chorale, and student conducted University Singers. Additionally, Shelby served as NAU’s Student Chapter President of ACDA and planned the Student Symposium for the state of Arizona in 2017. She was awarded the Outstanding Future Choral Educator of the Year for the state of Arizona in 2018 and has sung with the Sedona Academy Chamber Singers for numerous exciting projects including recording GRAMMY nominated composer Michael Hoppé’s Requiem and singing backup for Josh Groban. Shelby taught choir in the Independence School District at William Chrisman High School for three years outside of Kansas City. Currently, Shelby is pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of Oregon and working with Dr. Sharon Paul. In her first year, she sang with the UO Chamber Choir and conducted the Repertoire Singers ensemble. Shelby joined the Eugene Symphony Chorus for a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and then served as Eugene Symphony Chorus Manager for Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe. This summer Shelby is singing with the University of Oregon’s Chamber Choir as a part of the renowned Oregon Bach Festival.
Micah Laird is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where he obtained a degree in Instrumental Music Education as the Outstanding Senior in the School of Music. During his time at NAU, Micah was an active member of the School of Music, performing with numerous instrumental and vocal ensembles including the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. While in college, Micah also toured the country with the World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in 2015 and 2016. Micah lived and taught in Blue Springs, Missouri, where he was the assistant director of bands at Brittany Hill Middle School and an associate director of bands for the Golden Regiment Marching Band from Blue Springs High School. In addition to his public-school teaching, he was on the instructional staff for the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2022 season. Micah is also a part of the administrative staff for the Ad Astra Music Festival based out of Russell, Kansas. This is his first year at the University of Oregon working towards a graduate degree in Wind Conducting, studying under Dr. Dennis Llinás.
To get in touch with Shelby and Micah, you can find them on Instagram: @shelbylaird19 and @micahtlaird.
Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.
Email [email protected] to contact our hosts.
Podcast music from Podcast.co
Photo in episode artwork by Trace Hudson