Music Education Major Hopes to Inspire His Future Students

Michael D’Orazio, a junior music education major at Southern Utah University, has been interested in music since he was 11 years old. He was drawn to music because of the creative freedom to make art that was entirely his own. He transferred to SUU in the fall of 2017 from Antelope Valley College, a school in his hometown of Lancaster, California.

In November, D’Orazio attended the American Choral Directors Association conference in Salt Lake City, a two day conference based on instructing choir students teaching techniques that can be implemented into their future classrooms. He learned about the conference through the ACDA chapter at SUU and attended with more than a dozen SUU students.

D’Orazio had the opportunity to learn from professionals working in the field and appreciated the hands-on approach to the conference.

“My favorite panels were the ones about including non-choir music, such as theatre and jazz, into a choir setting,” said D’Orazio. “It opens up a world of possibilities beyond classic choral arrangements.”

Dr. Krystal McCoy, assistant professor of music at SUU, has been influential to D’Orazio, instructing him on the importance of a variety of musical styles.

“Dr. McCoy has given me a new respect for choral music,” said D’Orazio. “I’m more into it, and it makes me more interested than I initially was.”

“Michael is a joy to have in class and in the choral music education program,” said Professor McCoy. “In his short time here on campus, he has become a vital contributor to the department and serves in any way needed.”

D’Orazio is thankful that SUU has given him the opportunity to attend the conference, because of his attendance, D’Orazio gained useful information and new viewpoints on teaching.

D’Orazio wants to become a teacher and inspire students the way he has been inspired.

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