Transcript, interview with Courtney Birch, 2018 Oct 30

Courtney Birch discusses her role as choral director and head of the music department in the early 2000s. Interviewed by Kitty Gordan, she talks about working with Dorothy Hutcheson on challenges and goals for the music program, her colleagues, student attitudes toward music at the school, and introducing an instrumental program. She also discusses adding a music composition program and "She is a Heroine," the first composition project created and performed by the Class of 2011 as sixth graders, and the accompanying documentary created by Daphne Schmon '05. Ms. Birch and Ms. Gordan consider how they addressed issues regarding Gilbert and Sullivan performances, followed by how a visit to St. Paul's School in London influenced how she approached teaching music appreciation. Finally, Ms. Birch discusses the creation of Chamber Chorus and Baseless Accusations, choral group international tours, and memories of winter and spring concerts.