Artistic Director – Vocal HERspective

Thea Kano

Dr. Thea Kano came on as the surprising choice for Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington 21 years ago. The conversation highlights the important role that music and the arts play in turbulent times and how the chorus lives out their mission to promote equality, achieve justice, and overcome our differences.

Learn more about the many offerings within the GMCW community at https://www.gmcw.org/

Mary Ann East

Episode 89 – Mary Ann East

Suba Sankaran

Episode 40 – Suba Sankaran

You may know her best as half of FreePlay or as Artistic Director of Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, but there’s a lot more to learn about Suba Sankaran! Rachael and Amanda sit down with her on Episode 40.

Learn more about Suba: http://www.subasankaran.com
Learn more about SING! Toronto: https://www.singtoronto.com/
Learn more about FreePlay: https://freeplayduo.com/

Christine Sack

Episode 38 – Christine Sack

On Episode 38, Amanda and Rachael sit down with Christine Sack, the former Artistic Director of Voicebox. They talk everything from artistic vision, striving for constant improvement, the visibility and acceptance of non-binary singers, and so much more!

Learn more about Voicebox at: https://thevoicebx.wixsite.com/ucfacappella

Watch Christina on YouTube

Thea Kano

Episode 119 (0:30:25)

Dr. Thea Kano came on as the surprising choice for Artistic Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington 21 years ago. The conversation highlights the important role that music and the arts play in turbulent times and how the chorus lives out their mission to promote equality, achieve justice, and overcome our differences.

Learn more about the many offerings within the GMCW community at https://www.gmcw.org/

Thea Kano (1) | Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (1) | GALA (1) | New York Master Chorale (1) | social justice (2) | Artistic Director (4) | Washington DC (4) | 2025 (16) | director (21) | interview (56) | Kristina Adams (56) | Amanda Cornaglia (114) |

Lynn Blakeney

Episode 118 (0:46:56)

From a childhood full of music, to a scary diagnosis, to finding her voice again, Lynn Blakeney clearly doesn't take her ability to sing for granted. With three sparkly hats and more medals than she can count, you may be surprised to know that Lynn's focus goes far beyond competing. Listen in as she chats about her time with Upstate Rhythm, LiveWire, Roulette, Northern Blend, and even Village Vocal Chords, plus her perspective as a judge and coach. So much to pack into one episode!

LiveWire (1) | Lynn Blakeney (1) | Village Vocal Chords (1) | Upstate Rhythm (2) | New York (3) | Roulette (3) | Northern Blend (3) | judge (3) | Harmony Queen (13) | 2025 (16) | Harmony Inc (26) | Barbershop (36) | interview (56) | Kristina Adams (56) | performer (66) | Amanda Cornaglia (114) |

Amy Patterson

Episode 117 (0:32:39)

Amy Patterson pulls off quite the balancing act in the sheer amount of things she accomplishes. You can see her singing or directing with A Cappella Showcase, singing with her International level quartets, Empire and Sapphire, quickly building a new mixed chorus with Voices Unlimited, or nurturing the singers of tomorrow with Young Voices. Oh, and then judging, coaching, and teaching. Hear more from this barbershop start out of Ontario on this week's episode!

Youth Voices (1) | Voices Unlimited (1) | Sapphire (1) | Ontario (1) | A Cappella Showcase (1) | Amy Patterson (1) | MBHA (2) | Empire (2) | judge (3) | Canada (4) | BHS (8) | 2025 (16) | director (21) | Harmony Inc (26) | Barbershop (36) | interview (56) | performer (66) | Amanda Cornaglia (114) |

Allison Thompson

Episode 116 (0:29:12)

Allison Thompson certainly knows how to keep about a dozen balls in the air at once. As the Convention Manager for Harmony, Inc., Allison is the driving force behind the annual International Convention & Contest. This year, she's also stepped up to help with the organization's expansion efforts and is leading the team for Harmony Fest West. Hear more about the upcoming events and gain a little insight on what goes into pulling off stellar large-scale events!

Learn more about Harmony, Inc. and Harmony Fest West at harmonyinc.org

Allison Thompson (1) | volunteer (1) | Kentucky (1) | Harmony Fest West (1) | events (5) | 2025 (16) | Harmony Inc (26) | Barbershop (36) | Kristina Adams (56) | performer (66) | Amanda Cornaglia (114) |

MaryAnne Muglia Smith

Episode 115 (0:34:43)

Just how much can Amanda and Kris fangirl over one of their favorite arrangers? Find out in Episode 115 with esteemed guest, MaryAnne Muglia Smith! MaryAnne is an accomplished arranger, composer, songwriter, performer, clinician, and just...Renaissance Woman. You may best know her from Red Letter Daze, but you can also find her as a camper turned Director at A Cappella Academy. Hear her story and all of the unexpected places she finds inspiration.

MaryAnne's Arrangements, Compositions, and Commisions - maryannemuglia.com
Red Letter Daze - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-Rkgf-mvp0msb-5ZuakwQ
A Cappella Academy - acappellacademy.org

Red Letter Daze (1) | MaryAnne Muglia Smith (1) | Arizona (2) | A Cappella Academy (3) | composer (6) | arranger (8) | songwriter (11) | 2025 (16) | director (21) | interview (56) | Kristina Adams (56) | performer (66) | Amanda Cornaglia (114) |