ChoirFolk

Community choirs and the people in them are something to sing about! Join Host Clayton Dyck and his international guests as they explore what makes them tick and how they bring much-needed harmony and wellness to our world.

Bonus Episode: Singing Resistance Update with Sarina Partridge 03/18/2026

Bonus Episode: Singing Resistance Update with Sarina Partridge A lot has changed for Sarina and the city of Minneapolis in these past few months. Our previous guest returns to share an update on how the city's Singing Resistance movement stepped up during its recent ICE crisis, and how it went viral across the continent (including a Brandi Carlile concert!). Additional Links: ChoirFolk Jukebox: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/40484455

Getting Into the Groove with Dawn Pemberton (Part Two) 03/04/2026

Getting Into the Groove with Dawn Pemberton (Part Two) Dawn shares her approach to musical actvism, her longstanding love and concern for the Cuban musical community and how songwriting brings healing to parents in The Lullaby Project. Plus ChoirFolk jukebox picks from a real life radio host! Additional links: ChoirFolk Jukebox: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/40110125

Getting Into the Groove with Dawn Pemberton! (Part One) 03/04/2026

Getting Into the Groove with Dawn Pemberton! (Part One) In the final episode of Season One (maybe...), Clayton greets the Dawn! Dawn Pemberton, that it, soulful staple of the Vancouver music scene. She and Clayton explore her musical evolution from a Kiss air band to choral leader and educator, and what makes her all-female choir Roots 'N' Wings unique. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/40110090

Moira Smiley: Long Live the Creative Weirdo! (Part Two) 02/18/2026

Moira Smiley: Long Live the Creative Weirdo! (Part Two) Moira shares the evolution of her musical career, from a four-year-old songwriter to a mid-career “creative”. She gives shout-outs to musician friends who she’s loved to work with, who inspire her, and who she loves to listen to these days (including ChoirFolk jukebox picks, of course). And how sometimes meeting your heroes can be a good thing… Songs featured on this episode: Haiku - just released Feb 20 on and ! Bonuses! Here's a video Moira just released post-interview for , written in solidarity with the Minnesota song resistance, and free for any music communities to sing! For choral groups that love to "Bellow", here's a of the song by Carrie Tennant. Moira's ChoirFolk Jukebox picks can be found here: Moira's musical collaborators, friends and inspirations (and there are a lot!): /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39653455

Moira Smiley: Long Live the Creative Weirdo! (Part One) 02/18/2026

Moira Smiley: Long Live the Creative Weirdo! (Part One) What better place for self-described “creative weirdos” but the choir community! Internationally loved song leader, singer, and songwriter Moira Smiley shares how she elevates choirs and how they, in kind elevate her. She also shares two new “song babies” and the wisdom of knowing when to keep things simple. Songs featured on this episode: New release "Haiku" now available on and - listen to a preview in Part Two! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39653340

It's All About the Bass! (Part Two) 02/04/2026

It's All About the Bass! (Part Two) What kind of a dog would a bass be? Clayton and his fellow basses discuss the important non-musical roles basses play in their choir, what's moved them lately in choir and how City Soul helps them through the rest of their lives. They also share their ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39685575

It's All About the Bass! (Part One) 02/04/2026

It's All About the Bass! (Part One) Let's see how low ChoirFolk can go... Clayton is joined by fellow City Soul basses Alan Pinvidic, Jon Scop and Bazil Graham share memories of being a young male singer, what makes a great bass choir community, and importantly, the "secret sauce" of a great bass sectional. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39685515

Dr. Kathy Bullock, Tradition Bearer (Part Two) 01/21/2026

Dr. Kathy Bullock, Tradition Bearer (Part Two) Kathy and Clayton explore the changing role of music in activism, and Kathy shares lessons learned with the next generation of song leaders. Plus, she goes over her "retirement" itinerary for next year (and it's a lot!). Additional links: ChoirFolk Jukebox: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39242945

Dr. Kathy Bullock, Tradition Bearer (Part One) 01/21/2026

Dr. Kathy Bullock, Tradition Bearer (Part One) All-around channeller of joy, Dr. Kathy Bullock shares stories from a life rich in the gospel tradition and the American civil rights movement, and how gospel music inspires choirs and audiences worldwide. Gospel is hot in Prague - who knew? /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39242925

Free Beer? It's Choir League with Kali Paguirigan! (Part Two) 01/07/2026

Free Beer? It's Choir League with Kali Paguirigan! (Part Two) Kali and Clayton return to discuss complementary wedding choirs, how choir repertoires can be tools for activism, and how to "franchise" a great choir concept. For more information on the Denver Choir League click and to see some of the performances, click and . Plus click on the links to listen to her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39104710

Free Beer? It's Choir League with Kali Paguirigan! (Part One) 01/07/2026

Free Beer? It's Choir League with Kali Paguirigan! (Part One) Who wouldn't want to rehearse in a microbrewery! Kali Paguiran shares her experience directing millennials and Gen Z'ers in the Denver Choir League. In part one: the League's (and Kali's) origin story, and why people come for the beer and stay for the cheer! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/39104665

Get Elevated with Sarina Partridge! (Part Two) 12/10/2025

Get Elevated with Sarina Partridge! (Part Two) Sarina and Clayton discuss the merits of choir "prescriptions" and explore how threshold choirs can help people through tough times. Also, how can song leaders help us get through the challenging times that lie ahead? Sarina's ChoirFolk Jukebox Picks can found on and /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/38186450

Get Elevated with Sarina Partridge! (Part One) 12/10/2025

Get Elevated with Sarina Partridge! (Part One) What can one song do? Songsmith, singing leader and educator Sarina shares how she inspires and connects choirs and communities through her work, and how her vocal groups offer support and healing for those struggling with mental health. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/38186185

No Audition Required: Come Sing with Patti Powell! (Part Two) 11/26/2025

No Audition Required: Come Sing with Patti Powell! (Part Two) What makes a non-audition choir concert special? Patti and Clayton talk about outdoor singalongs, hospital choirs, and more! If you’d like to see Patti’s choir in action for a recording of their most recent concert. She'll also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37497630

No Audition Required: Come Sing with Patti Powell! (Part One) 11/26/2025

No Audition Required: Come Sing with Patti Powell! (Part One) Love to sing but afraid you’re not cut out for choir? No problem! Clayton talks with Patti Powell about how her non-audition choirs, and how she brings out the best in her singers. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37497610

Choir Nation: Choral Communities in South Africa (Part Two) 11/12/2025

Choir Nation: Choral Communities in South Africa (Part Two) Bongani Magatyana shares how music brought healing to Cape Town's HIV positive community, how youth choirs help kids in its townships and what North American and South African choirs can learn from other. Hear his ChoirFolk Jukebox picks on and ! If you'd like to learn more: Performances: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37848785

Choir Nation: Choral Communities in South Africa (Part One) 11/12/2025

Choir Nation: Choral Communities in South Africa (Part One) Choir music is in the drinking water in South Africa! Choral leader and composer Bongani Magatyana shares his experience leading multiple church choirs, the pros and cons of choir competitions, and how he gets his choirs singing their best. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37848685

Hanging with the ChoirFolk Panel! (Part Two) 10/29/2025

Hanging with the ChoirFolk Panel! (Part Two) Jo, Juliana and Michele explore the "personalities" of community choirs and how choirs provide support and healing to members and audiences. They also share what makes them laugh and cry during a performance, and the value of a good throat lozenge. Additional Links: City Soul Choir performing Michele Roger and Jo Neill performing with City Soul Choir and the Island Soul Choir Jo Neill performing with City Soul Choir and the Island Soul Choir They also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37559515

Hanging with the ChoirFolk Panel! (Part One) 10/29/2025

Hanging with the ChoirFolk Panel! (Part One) What's it like to be part of a community choir? City Soul Choir members Jo Neill, Juliana Koo and Michele Roger share their origin stories, discuss how they prepare and reveal how they approach their biggest fears when performing. It's also a bit of a party! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37559115

Remaking Memories: Dementia Choirs with Erica Phare-Bergh (Part Two) 10/15/2025

Remaking Memories: Dementia Choirs with Erica Phare-Bergh (Part Two) Erica and Clayton explore the vital role of communities in supporting dementia choirs and highlight an exciting new initiative that involves kids in these choirs. They also discuss how this is becoming a global movement! Check out Erica's ChoirFolk Jubebox picks here: by Isabel Belina Additional Links: Voices in Motion and /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/38109955

Remaking Memories: Dementia Choirs with Erica Phare-Bergh (Part One) 10/15/2025

Remaking Memories: Dementia Choirs with Erica Phare-Bergh (Part One) Can choral singing literally bring back memories? Good Vibes Memory Choirs founder Erica Phare-Bergh shares how dementia choirs work, and how research is showing their benefits, not only for those afflicted with dementia, but their caregivers as well. /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/38109935

Lullaby Choirs and More: The Engaging World of Mollie Stone (Part Two) 10/01/2025

Lullaby Choirs and More: The Engaging World of Mollie Stone (Part Two) Mollie shares her exciting experiences working with music leaders in South Africa's AIDS community, and how they have influenced her approach to choral engagement and activism in Chicago. She'll also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: Additional links: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37340735

Lullaby Choirs and More: The Engaging World of Mollie Stone (Part One) 10/01/2025

Lullaby Choirs and More: The Engaging World of Mollie Stone (Part One) Two communities are connected through choirs: those who sing in them and the ones they sing to. Chicago's Mollie Stone lovingly serves both groups. In Part One, she shares her journey from child singer to a celebrated choir leader. We'll also explore how she innovatively engages audiences (including babies!) through her choral projects and chat about the differences between adult and child singers. See us in Part Two for additional links, including the ChoirFolk Jukebox! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37340410

Leading Off: A Conversation with Karla Mundy (Part Two) 09/17/2025

Leading Off: A Conversation with Karla Mundy (Part Two) Karla and Clayton discuss the challenges one faces when using choirs to foster community connections and advocacy, and how she preserves wellness in her very busy life. She's also got ChoirFolk Jukebox suggestions for us! To get to the ChoirFolk Jukebox: Additional links: /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37327730

Leading Off: A Conversation with Karla Mundy (Part One) 09/17/2025

Leading Off: A Conversation with Karla Mundy (Part One) How does a person get so lucky as to lead a community choir? Vancouver’s Karla Mundy starts our series by sharing her journey as a choir director, how she harnesses choir energy, and how she selects her inspiring global repertoire. See us in Part Two for additional links, and links to the ChoirFolk Jukebox! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37300965

Trailer: Coming September 2025! 08/22/2025

Trailer: Coming September 2025! Join host Clayton Dyck to learn what makes community choirs tick and how they foster joy, wellness and healthy communities worldwide. Premieres September 17! /episode/index/show/3c373f8f-e749-4e25-aa0c-b73344ecd318/id/37787040

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