Biography

DR. JOEL PLAAG

Conductor, Teacher, Author

ABOUT ME



I love conducting.  In high school, I was teaching parts to other students, and by the time college came, I couldn't wait to buy my first baton.  I found many loves in music, including teaching theory, analysis, and history, but I keep coming back to conducting choirs.


I taught conducting classes and enjoyed opening my students' eyes to the good and the bad points of conducting.  I developed a systematic way of helping others become better conductors.  My  book, I'm a Choir Director, further explains my methods.   Most importantly, I explore how regular prayer, honesty, and good technique lead to good, grounded, easy-to-follow conducting.


I love to help others.  I wrote my books to do that.


EDUCATION


  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting
  • Masters of Music in Conducting
  • Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Music (Choral)
  • Additional study in orchestral conducting at the International Institute for Conductors, Bacau, Romania
GET IN TOUCH
  • Singing 
  • Speaker (overcoming fear, connecting with others, music, and more)
  • Arranging handbell and instruments
  • Organ playing experience
  • Preaching experience
  • Voice lessons
  • Adjudicator
  • Contest host and organizer
  • Choir tours
  • Arranging and leading worship.

OTHER SKILLS:

PERSONAL


My family (left to Right): Sister Heather McConnell, Husband Michael Rebner, me, Mother Debbie Plaag, Step-father Gilbert Stockert, Brother-in-law Paul McConnell after the Poulenc Gloria concert, 2017.

My dogs: Teddy (Great Pyrenees, rescued from the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society of Houston) and Freckles (Beagle-Corgi, rescued off the street)

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

 


2018 - Area 9 Handbell Association Invited Ensmble director

2007-2013 - Advanced Placement Exam Reader

2004-2012 - North-Central Arkansas Educational Service Center Consultant

2007 - Who's Who in American Education, 8th ed.

2007 - Who's Who in Emerging Leaders, 1st ed.

2004 - Who's Who in America, 58th ed.

2001 - Member Phi Beta Delta International Society for Scholars

2000 - Director of the Texas Governor's Distinguished Collegiate Chorale

1995 - Member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society