Biography

Author, Conductor,

Teacher, Clinician

Dr. Joel Plaag

I'M JOEL

I'M A CHOIR DIRECTOR...

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 love musical analysis too; it always gives me a thrill to know why something sounds good or bad.


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 books further explain 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.


In my spare time, I love to explore.  The picture at the top of the site was from a trip in 2021 to New Mexico, where I got to fly in a Pilatus PC 12 and visited places like El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments.  I fix things, too, making fountains or doing some minor woodworking (I always am careful with my fingers). 


The little conducting box I stand on every week?  I made it.


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

Other Skills

  • Singing 
  • Speaker (connecting with others, conducting, music, rehearsal techniques and more)
  • Arranging handbells, choral music and instrumental
  • Organ playing experience
  • Preaching experience
  • Voice teacher
  • Adjudicator
  • Contest host and organizer
  • Choir tours
  • Arranging and leading worship

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.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION


2024 - Workshop Leader - "Caring for Your Choir," Association of Disciples Musicians, Tulsa, OK

2022-current - Pianist and cantoral singer, Temple Israel, Schulenberg, TX

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