Grammy award-winning choir director Dr. Jerry Blackstone spoke to IPR's Nancy Deneen about his vibrant career ahead of the Interlochen Voice Festival this weekend.
Currently a Visiting Professor of Music at University of Notre Dame, he has served on the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance for 30 years, and up until this summer, led the Adult Choir Camp at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
During the interview, Blackstone discussed his approach to conducting choirs and how he adapts his conducting when an orchestra is added to the performance.
To Blackstone, conducting is the "communication of musical ideas through pantomime."
"If you hear it in your head, conducting is not so difficult because you'll match what you imagine," said Blackstone. "Great conductors have great imaginations."
When asked about what makes choral music so special, Blackstone articulated the magic of unity and synchronicity when a group of singers create music together. Even feelings of performance anxiety in an ensemble can lead to a greater sense of togetherness and accomplishment.
"It s a great privilege to sing together. It's a great privilege to live with great words together and let that trigger thoughts of empathy and joyfulness," Blackstone reflected. "Life is better when we sing, and even better when we sing together."
Jerry Blackstone will guest conduct the Interlochen Arts Academy Chamber Singers this weekend at the Interlochen Voice Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall.
