Headline Speakers

Ysaÿe Maria Barnwell
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell, Ph.D. MSPH, is a commissioned composer, arranger, author, actress and former member of the African American female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock. She is a vocalist with a range of over three octaves and appears on more than twenty-five recordings with Sweet Honey as well as other artists. Trained as a violinist for 15 years beginning at the age of 2 1/2, she holds degrees in speech pathology (BS, MSEd), cranio-facial studies (Ph.D.) and public health (MSPH). She was a professor at Howard University College of Dentistry for over a decade, and over the following eight years developed training programs in Child Protection at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center, and administered community-based health programs at Gallaudet University, all in Washington, DC.
For almost thirty years, and on three continents, Barnwell has led the workshop Building a Vocal Community - Singing In the African American Tradition, which utilizes oral tradition, an African world view and African American history, values, cultural and vocal traditions to build communities of song among singers and non-singers alike. Her pedagogy is highly respected among musicians, educators, health workers, activists, organizers, and members of the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell, Ph.D. MSPH, is a commissioned composer, arranger, author, actress and former member of the African American female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock. She is a vocalist with a range of over three octaves and appears on more than twenty-five recordings with Sweet Honey as well as other artists. Trained as a violinist for 15 years beginning at the age of 2 1/2, she holds degrees in speech pathology (BS, MSEd), cranio-facial studies (Ph.D.) and public health (MSPH). She was a professor at Howard University College of Dentistry for over a decade, and over the following eight years developed training programs in Child Protection at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center, and administered community-based health programs at Gallaudet University, all in Washington, DC.
For almost thirty years, and on three continents, Barnwell has led the workshop Building a Vocal Community - Singing In the African American Tradition, which utilizes oral tradition, an African world view and African American history, values, cultural and vocal traditions to build communities of song among singers and non-singers alike. Her pedagogy is highly respected among musicians, educators, health workers, activists, organizers, and members of the corporate and non-profit sectors.

Jo Kirk
Jo Kirk, nationally known Kodály and early childhood music educator, holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of Akron, her Kodály Music Education Certificate from Silver Lake College, and has completed early childhood studies at The Hartt School of Music and Westminster Choir College. Her teaching experience spans from “little ones” to Kodály graduate-level adults at Nebraska Wesleyan, Colorado State, Wichita State, Morehead, and California State Universities.
Kirk is founder of WeJoySing, Inc. which provides early childhood music and movement-based learning programs for children and their families. She is the author of Hal Leonard’s PreK Essential Elements Music Class lessons and curriculum. Kirk maintains an active conference and public speaking schedule and has authored “A Kodaly Approach,” Spotlight on Early Childhood Music Education: Selected Articles from State MEA Journals, published by The National Association for Music Education (2000), and “Super Food for Developing Brains,” Southwestern Musician (February 2020), published by the Texas Music Educators Association, and has authored Lullabies to Circle Games: An Early Childhood Music and Movement Curriculum.
Jo Kirk, nationally known Kodály and early childhood music educator, holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of Akron, her Kodály Music Education Certificate from Silver Lake College, and has completed early childhood studies at The Hartt School of Music and Westminster Choir College. Her teaching experience spans from “little ones” to Kodály graduate-level adults at Nebraska Wesleyan, Colorado State, Wichita State, Morehead, and California State Universities.
Kirk is founder of WeJoySing, Inc. which provides early childhood music and movement-based learning programs for children and their families. She is the author of Hal Leonard’s PreK Essential Elements Music Class lessons and curriculum. Kirk maintains an active conference and public speaking schedule and has authored “A Kodaly Approach,” Spotlight on Early Childhood Music Education: Selected Articles from State MEA Journals, published by The National Association for Music Education (2000), and “Super Food for Developing Brains,” Southwestern Musician (February 2020), published by the Texas Music Educators Association, and has authored Lullabies to Circle Games: An Early Childhood Music and Movement Curriculum.
Kodály Educator Panel

Rita Alway
Rita Alway teaches music at Berkley Maynard Academy in Oakland, CA, where she is proud to have created a TK-8th grade music program that includes both Kodaly pedagogy and middle school rock band! Rita has spent her career working with underserved students and believes strongly in the importance of high quality, culturally responsive music education for ALL children. She received a bachelor's degree in music from Yale University and a master's degree in music education with Kodaly emphasis from Holy Names University. Prior to teaching at her current school, Rita taught with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta and with Cantare Children's Choirs in Oakland.
Rita Alway teaches music at Berkley Maynard Academy in Oakland, CA, where she is proud to have created a TK-8th grade music program that includes both Kodaly pedagogy and middle school rock band! Rita has spent her career working with underserved students and believes strongly in the importance of high quality, culturally responsive music education for ALL children. She received a bachelor's degree in music from Yale University and a master's degree in music education with Kodaly emphasis from Holy Names University. Prior to teaching at her current school, Rita taught with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta and with Cantare Children's Choirs in Oakland.

Carmen Campbell,
moderator
Carmen Campbell is currently in her fourth year as the K-5 general music teacher at Aspen Creek Elementary in the Gretna Public School in Gretna, Nebraska. Prior to teaching at Aspen Creek, Carmen was the K-5 general music teacher for fourteen years at Benson West Elementary in the Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ms. Campbell has a Bachelor of Music in Education and a Master of Music in Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University of Portland, Oregon. She received her Kodály certification from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and was the Jenő Ádám Scholarship recipient for her level three training. Carmen also holds Orff certification from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She has served in chapter leadership in the Plains State Kodály Organization and is President-elect of the Midwest Kodály Music Educators of America.
moderator
Carmen Campbell is currently in her fourth year as the K-5 general music teacher at Aspen Creek Elementary in the Gretna Public School in Gretna, Nebraska. Prior to teaching at Aspen Creek, Carmen was the K-5 general music teacher for fourteen years at Benson West Elementary in the Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ms. Campbell has a Bachelor of Music in Education and a Master of Music in Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University of Portland, Oregon. She received her Kodály certification from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and was the Jenő Ádám Scholarship recipient for her level three training. Carmen also holds Orff certification from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She has served in chapter leadership in the Plains State Kodály Organization and is President-elect of the Midwest Kodály Music Educators of America.

Minami Cohen
A native of Okinawa, Japan, Minami Cohen earned M.M. in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis from Holy Names University (HNU). She teaches elementary music and choir for the Hayward Unified School District, Kodály Musicianship at HNU Preparatory Music Department, as well as her role as Kodály Summer Coordinator and Kodály Summer tutor at HNU. She strives to promote quality music education and make it accessible to all students and educators alike. She serves as President of the Northern California Association of Kodály Educators, a member of Equity committee for Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), and a founding member of Green Sally Up Project. Minami’s passion and interests include sharing the music of her cultural heritage and the topic of Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching in music classrooms. She has presented at the International Kodály Society Symposium, OAKE National Conferences, and workshops around the East Bay, California.
A native of Okinawa, Japan, Minami Cohen earned M.M. in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis from Holy Names University (HNU). She teaches elementary music and choir for the Hayward Unified School District, Kodály Musicianship at HNU Preparatory Music Department, as well as her role as Kodály Summer Coordinator and Kodály Summer tutor at HNU. She strives to promote quality music education and make it accessible to all students and educators alike. She serves as President of the Northern California Association of Kodály Educators, a member of Equity committee for Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), and a founding member of Green Sally Up Project. Minami’s passion and interests include sharing the music of her cultural heritage and the topic of Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching in music classrooms. She has presented at the International Kodály Society Symposium, OAKE National Conferences, and workshops around the East Bay, California.

Dr. James Cuskelly
Dr. James Cuskelly, OAM is music teacher at St Joseph’s School (Stanthorpe), Immediate Past President of the International Kodály Society, Director of the Summer School Music Program, Director of the Cuskelly College of Music, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland (School of Education).
James has a very broad base in education, having taught in Kindergarten, pre-school, primary and secondary classrooms as well as in tertiary institutions since 1987. His passion for music, and his ability to enthuse and bring about effective learning in students across all ages or abilities, is internationally recognized. James is committed to teacher training in music education, and condrthsequently, is frequently asked to lead teacher in-service programs and workshops in a variety of teacher training programs including Australia, Malaysia, Scotland, England, Hungary, South Africa and New Zealand. Dr. Cuskelly was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music education in The Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List.
Dr. James Cuskelly, OAM is music teacher at St Joseph’s School (Stanthorpe), Immediate Past President of the International Kodály Society, Director of the Summer School Music Program, Director of the Cuskelly College of Music, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland (School of Education).
James has a very broad base in education, having taught in Kindergarten, pre-school, primary and secondary classrooms as well as in tertiary institutions since 1987. His passion for music, and his ability to enthuse and bring about effective learning in students across all ages or abilities, is internationally recognized. James is committed to teacher training in music education, and condrthsequently, is frequently asked to lead teacher in-service programs and workshops in a variety of teacher training programs including Australia, Malaysia, Scotland, England, Hungary, South Africa and New Zealand. Dr. Cuskelly was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music education in The Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List.

Maria Ellis
Maria A. Ellis is a passionate educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor and currently serves as the director of The Sheldon’s City of Music All-Star Chorus and The St. Louis Children’s Choirs newest virtual ensemble. She is an active clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. Maria holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 certified) degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for the St. Louis Symphony and has served as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Maria is the Repertoire and Resource Chair of Inclusivity for the Missouri Choral Directors Association. She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Educators, and the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, and holds level three certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Maria is the wife of Marion Ellis Jr. and the mother of Aria, Kendal, and Noah.
Maria A. Ellis is a passionate educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor and currently serves as the director of The Sheldon’s City of Music All-Star Chorus and The St. Louis Children’s Choirs newest virtual ensemble. She is an active clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. Maria holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 certified) degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for the St. Louis Symphony and has served as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Maria is the Repertoire and Resource Chair of Inclusivity for the Missouri Choral Directors Association. She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Educators, and the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, and holds level three certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Maria is the wife of Marion Ellis Jr. and the mother of Aria, Kendal, and Noah.