"Looking for a session that will be entertaining and fun, yet profoundly meaningful and practical? Ms. Eaton is a veteran choral music educator who is able to capitalize years of experience in the classroom and lovingly and willingly share that experience with colleagues both seasoned and young. In her presentation at TMEA last February, Denise gave a wealth of honest, real life advice to a standing-room-only audience who attentively devoured each and every word. We read excellent new publications using some of her different and innovative techniques, we explored a kinesthetic approach to vowel shapes, we laughed, we even shed a few tears with her moving stories, but I guarantee you, we surely learned a lot together. Ms. Eaton´s love for people, choral music, and teaching is clearly evident, and it is very contagious! Don´t miss her sessions!"
Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Director of Carthage Choir
Carthage College
"Denise Eaton's Summer Workshops for Teachers at Sam Houston State University were an excellent combination of tried and true fundamentals of teaching and creative ways to approach a variety of topics, including score study and rehearsal techniques. Eaton delivered her content with the charisma of a first-year teacher, the steely-edged authority of a veteran teacher, and the wisdom of a Jedi master. These classes challenged each individual to grow as a teacher and human being wherever he/she was in the profession."
James C. Franklin, DMA
Director of Choral Activities
East Carolina University School of Music
“Working with Denise came at the right time for me in my career. As choir directors, we can sometimes get stuck in doing things the same old way because it has always worked for us in the past. I am always looking for new strategies and innovative rehearsal techniques that will challenge both me as the director and my students. Getting the opportunity to try new approaches to music instruction while having a mentor to collaborate with was probably one of the best professional development projects I’ve ever experienced. Having the chance to discuss those new approaches with Denise each week allowed me to really understand the why behind using them in my rehearsal, which ultimately made their implementation more efficient and purposeful. Thank you Denise for reinvigorating my approach to music education and giving me new tools for my choral toolbox that I will use for years to come.”
Spencer Wiley
Head Choir Director, Harker Heights HS
Since my student teaching semester, I haven’t had anyone continuously look at my teaching methods. I felt that I learned so much during that short time, but then I was on my own. I have been a head director for years trying to figure this whole choral education thing largely on my own. I wanted to break the wheel of rote learning and focus on long term music literacy, but I needed guidance. I think Denise Eaton’s greatest strength lies in her ability to break down the fundamentals of choral music and solve the pedagogical question of “What is the best way to TEACH this music to my students?”
I loved the idea of a semester long “collegiate-like” time frame where I could continuously focus on the presentation side of my teaching but also my score study through a pedagogical lens. AND, I must say that the results were noticeable from the start. The more I invested in the practice of pedagogical score study, the more profoundly it impacted the quality of my choirs.
Michael Zook
Head Choir Director, Vandegrift High School
For years, I have followed and watched what Denise Eaton has done for the choral world in awe. I was, for the longest time, nervous to ask her to come work with my groups because of how insecure I felt in my teaching. When Jager Lloyd, RRISD Fine Arts Director, asked who we should bring in to help our choral departments get better, Denise was the first and only name on the list.
As a consultant for our department, she has helped me see a different, more comprehensive way to prepare my music and the students to achieve more as well as to craft better musicians for the future. After 15 years of teaching, I realized I still do not have all the answers and her methods are so obvious, but packaged in a new way, that it allows you as an educator to really become more a part of the process.
Through in-person and virtual clinics, group and one on one PD sessions, recording listening discussions, and countless conversations, RRHS has found a reliable resource, teacher-coach, and new friend to help us on our journey to musical excellence.
Denise breaks down the fundamentals that oftentimes get glossed over due to the constraints of the modern choral rehearsal, then helps you realize that as long as you focus on those fundamentals: score preparation, tone, literacy, creative repetition, all will fall into place.
Honestly, if you are looking to revolutionize or revitalize your program look no further than Denise Eaton.
Jamieson McCaffity, MM
Director of Choirs ~ Round Rock High School
Denise Eaton is an absolute force of nature. When directing choirs, she artfully weaves hard work and joy into a seamless experience. By the end of a workshop or rehearsal, those involved leave transformed by her wisdom and passion!
We asked Ms. Eaton to observe a full day of instruction to help us improve our teaching and planning techniques. She provided us with REAL, relevant, concrete strategies that immediately boosted our effectiveness! If you want to elevate your choir to new heights, Ms. Eaton knows the map to get you there.
Austin Hunt
Head Director, Grantham Academy Choir
Choirmaster, HopePointe Anglican Church
Director, Luminari Boys Choir
Having known of Denise Eaton and her leadership in Spring ISD, I was always reluctant to call her and ask for help. During the pandemic, I did just that. It was a year when most were not singing and even fewer were going into school for clinics. I called and asked and she readily agreed. It was a great experience for us and our students, but where the real work began is when we invited her back this year and she spent a full day and half with us not only being the clinician for the choirs but becoming a mentor for me and my associate. Denise took a loving but firm stance in our areas that need growth and stimulation. She spent time helping choose literature, how to address some lacking of skills and also insisting that more must be expected out the students as they are capable of producing more. She returned home and has been a constant sounding board for ideas while also providing redirection and affirmation. Denise has quickly become a dear friend as she was always kind and respectful of where we were and firm in the direction we needed to be headed. If you have not had Denise into your program you are truly missing out. She is a Texas Gem of Choral Music..
Bryce Gage
Head Choir Director, Marble Falls High School