Profile: Kristen Von Bargen, Conductor
Conductor and teacher Kristen Von Bargen has been teaching music and choir to students of all ages for the past 15 years. Originally from New Jersey, she holds a BM from West Chester University Honors College and certifications in Orff and Kodaly methodologies. She has conducted elementary, middle, high school choirs in private and public schools as well as honors level groups in both Pennsylvania and New York. She has been a conductor and teacher for the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus, Turtle Bay Music School,Third Street Music School and is currently a conductor for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and an active member of the American Choral Directors Association as presenter and a past Repertoire & Resource Chair for High School choral music.
1. What first drew you to music education, and how did you find your way to Brooklyn Youth Chorus?
I have always loved to sing and even more, loved to sing in a group. Making harmony with other people is my favorite thing to do – there is nothing like it! I wanted to share that with other people and the best way to do that for me was to teach chorus. I taught chorus in schools for a long time before moving to NYC and that is when I found BYC.
2. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your background?
When I was in elementary school, I actually wasn't in chorus at first- I played clarinet in band! I joined chorus in middle school and that's where I shifted from band kid to chorus kid. I stayed in band through high school, but was more involved in the choral program.
3. Can you describe a moment in rehearsal that reminded you why you do this work?
Any time I see students proud of what they have accomplished, individually or as a group, is a moment when I remember why I do this work.
4. If you had to sum up what kids today need most from a music teacher in three words, what would they be?
Validation, Encouragement, Honesty
5. What do you hope your choristers remember about their time with you, years from now?
I hope they remember that they can do hard things if they keep working at it. And I hope that they remember the joy of creating music with others.
6. What’s one song that instantly lifts your mood—choral or otherwise?
That's a tough one! There are many...right now, Preteen II is learning a piece called "Shiru," which means "sing" in Hebrew. It is just so joyful – I love to teach it and see how much joy it brings to the students when they sing it!
7. What’s a fun ritual or tradition you bring to your rehearsals?
One of my favorite ways to rehearse is to have a silent rehearsal. No talking from the students or the teacher – only singing! It always makes for some funny moments and vocal demonstrations and it always forces us all to be more focused and efficient. I also love One Good Thing- students share a good thing happening in their lives (BYC related or not). Its a great way to learn about each other and celebrate each other's accomplishments.
8. What’s your secret superpower (musical or otherwise)?
I have been told that I have bat-like hearing!
9. You get one day with no responsibilities at all. How are you spending it?
I would spend it walking around finding new-to-me coffee shops and bakeries! I love to explore new parts of the city that I haven't been to before.
Lightning Round (quick responses)
10. Favorite vocal warm-up?
Lip trills!
11. Morning person or night owl?
Morning person
12. Conducting baton or jazz hands?
Jazz hands
13. Coffee, tea, or...?
Coffee
14. Most used emoji?
❤️ and 🤣
