Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we’re honored to kick off 2026 with the brilliant and inspiring Dr. Julie Yu-Oppenheim—Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Oklahoma City University and Artistic Director of Canterbury Voices.Julie shares her journey from teaching high school choir in Oklahoma to becoming a nationally recognized conductor, educator, and clinician. We talk about her experience leading collegiate and community ensembles, setting meaningful goals (and actually keeping them), and how she maintains a positive mindset in a world that often feels heavy.She also offers powerful insight into her leadership philosophy in the choral world. This conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and reminders of the joy and impact we can bring to our classrooms and communities through music.We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter!https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribeWant to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].Download the full podcast here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVnsFollow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspodSponsors:Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.comKansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.comEndeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.comEncore Tours: encoretours.comS-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701Class Intercom: classintercom.comHaymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/