Doctor of Musical Arts - Choral Conducting
Michigan State University - 2007
Professional Preparation
Master of Music - Choral Conducting
Temple University - 2002
Temple University - 2002
Bachelor of Music - Music Education
University of Michigan - 1997
University of Michigan - 1997
Publications
BROTHERS, SING ON! Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir
By Jonathan Palant
Brothers, Sing On!: Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir by Jonathan Palant is a welcome addition to the choral pedagogy literature addressing the training of male singers. An ideal resource for choral directors, teachers-in-training, singers and choral enthusiasts, this practical volume explores the challenges and rewards of working with evolving adolescent-through-adult male singer. In addition to his own valuable insights, Dr. Palant includes interviews with over two dozen seasoned vocal music educators. Topics include: A History of Men's Choral Singing, Anatomy of the Male Voice, The Product: Choral Tone, Intonation, Parts and Placement, The Adolescent Male Voice: Categorization to Maturation, Programming and Repertoire Selection, Auditions, Warm-Ups, Sight-Singing, Recruiting, Fund-Raising, Travel, sample programs, repertoire lists, and much more! - publications
By Jonathan Palant
Brothers, Sing On!: Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir by Jonathan Palant is a welcome addition to the choral pedagogy literature addressing the training of male singers. An ideal resource for choral directors, teachers-in-training, singers and choral enthusiasts, this practical volume explores the challenges and rewards of working with evolving adolescent-through-adult male singer. In addition to his own valuable insights, Dr. Palant includes interviews with over two dozen seasoned vocal music educators. Topics include: A History of Men's Choral Singing, Anatomy of the Male Voice, The Product: Choral Tone, Intonation, Parts and Placement, The Adolescent Male Voice: Categorization to Maturation, Programming and Repertoire Selection, Auditions, Warm-Ups, Sight-Singing, Recruiting, Fund-Raising, Travel, sample programs, repertoire lists, and much more! - publications
PROUD OF YOUR BOY
Alan Menken, arranged by Jonathan Palant
TBB and piano
From the Broadway production of Aladdin here is a song about self worth and the desire to do the right thing. Wonderful lyrics for young men to sing. With a beautiful and singable melody by Alan Menken this is an arrangement that will move your young men's choir forward and to the next level of proficiency with excellent teaching strategies included in the page 2 notes. - publications
Alan Menken, arranged by Jonathan Palant
TBB and piano
From the Broadway production of Aladdin here is a song about self worth and the desire to do the right thing. Wonderful lyrics for young men to sing. With a beautiful and singable melody by Alan Menken this is an arrangement that will move your young men's choir forward and to the next level of proficiency with excellent teaching strategies included in the page 2 notes. - publications
“The Dallas Street Choir: The Impact of Communal Singing on Those Experiencing Homelessness.”
Choral Journal, October 2018. - publications
Choral Journal, October 2018. - publications
Awards
The American Prize Celebrating Excellence in the Arts Finalist in Choral Conducting - [2023]
Texas Choral Directors Association – Innovative Programming Award - [2022]
Temple University – “Gallery of Success” Outstanding Alumnus - [2019]
Dallas Morning News – “Texan of the Year” finalist - [2017]
Musical America – Innovator of the Year - [2016]
Bishop Odon Award for Excellence in Community Outreach - United Methodist Church - [2016]
The American Prize Celebrating Excellence in the Arts Third Prize in Choral Conducting - [2012]
The American Prize Celebrating Excellence in the Arts Finalist in Choral Performance by a Community Chorus - [2012]
Projects
Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and BTS September 28, 2024, Grace Presbyterian Church of Plano
From timeless melodies by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to the contemporary sounds of K-Pop sensation BTS, this concert promises to have something for everyone! Don't miss our unique fusion of old and new, as the UT Dallas choirs present an unforgettable evening celebrating 400 years of choral music.Soundscapes and Tapestries December 7, 2024, Grace Presbyterian Church of Plano
From ethereal harmonies to powerful melodies, this concert offers an exploration into the remarkable diversity and intricacy of vocal sounds. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and versatility of the human voice in an unforgettable musical odyssey.Shelter Me: An Original Rock Oratorio April 10-12, 2025, Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, Richardson
Follow the poignant journey of a young man suddenly finding himself without shelter and navigating the unforgiving streets. His steadfast companion is an older man well-versed in the trials of homelessness, having weathered its challenges for a significant portion of his life. “Shelter Me” is a semi-staged choral oratorio inspired by the lives of Dallas Street Choir members. Commissioned by the Dallas Street Choir, "Shelter Me" is a collaboration between the Dallas Street Choir, the Credo Community Choir, and UT Dallas. These performances are co-presented by the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts.Presentations
The Effects of Communal Singing on Those Experiencing Homelessness
American Choral Directors Eastern Division Conference.Providence, Rhode Island, March 2024
Transaction or Transformation? Building Community Through Music and Outreach
Texas Music Educators AssociationSan Antonio, Texas, February 2023
The 411 on the 501(C)3: How to Start Your Own Musical Organization
SWACDA: Southwest American Choral Directors Association, Fall Virtual ConferenceOctober, 2020
The Effects of Communal Singing on Those Experiencing Homelessness
American Choral Directors National ConferenceKansas City, Missouri, February 2019
Brothers, Sing On! Best Practices for Selecting Tenor-Bass Literature
Texas Music Educators AssociationSan Antonio, Texas, February 2018
Additional Information
Biography
Jonathan Palant is Associate Dean of the Arts and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Dallas and is founder and conductor of the Credo Community Choir, a 140-member adult mixed choir, and the Dallas Street Choir, a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.Dr. Palant made his Carnegie Hall in 2016 conducting renowned artists Frederica von Stade, Harolyn Blackwell, Jake Heggie, and Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz.From 2007-2011, he served as Artistic Director of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale. Prior to that, Palant held collegiate teaching positions at Western Kentucky University and Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan. He taught secondary choral music at University School, an all-boys independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Pasqual High School in Escondido, California.
Dr. Palant currently serves as president emeritus of the National Alliance for Music In Vulnerable Communities, Repertoire and Standards Chair for the Southwest American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA), and sits on the board of directors of the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses. He has also served on the state board of the Michigan chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and Youth First Texas where he was founder and conductor of Dallas PUMP!, a choir serving at-risk youth.
In late 2017, the Dallas Morning News named Palant one of nine “Texan of the Year” finalists, and in 2016, Musical America named him one of their “Innovators of the Year” for establishing the Dallas Street Choir.
Dr. Palant holds degrees from Michigan State University, Temple University and the University of Michigan.
Both Palant’s book, Brothers, Sing On! Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choirand Brothers, Sing On! The Jonathan Palant Choral Series are published by Hal Leonard.
Activities
CONDUCTOR: Arkansas All-State Tenor-Bass Choir, Hot Spring, Arkansas, February 2025.
CONDUCTOR: Ohio All-State Mixed Choir, Cleveland, Ohio, February 2025.
CONDUCTOR: Georgia All-State Tenor-Bass Choir, Athens, Georgia, February 2022.
CONDUCTOR: Massachusetts All-State Mixed Choir, Boson, Massachusetts, March 2020.
CONDUCTOR: Illinois All-State Mixed Choir, Peoria, Illinois, February 2020.
CONDUCTOR: Reuniting Through Music and Art Festival, El Paso, Texas, January 2020.
CONDUCTOR: Illinois All-State Sixth Grade Boy Choir, Peoria, Illinois, January 2018.
CONDUCTOR: North Carolina All-State Middle School Honor Choir, Greensboro, North Carolina, November 2017.
CONDUCTOR: Kansas High School All-State Men’s Chorus, Topeka, Kansas, July 2017.
CONDUCTOR: Dallas Sings / Dallas Strong: A Response to Tragedy, Dallas, Texas, July 2016.
CONDUCTOR: Colorado Symphony Orchestra Choral-Orchestral Masterworks Concert, GALA Choruses Inc. Festival, Denver, Colorado, July 2016.
CONDUCTOR: Colorado High School All-State Tenor-Bass Chorus, Denver, Colorado, February 2016.
CONDUCTOR: Alabama High School All-State Tenor-Bass Chorus, Birmingham, Alabama, April 2014.
CONDUCTOR: University of Miami Middle School Honor Choir, Miami, Florida, October 2009.
Affiliations
American Choral Directors Association
SWACDA Repertoire and Standards Chair for Community Choirs, 2020-presentMichigan Repertoire and Standards Chair for Male Choirs, 2006-2007
Michigan State University Student Chapter President, 2005-2006