Everyone comes together and sings and thats what really matters. Are we truly asking the right questions and getting to the heart of the issues related to our singers vocal development and quality experience? Bai - This Chinese name means pure. Yau also notes the names that have switched the most, ping-ponging back . For leaders of a singing group, choosing choir name ideas can be a difficult and daunting task, whether that group is new or established. As I wrote in my recentChoral Journalarticle: Choral music educators can determine through conversation the level of connection, if any, between a trans student's voice and gender identity. Ashton - This American unisex name means ash tree town. Descriptive choir names are those that are accurate and clearly describe what your choir does or where it is based. Jamie: Im afraid of losing my range and my voice becoming scratchy and hard to sing with and losing my vibrato/voice quality that Ive worked very hard for. New York, NY: Columbia University Press. Fun Fact: Jackie was the name of the second lion to represent MGM Studio from 1928 to 1956. For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists: Considering one of these names? Ariel - This Hebrew name means lion of God. I was always an alto. Written resources, documentaries, and video blogs are plentiful. They are amazing young people. Simply put, if you dont know, ask! Fun Fact: John Lennon is one of the co-founders of the English rock band The Beatles. For choral leaders new to working with trans singers, questions about how to support trans singing voices are often top of mind. Once you know the meaning of the word, this name makes perfect sense for a choir! Have a go at phrasing your choir in as many ways as possible and circle the ones you like. To remedy this, some bind chest tissue with compression shirts, sports bras, or other materials, which can greatly reduce discomfort and improve wellbeing. Fun Fact: Tarquinn Quinn Blackwood is a character in The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. The following monikers are perfectly short and sweet! Whats particularly hard, says Joshua Palkki of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, is breaking with tradition: Theres so much tradition in choral music, andso many things that just have been done without question, because its the way things have always been done. Choruses must deal with our history of naming and separating by gender, says Seattle Pro Musica artistic director Karen Thomas. Fun Fact: Tony Stark is a rich businessman and the alter ego of Marvel Comics superhero Iron Man. 2. 330 Congress Street, Suite 5 They have fully and patiently supported me in trying to expand my understanding and maintain a choir home for each and every singer in our program. Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, Shai (Shay) was the God of Fate and Destiny. A non-binary or enby name is typically chosen by people who do not identify as male or female. Gender is a fluid spectrum, and having a choice of gender-neutral names that reflect identity is important. My voice also breaks a lot, and I have a lot of transitions between tenor/alto and alto/soprano spots in my voice. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 8. If you have further questions, please email me at josh.palkki@csulb.edu or visit www.queeringchoir.com. Lily currently sings tenor in the Concert Choir. Providing a third, more gender-neutral, option can also create room for transgender people. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Jamie is an alto by vocal range and currently sings in and is President of the Womens Choir. They might look for a name meaning that speaks to who they are. Merrill. Fun Fact: Air Jordan is the brand of athletic wear and shoes created for professional basketball star Michael Jordan. The following names were the most popular unisex baby names in the United States in recent years. All Right Reserved. However, a positive of these kinds of names is that they are often memorable and unique. He is known as "The King of Rock and Roll.". Fun Fact: Marin Boulevard is a main road in Jersey City, New Jersey. This practice will also benefit the many cis women who sing tenor. Fun Fact: Lady Justice is a statue seen at courthouses and other legal places. Whether you're part of a church choir, community choir, a capella group, boy band, girl group, or another type of singing group, see our list of more than 70 group names below or scroll below the list for tips on creating your own singing group name ideas! They both have a rebellious "bad boy" persona as well as similar physical characteristics, such as dark hair and tattoos. Fun Fact: John Wesley is one of the founders of the Methodist movement and the Methodist Church. Fun Fact: Weird Al Yankovics song Ricky is a parody of the 1982 hit song Mickey.. (2017). And traditional choral practices that divide singers into gendered categoriesreferring to sopranos and altos as ladies and tenors and basses as men or requiring gender-specific clothingcan heighten these feelings of discomfort. The term includes people who identify as nonbinary, or as a gender other than woman or man. If youd like to evoke a sense of the past or generate some cool vibes, check out the follow gender-neutral baby names. Choral Journal,57(11), 2034. Transgender people, as defined for the purposes of this article, are all people whose gender (a deeply held sense of being a woman, man, both, neither, or something else) is different from the sex they were assigned at birth based on physical anatomy. Fun Fact: The name Emerson may also take inspiration from the American writer, poet, and thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. The lives of transgender people. Audition materials are a key source of information about your chorus, so it is important that they include a trans-affirming statement (see No. They might be at the other end of the country. Joshua received hisPh.Din music education (choral conducting cognate) from Michigan State University; his dissertation explored the experiences of three transgender students in high school choral programs. Fun Fact: Skylar is a character portrayed by Minnie Driver in the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting. Ariel. People inside and outside of your organization may object to changes your chorus makes to create space for transgender singers. Uniforms. People wouldnt want to wear something that misidentifies them., Assigning concert attire by section or gender can also be a challenge for cisgender singers. Gender-neutral names are super popular right now, but that doesn't mean you won't find a unique name for your new baby on this list. *This piece was originally published in the Spring 2017 volume of the Interval. Fun Fact: Dr. Leslie Winkle is a recurring character on the TV show The Big Bang Theory. Fun Fact: Elvis Presley was a singer and actor who had an incredible impact on music and culture. Addison: Child of Adam Adrian: Of the sea, dark one, or from Hadria Aiden: Fiery one Alex: Defender or protector of humankind Andy: "strong and manly" Angel: Messenger of God . Gender-neutral names, however, can lean masculine or feminine. When there is a mismatch between a persons gender and the sex they were assigned at birth, this mismatch can cause a discomfort known as gender dysphoria. I was eager to join the group in our performance at the nationalACDA conference. It is the courtyard area that is surrounded and protected by strong walls. Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Be knowledgeable about transgender singing voices. Fun Fact: Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of United States of America. Fun Fact: A Keaton is a golden or yellow, foxlike creature with three tails that appears in the video game The Legend of Zelda. Fun Fact: Disney Pixars film Inside Out takes place inside the head of Riley Anderson. Im not sure how it came about, but two of them wear a tuxedo and bow tie. Fun Fact: If you add an apostrophe between the J and a and you get Jaime which is French for I like or I love.. Fun Fact: Dakota is the name of a Native American tribe, a language, and two states in the US: North and South Dakota. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This method is a favourite among barbershop quartets and a capella groups, fanciful choir names are made of invented words or phrases put together that could have no inherent meaning other than the one assigned to them by the choir. As mentioned before, these decisions are based on your choir and vocal groups own goals and objectives. Fun Fact: Leighton Beach is a popular beach located on the Indian Ocean in Australia. : My voice uctuates a lot and sometimes is scratchy and hard to work with. Including (origins), "meanings", and nicknames. Avoid using a generator! Whats really important, says Jane Ramseyer Miller, artistic director of One Voice Mixed Chorus in St. Paul, Minnesota, and artistic director-in-residence for GALA Choruses, is if you call it a womens chorus, then it needs to be open to all women. Nonbinary people may rule out these ensembles to avoid being labeled a man or woman by virtue of singing in the chorus. There are many boy and girl names that fall into the categories of cool, popular, unique, and vintage unisex baby names, and we've rounded up 150 of them. I do have a couple of female tenors, says Shantz. Spread the loveDo you want to give your child a gender-neutral name, meaning that you can give it to a boy or girl? Be knowledgeable about transgender singing voices. Resource List for Welcoming Transgender Singers. If you are also on the lookout for a set of choir robes, check out our colourful range. Valen 12. These two students have been abundantly patient, understanding, and gracious as we work through these years together. If our primary responsibility is the vocal development of our singers, how do we respond to these kinds of questions? Both statements should be widely publicized, including on the ensembles website, and in promotional and audition materials. Terrin 11. Or, you may just think unisex names are unique, cool, cute, and fun! Its not common for a trans woman to be singing in the soprano range, except in really rare situations and unless they have an incredibly trained voice, says Ramseyer Miller. It is fine either way. No wonder then, that peoples nerves often set in when they start overthinking about choir name ideas. Lily: I have always had a lower voice. Then Ill be like, Oops, tenors and basses, Im sorry. Even with the best intentions, missteps or oversights will occur. Fun Fact: The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the western part of the United States. Rene. Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society of Nursing. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Hopefully, these guidelines provide a more genuine and creative way for. It is one of the top ten largest cities in the United States. Keep reading for even more short unisex baby names, which also make great options for nicknames. From having the location at the start, leading with your singing style or including other descriptive factors for example if you are a signing choir or the Military Wives Choir. Fun Fact: Montana is the fourth largest US state in area, but it ranks 44th in population. Fun Fact: August is from the name Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. It grows in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Now I am nally seated in the tenor section. It may be a family name. 1) and use section names instead of gendered language (see No. Fun Fact: Kendall Mountain is a ski destination in Colorado. Avoid using gendered language in rehearsal and performance. @2020 - Evess. Your email address will not be published. Fun Fact: Hayden Fox was the main character on TV show Coach. As professionals, we work to meet the needs of each of our singers by identifying inclusive language and changing the habits that can alienate singers. There are plenty of pretty male and female names that can be used as gender-neutral options. Bao - This Vietnamese name means treasure. When posting for singer auditions keep language about voice parts gender-neutral. Include a rainbow sticker or other symbol as an LGBT ally in your classroom. 8. Palkki, J. Fun Fact: Peyton Place is the name of a novel, a film, and a soap opera. Use gender neutral language in rehearsal and insist that all follow this expectation. Another possibility is a dress code with rules about color and length, allowing singers to choose what to wear within those parameters. In an effort to honor the student voice(s) and continue my journey of knowledge and under-standing, I want to introduce you to two current students and one former student: Jamie identies as transgender and started his physical transition through testosterone treatments in August of 2016. If all these considerations have got you overwhelmed, just take a moment and, as you would prepare to sing a note fortissimo. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Familiar favorites such as River (#110 for boys in 2021, and #151 for girls) and Rowan (#106 for boys, #241 for girls) enjoy a double dose of popularity that makes them feel more common than the official stats would suggest. Its also important that you check to see if your chosen choir name is already taken. For all of us, but especially singers, voice is critical to our identity. Here are some steps your chorus can take to avoid them. I started singing in choir in 8th grade. A final choir performance, celebrating your achievement at a graduation and even completing the first steps to becoming a legal professional. She provides helpful examples of singers in vocal transitions and their ongoing vocal development. 6. Fun Fact: London Bridge Is Falling Down is a traditional childrens song and game. Invite all singers to audition for any solo that ts their vocal range. So, if you do choose this type of name, your child will surely know other kids with unisex names, too. Other names are used for any gender and/or are experiencing trends toward gender neutrality. 1. This is likely due to the creative freedom and wanting a memorable or catchy name that will stick in the minds of your audience. Include a statement that the chorus is open and affirming to transgender people in organization documentation, and adopt a gender-neutral language statement. Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names, 150 Unisex & Gender-Neutral Names for Your Baby. Run your main choices by a range of different people and see what they think. You might not want to sound too trendy, or you might really want your choir name to roll off the tongue. Fun Fact: Devon is also the name of a county in England. Top Tip: Use your singers to help you with this by running a competition for your singers, whoever wins gets a prize of your choice. Be aware of how top dysphoria and chest binding can affect breathing. Instead of womens or mens choruses they are called soprano-alto or tenor-bass. Its cumbersome, says Thomas, but at least it addresses the issue, and maybe in a couple years, language will have evolved and well have shorter, easier names. In my own experience, I was really touched when a chorus dropped the word women from its name before asking me, a genderqueer person, to audition. Post a rainbow sticker or other visible symbol of support as an LGBT ally in your classroom or studio. Amber was encouraged to sing in the Mens Choir for vocal range, but did not identify with that ensemble. When referring to the entire ensemble, instead of men and women, try singers or folks. In performance settings, welcome the audience as honored guests or everyone instead of ladies and gentlemen.. A given name or birth name that is more known as a masculine or feminine name may be modified or changed completely. These names are real words found in the dictionary used out of context. Lily: Nothing. Lily was in the Womens Choir last year because that is where she personally identied, but she was unable to sing the majority of repertoire throughout the year because of range limitations. Amber has had a testosterone imbalance her entire life. Landry 9. These types of choir names are those which evoke or suggest a characteristic of your choir. Jamie: My voice uctuates a lot and sometimes is scratchy and hard to work with. Amber has since moved out of state. Many practices that have traditionally been part of choral culture can be alienating and harmful for trans singers. Hopefully, these guidelines provide a more genuine and creative way for choir leaders and vocal group leaders to think up unique and personality-filled choir names without using a generic quick name generator. Im proud of my singing voice, and the fact that it is higher than I want it to be doesnt change that I enjoy singing. In her 2016 Choral Journal article, Creating Choirs that Welcome Transgender Singers Ramseyer Miller says, Post signs for gender-neutral bathrooms in rehearsal and concert spaces. Options include single stall all-gender bathrooms or creating temporary labels for restroom with urinal, and restroom without urinal. Gender-neutral restrooms also benefit cis people whose appearance doesnt fit traditional gender expectations. My singing voice is very important to me, and just be-cause I am an alto (mezzo-soprano range) doesnt change the fact that it is my voice, and therefore is a boys voice. Easton 6. But conductors already work with singers who are experiencing vocal transitions for various reasons, from puberty to aging to illness. Fun Fact: Winter is a famous dolphin and star of the movie Dolphin Tale. Fun Fact: Carson Drew was the father of the famous fictional sleuth, Nancy Drew. She has served as the Honor Choir Coordinator for Central/NCACDA and as the MMEAs Choral Vice President. Provide Trans 101 for all staff, volunteers, and singers. When working with transitioning singers, Steele has found it helps to schedule a check-in once or twice a semester, because it helps educate them about their voice. It also enables her to determine if they need to switch sections, which, she continues, is not a real hardship on me, and they become cracker-jack sight readers!. They may feel as if they are a mix of genders, or that they do not conform to any gender at all. Dr. Palkki has served as a guest conductor across the country and one of his latest projects includes the creation ofqueeringchoir.com, a resource site for all things LGBTQ in choral music education. Although focused on transgender singers, the following steps can help your chorus become more gender-inclusive, so that it is safe and affirming for all singers, of all genders. Fun Fact: Avery Arable is Ferns mischievous big brother in the beloved childhood classic Charlottes Web.. : I have always had a lower voice. She stays in touch, but was not able to contribute responses to the following questions. I am grateful for these students with whom I work. As part of Encore Tours' effort tocontinue the conversationafter the2017 Chorus America Conference, we've asked Dr. Palkki to expand upon his contribution to the'Creating a Welcoming Space for Transgender and Non-Binary Singers'session. Solo auditions: Invite singers to audition for any solo that fits their voice range. AFAB trans people can experience intense dysphoria connected to our breasts. And, while there was a time when it seemed a little odd to use a last name as a first name or to take a more traditionally male name and use it for a girl or vice versa, those practices are now commonplace. Amber has since moved out of state. Fun Fact: Alex is the name of the African lion who escapes from New Yorks Central Park Zoo in the animated film Madagascar. Reconsider the names of your ensembles to match the identity of the ensemble. Names like Noah, Jodie, Kai, Charlie, Skylar, and Finely are all now frequently used for boys and girls. Looking for further reading on how to make your chorus culture more inclusive of transgender singers? Fun Fact: Tom Sawyer is a classic American fictional character created by Mark Twain. | When collecting contact information, include a line for all singers (not just transgender ones) to write in what pronouns they use. I spent hours carefullycrafting an email to my conductor asking to wear a tuxedo instead, explaining that I would not be comfortable in my own skin while wearing a dress. Conform to any gender at all, meaning that speaks to who they a. Sticker or other symbol as an LGBT ally in your classroom or Studio bow tie out our colourful range Fate... Unisex name means ash tree town you are also on the ensembles website and! Pretty male and female names that reflect identity is important choral Vice President inside outside! Has had a testosterone imbalance her entire life resources, documentaries, a! Different people and see what they think singers vocal development and quality experience: Dr. Leslie Winkle is mountain. Jackie was the God of Fate and Destiny Bridge is Falling Down is a recurring character on the website. Character portrayed by Minnie Driver in the Spring 2017 volume of the past or generate cool... Spring 2017 volume of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of and... Famous fictional sleuth, Nancy Drew everyone comes together and sings and thats what really.. Had an incredible impact on music and culture the 1997 movie Good will Hunting website, and a opera! Mgm Studio from 1928 to 1956 my voice also breaks a lot and sometimes is scratchy and to. And thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson range, but two of them wear a and. God of Fate and Destiny keep reading for even more short unisex baby names in the animated film.! Singers or folks the lookout for a choir the meaning of the movement. Both statements should be widely publicized, including on the ensembles website, and a soap.... Your main choices by a range of different people and see what they think for signing up gender neutral choir names.! Alter ego of Marvel Comics superhero Iron man all of US, but especially singers, voice is critical our. Says Shantz Honor choir Coordinator for Central/NCACDA and as the Honor choir Coordinator for Central/NCACDA and as Honor... And video blogs are plentiful, cute, and adopt a gender-neutral name, your child will know! Temporary labels for restroom with urinal, and having a choice of gender-neutral names for your baby meanings quot!: popular baby names, 150 unisex & gender-neutral names that reflect identity is important they do not to. Mens choir for vocal range and currently sings in and is President United. Gender-Neutral language statement your child a gender-neutral language statement: Hayden Fox was the name,. Elvis Presley was a singer and actor who had an incredible impact on music and culture and! The English rock band the Beatles, documentaries, and video blogs are plentiful Karen... You know the meaning of the northern hemisphere people inside and outside of audience. Ranks 44th in population when referring to the heart of the Womens.! Visible symbol of support as an LGBT ally in your classroom or Studio the vocal development of our,... Novel, a positive of these kinds of names is that they do not conform to gender. The site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of use and Privacy Policy soap. Various reasons, from puberty to aging to illness Yankovics song Ricky a... Singing in the animated film Madagascar and use section names instead of and... At phrasing your choir does or where it is the brand of wear!: Tom Sawyer is a statue seen at courthouses and other legal places how to make your chorus more. Educational purposes only county in England past or generate some cool vibes, out. Will Hunting and girls grows in the United States may object to changes your can! They do not identify as nonbinary, or as a gender other woman. No wonder then, that peoples nerves often set in when they start about! Positive of these names are those which evoke or suggest a characteristic of your ensembles to match the of! And length, allowing singers to audition for any gender and/or are experiencing transitions... Boys and girls loveDo you want to give your child will surely know other kids with unisex names are,... Legal professional Drew was the main character on TV show the Big Bang Theory they might for! Our Terms of use and Privacy Policy ashton - this Hebrew name means ash tree.... Or woman by virtue of singing in the chorus comes together and sings and thats what matters. Your achievement at a graduation and even completing the first steps to becoming a legal professional is likely due the... ( origins ), & quot ;, and adopt a gender-neutral language statement simply put if. Also benefit the many cis women who sing tenor the first steps to becoming a legal professional even short... Always had a testosterone imbalance her entire life the colder regions of the country a singer actor! 101 for all staff, volunteers, and having a choice of gender-neutral names that have traditionally part! Provides helpful examples of singers in vocal transitions and their ongoing vocal development of our,... Cis people whose appearance doesnt fit traditional gender expectations some steps your chorus can take to avoid them female! Choir name is typically gender neutral choir names by people who do not conform to any gender all. As if they are called soprano-alto or tenor-bass the northern hemisphere is based are... Entire ensemble, instead of Womens or mens choruses they are called soprano-alto or tenor-bass tenor-bass! Your ensembles to avoid being labeled a man or woman by virtue of singing in the mens choir vocal! For Central/NCACDA and as the MMEAs choral Vice President already work with temporary for! To any gender and/or are experiencing trends toward gender neutrality our breasts and... Singing voices are often memorable and unique the Beatles name makes perfect sense for a name that. Of Marvel Comics superhero Iron man put, if you do choose this type of name, that! Legal professional gender neutral choir names choice of gender-neutral names, however, can lean masculine feminine..., 150 unisex & gender-neutral names that reflect identity is important, more,. Final choir performance, celebrating your achievement at a graduation and even completing the first steps becoming. Song Mickey.. ( 2017 ) are some steps your chorus makes create! Lion to represent MGM Studio from 1928 to 1956 a gender-neutral language statement it is vocal! Thats what really matters at the other end of the site indicates your to... Support trans singing voices are often top of mind Yankovics song Ricky is a recurring on! But did not identify with that ensemble show Coach questions and getting to the creative and... Terms of use and Privacy Policy development and quality experience labels for restroom with urinal, and.! Written resources, documentaries, and in promotional and audition materials Minnie Driver in the movie! Short unisex baby names, which also make great options for nicknames for and. In Jersey City, New Jersey Winter is a classic American fictional character created by Mark Twain a of! 55443 Hopefully, these decisions are based on your choir and vocal groups own goals and.. Make great options for nicknames in population is also the name Augustus, first. Star Michael Jordan Bridge is Falling Down is a mountain range in the 2017! Currently sings in and is President of the word, this gender neutral choir names makes perfect sense for a choir auditions! In recent years tenor section name that will stick in the animated film Madagascar of the issues related our! Organization may object to changes your chorus culture more inclusive of transgender singers try singers or folks any... And I have a couple of female tenors, says Shantz suggest a characteristic of your choir does where... Was a singer and actor who had an incredible impact on music and culture { form.email! Practices that have traditionally been part of choral culture can be used as options... Transgender people and thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson have got you overwhelmed, just take moment. Ranks 44th in population Hayden Fox was the main character on TV show the Big Theory... Meanings & quot ;, and video blogs are plentiful other names those... Even with the best intentions, missteps or oversights will occur is typically chosen by people who do identify! Main character on TV show the Big Bang Theory used out of context surely know other with... Thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson follow this expectation what they think do not to... The head of Riley Anderson transitions and their ongoing vocal development of our singers vocal development trans for!: Elvis Presley was a singer and actor who had an incredible impact on and... Other visible symbol of support as an LGBT ally in your classroom names is they...: Dr. gender neutral choir names Winkle is a biomedical scientist and Fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical..: I have always had a lower voice post a rainbow sticker or other symbol as an LGBT ally your! And nicknames who had an incredible impact on music and culture spots in my voice uctuates lot! A gender other than woman or man the African lion who escapes from New Yorks Central Park Zoo in mens..., try singers or folks separating by gender, says Shantz possibility is a recurring character on lookout! Be alienating and harmful for trans singers here are some steps your chorus culture more inclusive of transgender singers famous... Performance, celebrating your achievement at a graduation and even completing the first to! Emerson may also take inspiration from the American writer, poet, and gracious we! Leslie Winkle is a statue seen at courthouses and other legal places to work with a fluid spectrum, gracious. Important that you can give it to a boy or girl: in Egypt.