Presenting & Managing
Throughout his teaching career, Napoli presented various sessions for county and state conferences, including on refreshing repertoire & programming, introducing contemporary a cappella to curricular programs, and Vocal Percussion 101. He was also actively involved in local and statewide music events, managing the Anne Arundel All County Chorus, the Maryland Tenor/Bass Demonstration Chorus, and hosting District Choral Festivals for both high school and middle school.
Escaping the Repertoire Rut
At the Maryland Music Educators’ Association’s 2024 Spring Conference, Napoli presented Beyond the Classics: Escaping the Repertoire Rut. The session focused on reframing the way in which choral directors collect, store, and track repertoire, both for the benefit of our singers and to keep programming fresh for the director. In it, participants also refocused on the purposes for which we choose particular pieces, and the experiences that music can bring to the classroom, especially from the perspective of school teachers.
A Cappella in the Secondary Program
Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, Robby co-presented this session on including contemporary a cappella in curricular choral programs with Charnice Frazier. The session discussed different paradigms for incorporating a cappella into a program, finding arrangements & arrangers, appropriate style, culminating events, and the basics of vocal percussion. Frazier & Napoli presented the session at both the Anne Arundel County’s 2023 Music Professional Development Day and at the 2024 Maryland Music Educators’ Association State Conference.
Vocal Percussion 101
In his time teaching at Chesapeake High School, Napoli directed the regionally successful a cappella group, Evolve. During his five years with the group, he coached multiple students on vocal percussion, taking them from complete beginners to winning Outstanding Vocal Percussion at ICHSA Quarterfinals & Semifinals. In this session, Robby details his process for teaching the basics of vocal percussion, and how to create VP parts for full songs, including sound-creation, forming beats, and fills.
Honor Choir Managing
Over his years in education, Robby has been asked to manage & host a number of honor choirs & large events. In the Fall of 2022, he served as the Anne Arundel All County Chorus Manager, planning & leading preliminary rehearsals, communicating important information to participating students, and liaising with the Guest Conductor, Dr. Edryn Coleman, and the Central Music Office. Napoli also served a similar role with the Maryland Music Educators’ Association’s Tenor-Bass Demonstration Chorus in the Fall of 2023, featuring singers from across the state of Maryland. The following Spring, he also hosted the Anne Arundel County Choral Festival at Chesapeake High School for all secondary choirs in the county. In May 2024, Napoli spear-headed the first A Cappella Festival in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, planning & coordinating with clinicians & guest performers, and hosting the full-day event featuring interest sessions and masterclasses throughout the day, culminating in a showcase performance that night.
Presentations & Workshops
Want to bring Robby in to present at your conference or meeting?
Contact Robby below for details.