In episode 98, Theresa and Kathryn welcome choir director and music educator Darlene Machacon. Darlene shares how she has reimagined her high school choir program to give students increasing ownership of their learning—from running sectionals and leading warmups to planning and producing an entire pops concert. By scaffolding responsibility throughout the year, she empowers students to collaborate, make musical and creative choices, and experience the confidence that comes from truly leading their ensemble.

Darlene also highlights the importance of community and connection in music education. From partnering with school clubs to incorporating meaningful themes in concerts, she emphasizes how music can extend beyond the classroom and create powerful shared experiences. Listeners will leave inspired with practical ideas for offering students more agency—whether that’s handing over warmups, letting students select rehearsal priorities, or building a full-scale performance that is truly theirs.

Connect with Darlene and learn more:

• Website: Darlene Machacon
• Instagram: @TheDarlingMusicTeacher
• TikTok: @TheDarlingMusicTeacher
• Substack: The Darling Music Dialogues

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

• Pass the Baton website
• Join the Coffee Club
• Support Pass the Baton
• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection