Due to the Delta variant currently circulating widely in the United States, the CDC recommends all people - vaccinated and unvaccinated - wear a mask in public indoor spaces if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission (94% of all counties in the U.S. as of Aug. 18) in order to ensure maximum protection for yourself and to prevent potential spread to others. The protocols of masking, increased ventilation, and distancing work. Based on this updated guidance and the current research on singing and aerosols, ACDA encourages choral conductors to follow these protocols if singing inside. The three-minute video "COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for Choir," which shares results from the  Performing Arts Aerosol Research Study, provides a clear and concise explanation of those protocols.

From Utilizing the Principles of Storytelling to Design Engaging Concert Programs

Read complete article by Emilie Bertram in the Sept. Choral Journal

From Creating Community: The Senior Adult Choir in the Church

A senior adult choir can be an "outreach arm" of a music ministry. . . . Some of the most powerful experiences we have had have been in memory-care units where people who have been non-verbal for years have suddenly "come to life," singing along with us. I have found that it is very important not to lower expectations for a senior adults choir. It is very important to change my expectations. . . . I tell my singers the truth so often: I dread coming into a morning rehearsal, and they turn it around for me, and I leave having gained more than I gave.

North Carolina ACDA's Summer Carolina Caroler

Sep. 23 - Lifelong Singing: The Aging Voice (12:00 PT / 3:00 ET)

Karen Brunssen, Professor of Music at Northwestern University and author of The Evolving Singing Voice: Change Across the Life Span

Michael O'Neal, Founder and Artistic Director of The Michael O'Neal Singers, an auditioned community chorus, and Kaleidoscope, a chamber chorus

Matt Hill, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Peru State University and ACDA National R&R Chair for Community Choirs

Oct. 21 - Looking Forward: Inspiration for Revitalizing Elementary Choirs (4:00 PT / 7:00 ET)

Panelists: Franklin J. Willis, Maria A. Ellis. Moderator: Jamila L. McWhirter, Chair of ACDA Education & Communication Committee. Prof. development credits available. Registration open soon.

Aug. 21 - Maryland/DC ACDA's Restart, Recoup, Revive: A Pop-up PD on Restarting Rehearsals. Jump start your rehearsals this fall with sessions on re-engaging the voice and repertoire and recruitment. Registration: free. Learn more.- VIRTUAL

Barbershop Harmony Society's COVID Guidance for Ensembles and Singing Communities (Aug. 4, 2021 rev.). This and other resources are available on ACDA's Resources for Choral Professionals During the Pandemic page.

ONE ACDA. Help ACDA bridge the gap between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic times. Donors recognized here. Click on the Donate button below!

Limited Time! Noteable Mask will contribute $2 to the ONE ACDA Fund for every individual/single Noteable Mask sold to ACDA members through September 5, 2021. Learn more and order.

Please contact us at membership@acda.org or (405) 232-8161 and ask for help!

Autorenewal Available! If you are an Active member, you may opt-in to autorenewal of your membership the next time you renew.

Sign-in at https://acda.org, go to your profile, scroll to your communications preferences, and de-select "Weekly Inspiration." Or, reply with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line and we'll manually remove you from this Wednesday email.