Special note: We ask your patience with the national office for a little while. The Oklahoma City metro was hit with a devastating ice storm on Monday night, and destruction is widespread. Most staff are still without power and internet and have been for a number of days, and some can't get out of the homes due to fallen trees and branches. I have come in with a temporary hotspot only to charge up my devices send out the weekly email - a day late. We may be a number of days more without power. Blessings to all of you for your understanding with our lack of response. We're trying!

As a graduate student at the University of Illinois decades ago, I attended my first national ACDA conference, and it truly changed my life. Never had I heard so many fine choirs gathered in one place or seen so many leaders in the field share their knowledge and experience. Later, as a junior professor in North Carolina, I joined the chapter there and quickly realized these were “my people.” . . . ACDA has been my professional lifeline. It has provided resources, inspiration, challenges, and opportunities. Many of my dearest friends are ACDA members. I suspect those words resonate with many of you. . . .

In the past month, I have seen firsthand the fervor of the national conference steering committee members who are spending an inordinate amount of time planning for a virtual conference in a format that is new to us. . . . In these times when we are hungry for the healing power of music, for the connections and community it provides, we can benefit from immersing ourselves in the opportunities the conference offers. Read full reflection

ACDA Diversity in Music Conference (Mar. 17-20, 2021)

The website for the 2021 Diversity in Music ACDA National Conference is live. Visit “Conferences” to view information and upcoming deadlines.

For the first time ever, ACDA is offering a Student Leadership Academy. Because honor choirs are not a possibility this time, our conference leadership team created a brand new experience for students in grades 8-12 - one unique to ACDA!

The academy will be three days of sessions for students on leadership, preparing for college auditions, exploring their voices, and other topics. Inspiring headliners are donating their time and talent to work with these young people. The students will also be able to access all of the concerts.

If you are an ACDA member and registered for the virtual conference, you may register up to four students for this academy! There is a 490 student maximum, and enrollment will be first come first served. Enrollment is just $10 per student for the academy, and will open at the same time general conference registration opens.

https://new.stayathomechoir.com/projects/christmas?discount_code=acda

We are grateful to our ACDA composers who have gifted the following pieces for our members' use during the COVID-19 pandemic. New this week:

See the complete list on the Resources for Choral Professionals page.

ACDA member composers: Do you have a piece of choral music you composed that you would like to share with choral conductors and singers as a gift during these difficult times? Please email a PDF score along with a shareable web link for the piece to CompositionCommittee@acda.org.

Have you completed the ACDA survey on access, diversity, equity & inclusion yet? You have just one more day to submit! Deadline: Oct. 30.

Click here to go to the survey.

We have always needed to speak up for arts funding and strong choral programs. Now, it is even more urgent. Visit our Choral Advocates microsite and sign up to add your voice.

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