March 31, 2021
INSPIRATION
Dr. Anton Armstrong from his 2021 national conference keynote:

"True love [acknowledges] where we have fallen short in the care of our neighbor and creation, but also [gives] us the vision to actually seek justice for all people, in all we say, and more importantly, all we do in the choral art. These conversations and this work will not be easy. . . . Only in this honest and difficult self-assessment of ourselves, our work, and our organizations can we refocus the work and mission of our ensembles to achieve justice for all. Yet it ultimately requires from each and every one of us respect, trust, and love."

Listen to the complete keynote address in the video below.
Silver Linings: Commitment and Engagement
At Concordia University, St. Paul, we’ve been fortunate to have been able to meet face-to-face, with distancing, masks, and 30-minute rehearsal times. This has led us to working on less literature and more focus on skill-building. Unable to do live concerts, we’ve engaged in sharing recorded videos of our music. The “silver linings” have been manifold. . . .
 
Perhaps the greatest “silver lining” has been the palpable increase in singers’ level of commitment and engagement in our choral community. The glamorous aspects (concerts, tour) were taken away from us, but what remains—making music together in community—is more than enough. Learning and embracing the intrinsic value of our precious art is a wonderful gift that will carry us into the future. Read complete post.

David L. Mennicke, Director of Choral Studies
Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota)
NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021
"Thank you for feeding my heart and mind and soul." - Martha Regelmann

It's Not Too Late!

A limited number of registrations to this landmark conference are still available! By registering now, you can access sessions and performances through December 2021.

Registration: $219
Retired - $169 Student - $99

Log-in here, then click Register at the top right of the page.
J. W. Pepper Reading Packets Available
Click here to go to the Pepper site. Once you create your free account, you will have access to the PDFs from the session booklets, plus any audio that they have for each title.
Pathable Link
To return and view performances and sessions if you have already registered, go to https://acda.pathable.co/login and log-in.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stay in the Know with the ACDA App!
Connect with fellow ACDA members and be the first to access top industry news, insights, and member benefits with the ACDA App! 📲 Click here to download!
Elections
Voting-eligible members (Active, Life, Paying Life, Retired) receive an email notification the morning that the election opens.

  • State chapter elections. Currently open: Missouri (Mar. 23-Apr. 5), Alabama (Mar. 29-Apr. 11), Ohio (Mar. 29-Apr. 11), and Delaware (Mar. 30-Apr. 12). Upcoming: Oregon (Apr. 12-25).
Awards: Applications & Nominations Open

  • Raymond W. Brock Competition for Student Composers. The prize includes a cash award and attendance at their regional conference premiere. Learn more. Deadline: June 1.
  • Julius Herford Dissertation Prize. The prize includes a cash award and recognition plaque. Learn more. Deadline: June 15.
STATE, REGION & OTHER VIRTUAL EVENTS
Save the Date:
A Music in Worship Webinar, co-hosted by ACDA & The Church Music Institute (CMI) - Monday, Apr. 26, 1:00 p.m. PDT / 4:00 p.m. EDT
This webinar will include a tour of CMI's enormous library of sacred choral and organ music.

Looking Forward: Inspiration for Revitalizing Your Middle School & High School Choirs, hosted by ACDA's Education & Communication Committee - Tuesday, Jun. 8, 5:00 p.m. PDT / 8:00 p.m. EDT
This webinar will feature a panel of clinicians who will share practical ideas for sixth through twelfth grade choral educators.

Look for more information on these events in next week's e-newsletter and coming communications!
State Conferences & Webinars
Chapter virtual conferences and webinars open to members in other states:

  • Apr. 6 - New Jersey ACDA's Pop-Up PD Series - What Worked for Me: Elementary & Middle School Strategies. Registration: $10, free for NJ ACDCA members. Learn more and register.
  • Apr. 13 - New Jersey ACDA's Pop-Up PD Series - Innovative Ways to Use Soundtrap. Registration: $10, free for NJ ACDCA members. Learn more and register.
  • Apr. 20- New Jersey ACDA's Pop-Up PD Series - Using PearDeck to Engage & Assess Student Progress. Registration: $10, free for NJ ACDCA members. Learn more and register.
  • Apr. 27- New Jersey ACDA's Pop-Up PD Series - Flexibility and the Church Musician. Registration: $10, free for NJ ACDCA members. Learn more and register.
  • May 1 - Pennsylvania ACDA's May Motivator - explore strategies for inclusive teaching and conducting. Registration: free for members, $20 for nonmembers. Learn more and register.
  • Jun. 21-22 - Ohio Choral Directors Association's Summer Conference. Registration: $35 for members, $20 for retired and student members. Learn more and register.
ACDA Western Region's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Series
No registration required. View sessions live (all at 6:00 p.m. PST/9:00 p.m. EST) from Western Region’s Facebook page. Recordings posted on Western’s YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.

  • Apr. 22 – Amplifying Womxn’s Voices in the Reimagined Choral Ensemble, with Dr. Alyssa Cossey
  • May 7 – Choral Mentorship: Culturally Responsive Approaches, with Dr. Coreen Duffy, joined by educators of the Western Region
Does your chapter or region have a virtual event coming up that is open to other members? Ask your president to submit your ACDA event here to be included in this list!
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