ACDA Podcast

Episode #23 – June 2026Welcome to the June 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve begins this month’s episode with a reminder to reconnect with the reasons we first chose this profession and the impact we continue to have through music. Along the way, we celebrate the joy of singing, explore ACDA history, and continue our ongoing journey to answer one of choral music’s most enduring questions: Why do we sing?🎤 Why We Sing – Greg GilpinAs part of the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve sits down withcomposer, arranger, conductor, and educator Greg Gilpin, whose beloved anthem Why We Sing has inspired generations of singers around the world. Greg reflects on the origins of the piece, why its message continues to resonate with singers of all ages, and how his experiences workingwith young musicians have shaped his understanding of music’s purpose. The conversation explores singing not simply as performance, but as a meaningful human experience that helps us connect, communicate, and navigate life.🎵 R&R Quick PickThis month’s R&R Quick Pick features the obviouscompanion to our featured interview: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin. Performed by the Northern Lights Chorale under the direction of Bruce Phelps, this enduring choral favorite continues to remind singers and audiences alike of the profound reasons we gather together in song.📚 Check It Out in the Choral JournalSteve highlights Kaitlin DeSpain’s article, “From Principleto Practice: Woman-to-Woman Mentorship in Choral Conducting,” from the June/July 2026 issue of Choral Journal. The article examines the role mentorship can play in supporting women conductors as they navigate leadership opportunities, professional networks, visibility, and career advancement. Steve discusses the article’s key findings, explores five characteristics of effective mentorship,and reflects on how mentorship can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive profession.🗂️ Into the Archives – ACDA Trivia ChallengeThis month’s Into the Archives segment takes a playful turnas Steve quizzes listeners on their ACDA knowledge.How well do you know the history of the organization? Testyourself with questions about ACDA’s founding, first president, first national conference, regional structure, and more. No prizes are awarded—but bragging rights are definitely on the line. 📢 Did You Know?This month’s ACDA updates include:• Applications for the 2027 National Honor Choirs openSeptember 1, including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir• Applications open September 1 for the 2027 StudentConducting Masterclass• ACDA is seeking proposals for the 2027 National ConferenceResearch Poster Session• Researchers are currently seeking participants for anational study on the use of practice tracks in choral education🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or an answer to the question Why Do We Sing? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/R&R Quick Pick: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin- https://www.jwpepper.com/why-we-sing-3303113/p?srsltid=AfmBOoqY_dioqkcS7zoN8kS__Fqo2YjDeUYBEHcEAmJnXVjJDUvGKH8JCalendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJApply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceRequest for Scores for National Conference: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/national-repertoire-resources-call-for-scoresPractice Tracks in Choral Education: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

🎙️ACDA Podcast – April 2026This month, Steve reflects on the realities of fatigue in the choral profession—especially in the wake of a busy performance season—and opens an honest, thoughtful conversation about burnout, identity, and sustainability in our work.🧠Burnout & the Choral Director IdentitySteve is joined by Dr. Peter Steenblik for a deeper exploration of burnout—not just as a problem to solve, but as a signal worth understanding. Moving beyond practical strategies, this conversation examines how passion, expectations, andprofessional identity intersect, and what it means to pursue sustainable joy in a demanding field.🎶 Why Do We Sing? – Community & HumanityContinuing the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with composer and author Jack Curtis Dubowsky about singing as a deeply human, embodied, and communal act. Their discussion explores singing as a vehicle for identity, connection, and even social change—broadening the question beyond music into the shared human experience.🎵R&R Quick PickThis month’s selection comes from the Junior High/Middle School Choirs R&R Chair, featuring Crossroads by Reginal Wright—an engaging and meaningful work for developing ensembles.📚Into the ArchivesThis segment explores ACDA’s long-standing partnership with Hinshaw Music and the evolution of its publishing efforts—from the practical ACDA Monograph Series to today’s scholarly and historical resources that continue to shape the choral profession.📢Did You Know?Updates include:A new "Between the Staves" advice column on managing springtime workloadFinal days to apply for performing and insight choirs for the 2027 National ConferenceApplications open for the International Conductors Exchange Program (New Zealand)🎧Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.Have thoughts on burnout or Why Do We Sing? Send your reflections or voice memos to acdapodcast@acda.org. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalChoral Journal Article from Peter Steenblik: https://acda.org/archives/6586 Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick: Crossroad by ReginalWright - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/crossroad-9780193433502?cc=us&lang=en&Jack Curtis Dubowsky: https://www.jackcurtisdubowsky.com/Hinshaw Music Series: https://acda.org/publications/hinshaw-music-seriesBetween the Staves: https://choralnet.org/archives/812170Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application forNational Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceSymposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singingInternational Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep

ACDA Podcast – February 2026 | Why We SingWelcome to the February 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! As regional conference season approaches, Steve continues the year-long exploration of Why We Sing with a conversation that examines the connection between body awareness, personality, and choral music-making. The episode also looks ahead to the 2027 ACDA National Conference, revisits ACDA history, highlights meaningful repertoire, and shares important updates for members.🎶 Why We Sing – Interview with Sarah McMahillSteve continues the Why We Sing series with composer, educator, and clinician Sarah McMahill, whose work connects myofascial awareness, breath, alignment, and the Enneagram to singing and conducting. Their conversation explores how physical awareness and emotional understanding can help singers feel more free, connected, and expressive in rehearsal and performance.🎤 2027 National Conference PreviewSteve is joined by ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger and ACDA Vice President Pearl Shangkuan to preview the 2027 ACDA National Conference — Singing Through the Ages, happening March 7–10, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They discuss the conference theme, planning vision, schedule updates, and what attendees can look forward to at ACDA’s next national gathering.🎵 R&R Quick PickFrom the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Matt Hill (Community Choirs R&R Chair) shares O Nata Lux by Michael John Trotta, a lyrical and expressive work well-suited for community ensembles.📚 Into the ArchivesSteve continues exploring ACDA history by looking at the March 1961 issue of the Choral Journal, reflecting on early conference planning, growing membership, and the concept of “choral scenes” as an early example of integrating movement and staging into choral performance.📢 Did You Know?Brock Prize for Professional Composers submissions closing soonSymposium for Research in Choral Singing (April 2026, Chicago)HerVoice Composers Competition & Mentorship ProgramState and regional ACDA electionsHonor Choir Scholarship Fund donationsRegional conference reminders and resources🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback or a Why We Sing story to share? Email acdapodcast@acda.org with the subject line Why We Sing.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick: O Nata Lux by Michael JohnTrotta - https://www.mjtrotta.com/music-catalog/sheet-music/satb-unaccompanied/o-nata-lux/Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalBrock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composersSymposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singingHerVoice Composers Competition: https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/

🎙️ ACDA Podcast – December 2025 | Why We SingIn the December 2025 episode of the ACDA Podcast, Steve reflects on the timeless question, “Why do we sing?” Inspired by Greg Gilpin’s beloved song, Steve invites listeners to share what singing means to them—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and communally—as we head into a season full of performances and reflection.🎶 Featured Interview: Jeffrey Ames, President of the ACDA Southern Region, joins the podcast to preview the 2026 Southern Region Conference, Prism of Voices, happening March 4–7 in Memphis, Tennessee. Jeffrey shares the vision behind the theme, highlights what makes the Southern Region unique, and reflects on leadership, mentorship, and connection.📖 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve explores the November/December Choral Journal article “The Superpower of the Introverted Choral Conductor” by Chris Maunu, celebrating the quiet strengths of thoughtful, grounded leadership and how introversion can be a powerful asset on the podium.🎵 R&R Quick Pick (Special Feature): Members of October Project—Marina Belica, Emil Adler, and Julie Flanders—join the show to celebrate the 10th Anniversary re-release of The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace. The conversation explores the project’s origins, its viral resurgence, and how these rounds are being used by choirs of all ages around the world.📢 Did You Know?:• Congratulations to the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award Finalists• Membership renewal reminders• Updates on Regional Conferences and the Children & Community Youth Choirs Retreat• A featured Show Choir webinar for mid-year momentum• Opportunities to support Honor Choir student scholarships❤️ Influence Story: Andrew Crane (Brigham Young University) honors his mentor, Dr. David Rayl, in a powerful reflection on the lasting impact of great teachers and leaders.🎧 As always, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share feedback, and submit stories and updates to acdapodcast@acda.org.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/October Project: https://www.octoberprojectmusic.com/R&R Quick Pick: Turn by OctoberProject; https://octoberproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-book-of-rounds-a-cappella YouTube video of Turn arr. Carrie Tennant for the Vancouver Children's Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMwc9wkgItkChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRegional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferencesChildren and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreatRegional Conference Airline Discounts: https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discountsGRAMMY Music Educator Award: https://www.grammy.com/awards/music-educator-award?_gl=1*13h4mdq*_ga*MjM4MTAyMTg5LjE3NjUyMjgwMjA.*_ga_7CKBB7LRN1*czE3NjUyMjgwMTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjUyMjgwOTckajQ5JGwwJGgwShow Choir Webinar: https://acda.org/show-choir

October 2025 – Play, Purpose, and Powerful LegaciesWe’re in the thick of the choral season, and Steve is right there with you! This month on the ACDA Podcast, we celebrate connection, creativity, and inspiration fromevery corner of the choral world.Steve starts with one last Summer Institute recap from right in his home state of Idaho and an open invitation to host your state’s event next year.🎶 R&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel, a luminous piece featured in the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions and introduced by Caron Daley.🗣 Guest Interview: Amanda Hanzlik, President of Eastern ACDA, previews the 2026 Eastern Regional Conference in Providence, RI. She shares the meaning behind this year’stheme, Envision, and what attendees can expect from this inspiring gathering.📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve spotlights Saleel Adarkar Menon’s article “From Groans toGrins: A Play-Based Approach to Teaching Music Literacy.” Discover how gamification and play-based strategies can bring joy and engagement back into your music literacy instruction.📢 Did You Know? Find out how to join the Tenor-Bass Commission Consortium, renew your ACDA membership, and register for upcoming regional conferences and the Children & Community Youth Choir Retreat.❤️ Influence Story: Andrew Last of Luther College honors his mentor, the legendary Weston Noble, whose servant-leadership and inclusive vision continue to inspire generations of choral musicians.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to join the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook to connect, share ideas, and celebrate our choral community.📬 Got a story, event, or influence toshare? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.orgFollow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel; https://www.jwpepper.com/ripple-effect-11407909/p?srsltid=AfmBOookCHEDACpNf-e4Fb3fhGuWCv9w45Fp7gHCLniFGhzowFHumczi YouTube video of Ripple Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cEM-S0XKmMChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRegional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferencesChildren and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreatTenor-Bass Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs

As summer winds down, the ACDA Podcast dives into new beginnings and lasting legacies. This month, Steve introduces a new member of the ACDA Podcast team and welcomes Dean Luethi, National R&R Chair for 4-Year College and University Choirs. Dean shares his vision, background, and what he's learned through his own podcasting work with ChoirFam.We also hear from Ethan Soledad, winner of the Raymond W. Brock Prize for Student Composition, and Alex Canovas, co-chair of the competition, who shares how young composers can submit their work. Ethan talks about his winning piece, his passion for choral writing, and the power of mentorship.Our R&R Quick Pick spotlights Oseh Shalom by Sarah Riskind, a tango-flavored setting for SATB, piano, and violin. In the Choral Journal, Steve highlights Project: Encore, a searchable catalog of post-premiere choral works. We also review recent summer events, from Schmidt Vocal Institute and Zephyr Point to MCDA Missouri and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and many more.In “Did You Know?”, Steve shares important reminders about membership renewal, regional conferences, virtual reading sessions, and a call for research proposals for the 2026 Symposium on Choral Research.The episode closes with a moving “Influence” story from John Byun, honoring the late Joe Huszti, a legendary conductor who taught generations to bring music off the page and into the soul.Do you have astory, event, or musical influence you’d like to share? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoireVirtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalR&R Quick Pick: Oseh Shalom, by SarahRiskind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNyliu94K90List of State Events: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SALL8kh_EkKydSdxjJEl0f0kFchLTtJrpMAxaqCsij4/edit?gid=893148961#gid=893148961Regional Conference Info: https://acda.org/region-conferencesChildren and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreatSymposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing

Episode #11 - June 2025This month, Steve explores the vital role of composers in the choral world. He highlights the growing support for composers within ACDA and shares valuable resources available on the ACDA website, including composition contests and online communities. The R&R Quick Pick features Jennifer Lucy Cook’s piece Time. Steve also takes us behind the mic of his sister podcast, Moveable Do, with special clips from past interviews with Saunder Choi, Jocelyn Hagen & Tim Takach, and Rosephanye Powell.We also hear from Sammy Strent, founder of the Collegiate Choral Composition Community, and get a special treat—two student compositions from Steve’s own choirs, including a surprisingly heartfelt piece inspired by Dad Jokes. In “Did You Know?”, Steve updates us on upcoming regional conferences, the Julius Herford Prize, and the Between the Staves initiative. The episode closes with an influence story from Kent Jue, conductor of the Ragazzi Boys Choir.Have a summer symposium or event to share? Let Steve know at acdapodcast@acda.org. And if you'd like to thank someone who influenced your musical journey, send in your story!Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgComposers Resource page: https://acda.org/composers Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire R&R Quick Pick: Time by Jennifer Lucy Cookhttps://www.jwpepper.com/time-11513832-8826/pMoveable Do Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fC2wcrEu8Ybp3AKRoA0zpJulius Herford Dissertation Prize: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/julius-herford-dissertation-prizeBetween the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers -https://choralnet.org/archives/798712Collegiate Choral Composition Community (CCCC): https://www.choralcomposition.com/

Episode #9 – April 2025For April, Steve starts out with a recap of his experience attending the National Conference in Dallas. Then, he sits down with Dr. Marshell Lombard to discuss the influence ofthe Drakensberg Boy’s Choir on diversity in South Africa. The R&R Quick pick this month is a stirring arrangement by Zanaida Robles of Lift Ev’ryVoice and Sing that you won’t want to miss. And in “Do You Know?” Steve announces a couple of upcoming applications for both conductors and composers. Interspersed through the episode, you’ll hear stories of mentorship and influence presented by some of the conductors we saw perform in Dallas. Would you like a chance to tell the story of one of your musical influences and thank them? Write or record your story and submit it to acdapodcast@acda.org. Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire R&R Quick Pick: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, arr.by Zanaida Robles. https://www.halleonard.com/product/139863/lift-evry-voice-and-singRaymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Competition:https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/raymond-w-brock-competition-for-student-composersInternational Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep

In “It All Happens in Dallas,” Steve previews some of the exciting interest sessions that we can look forward to in March. Steve sits down with Director of Development Karen Klegelman and two of our conference sponsors,Stephen Carroll and Vincenzo D’Amore, host of the Daily Choirs Instagram page. The R&R Quick Pick highlightsThe Lantern in You byJocelyn Hagen. We get to listen in to an interview with conductorJoAnn Falletta who will be conducting Verdi’sRequiemin Dallas. After filling you in during the “Did You Know?” segment, Steve wraps up by telling us about one of his greatest musical influences. Would you like a chance to tell the story of one of your influences and thank them? Submit your story toacdapodcast@acda.org. And don’t forget to register for Conference!!Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.Follow the podcast on Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website:https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:National Conference Information:https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conferenceChoral Journal:https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page:https://acda.org/repertoireDaily Choirs:https://www.instagram.com/dailychoirs/Firebird Fine Arts Tours:https://firebird-tours.com/Claddagh Chamber Choir:https://claddaghchamberchoir.com/R&R Quick Pick:The Lantern in Your Heart,by Jocelyn Hagen.https://www.jwpepper.com/The+Lantern+of+Your+Heart/11514229.itemACDA Podcast interview with Jessica Nápoles:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/acda-podcast/episodes/Ep--4---November-2024-ft--Jessica-Npoles-e2qs2gu/a-abkhpnrNationalACDA interview with JoAnn Falletta:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0GTV3_GdJsACDA Career Website:https://acda.careerwebsite.com/The Research & Publication National StandingCommittee:https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

Steve wraps up the year with a festive sendoff in the December ACDA Podcast! This month, he introduces a new segment, “It All Happens in Dallas,” previewing the exciting events at the upcoming National Conference. In “Check it Out in the Choral Journal,” he highlights the January issue, a must-read for conference details. The episode features an engaging interview with Vincent (Vic) Oakes, candidate for ACDA President-Elect (go back to the November episode to hear the interview with the other candidate). They discuss his career, leadership experience, and vision for ACDA’s future. The R&R Quick Pick shines a light on Music of Life by B.E. Boykin, a stunning piece for treble voices. Steve closes with essential updates in the “Did You Know?” segment, including registration deadlines for the National Conference. Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiration and celebration to close out 2024! Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠ Website: https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: National Conference Information (including Book Fair and Composer Fair): https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference Welcome to Dallas Performers: Greater Dallas Choral Society for Children and Youth: https://www.dallaschoralsociety.org/ St. John’s Music Ministry: https://sjbcfamily.org/ministries/worship-and-arts/ Vocal Majority: https://www.vocalmajority.com/ Turtle Creek Chorale: https://www.turtlecreekchorale.com/ Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire R&R Quick Pick: Music is Life, by B.E. Boykin - https://www.jwpepper.com/Music-of-Life/11384778.item 2024 National Call for Committee Members for the Education and Communication National Standing Committee: https://acda.org/resources/education

This month, Steve gives a brief recap of the Idaho-ACDA Fall Conference. Then, he interviews Erin Plisco about the annual SA Composition Consortium. In “Check in Out in the Choral Journal,” Steve highlights the Advocacy and Collaborations articles and statement. He then interviews Dr. Edie Copley who is planning the National Conference in Dallas in March. We then turn to Children and Youth with our R&R Quick Pick and an interview with Joy Hirokawa, R&R Chair for Children and Community Youth. Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA. Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠ Website: https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire R&R Quick Pick: Antiphonal Hosanna by G. Alan Smith, arr. by Jack Schrader National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference Robert Shaw Choral Award honoree: Dr. Charlene Archibeque Advocacy and Collaboration: Website and Statement Moveable Do Podcast: MoveableDo.com

Episode #1 – August 2024 In this episode, Steve takes on a coast-to-coast review of summer institutes and symposiums: Washington, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. Then, he interviews Dr. Dustin Cates, the ACDA R&R Chair for Tenor/Bass Choirs about three music picks that he wants to recommend (see links below). Steve announces a new Composition/Conducting Challenge to improve upon the ACDA jingle. Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA. Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠ Website: https://acda.org LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: R&R Picks for Tenor/Bass Choir: https://acda.org/r-r-quick-picks-tenor-bass-choirs-advancing-choirs Ale, Alleluia – Bruce Tippette Old Fashioned Song (Don’t You Hate It?) – arr. Christopher Peterson These Things Shall Never Die – Brandon Williams Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org National Honor Choir Application Information: https://acda.org/conferences/honorchoirs Robert Shaw Choral Award nominations: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/robert-shaw-award Student Master Class Application Information: Click here. Advocacy and Collaboration Blog Post and Statement: Click here. Connecting Conductors, Composers, and Clinicians from Coast to Coast.