ACDA Podcast

This month, Steve welcomes both nominees for ACDA’s National Repertoire and Resources (R&R) Chair: Dustin Cates and Jenny Bent. In separate interviews, they share their experiences with ACDA, discuss their visions for the future of R&R, and explore ways to help members discover repertoire, access meaningful resources, and connect across the choral profession. ACDA members will vote for the position in early 2027.

In this month’s Into the Archives, Steve revisits ACDA’s collection of recorded webinars, featuring topics ranging from changing voices and choir recruitment to collaboration between composers and poets.

For the R&R Quick Pick, Jenny Bent introduces There Will Be Songs by Christina Rasmussen Collins, a beautiful work for SATB voices with lush harmonies and opportunities for expressive musical line.

Continuing our Why Do We Sing? series, Steve reflects on an article by Alissa Dorman about helping students develop a deeper understanding of why they make music—and how listening, articulating, and contemplating can help singers connect with music’s meaning.

And in this month’s Did You Know? segment, Steve shares opportunities for the 2027 ACDA National Conference, including early-bird registration, the Research Poster Session, the Steven M. Demorest Research Grant, and the Outstanding ACDA Student Chapter Award.

Plus, a few updates from ACDA and a reminder to subscribe,follow, and join the conversation.

🎧 Stay Connected

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.

Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected].

Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

National Conference Registration: https://my.acda.org/s/lt-event?id=a1YWP000002Mx3V2AS#/Home

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

R&R Quick Pick: There Will Be Songs, SATBand piano, by Kristina Rasmussen Collins; https://www.lorenz.com/shop/school-and-community-choral/octavos/there-will-be-songs?fbclid=IwY2xjawL4jDtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhME5qNE14ekI4QzcxMFh3AR78qw1XChgGXvcnfP2ZkqUUw7073v5j51_yO5tk--wLCHlK6NXG95KrPsBogw_aem_saO_62p90KuV5y2OTW9Sbg   

R&R Chairs: https://acda.org/about-us/acda-leadership

Steven M. Demorest Research Grant: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/steven-m-demorest-research-grant

Outstanding Student Chapter Award: https://acda.org/resources-for-student-members/outstanding-acda-student-chapter-award 

ACDA Podcast — September 2026

Social media has become an increasingly important part of the choral profession—but what are we gaining, what are we losing, and how can we use it well?

This month, Steve sits down with composer and publisher Jocelyn Hagen, Choralosophy host Chris Munce, Choral Clarity founder Adam Paltrowitz, and short-form choral media creator Chris Maunu for a wide-ranging conversation about social media and choral music. They discuss professional development, finding repertoire, building relationships, self-promotion, the all-powerful algorithm, online community, and the tension between creating meaningful content and simply creating content that performs well.

For this month’s R&R Quick Pick, Jocelyn Hagen introduces “Look at the Stars” from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, featured on her new album Here I Am. The piece, performed by True Concord Voices and Orchestra under the direction of Eric Holtan, combines choral music with multimedia elements inspired by Leonardo’s curiosity and creativity.

And in this month’s “Did You Know?” segment, Steve highlights opportunities for the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis, including the National Honor Choirs, National Vocal Jazz Honor Choir, the first National Show Choir Honor Choir, the Student Conducting Masterclass, and the Research Poster Session. He also shares information about ACDA’s new 2027 Tenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium.

Plus, a few updates from ACDA and a reminder to subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.

🎧 Stay Connected

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.

Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected].

Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

R&R Quick Pick: Look at the Stars, by JocelynHagen; https://jocelynhagen.com/catalog/the-notebooks-of-leonardo-da-vinci/

Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

Tenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs

Panel Guests:

Jocelyn Hagen: https://jocelynhagen.com/

Chris Munce: https://choralosophy.com/

Adam Paltrowitz: https://www.choralclarity.com/

ACDA Podcast – August 2026

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, Steve Danielson looks ahead to exciting developments in ACDA and the choral world. This month, Steve reflects on the growing conversation around AI, creativity, and choral music, sharing his own experience and inviting listeners to consider what technology means for the future of musical creativity.

Steve talks with Luke Warren and Tori Brindis about ACDA’s first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir, coming to the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis. They discuss the evolution of show choir, the musical and artistic goals of the new ensemble, student auditions, and the collaboration between conductor and choreographer.

Garrett Breeze introduces My Time, an energetic show choir opener co-composed by Breeze and Kaz Brindis.

Steve shares updates on the 2027 National Conference, including honor choir auditions, the Student Conducting Masterclass, a new research poster session, a study examining treble choirs and student belonging, and ACDA’s new Tenor-based Choirs Commission Consortium.

What do you think about AI and creativity in choral music? Share your thoughts with Steve at [email protected] or on social media.

Stay Connected

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.

Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to WhyWe Sing? Email [email protected].

Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

R&R Quick Pick: My Time, by Garrett Breezeand Cazz Brindis; https://breezetunes.com/product/my-time/

International Journal of Research and Choral SingingCase Study: https://acda.org/archives/7881

Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceTenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs

Summer may be a quieter season for many choirs, but the joy of singing doesn't take a vacation! In this episode, Steve continues the Why We Sing series by exploring what it means to remain a singer throughout life—from high school graduation to community ensembles and beyond. Along the way, you'll hear practical ideas for keeping singers engaged, recommendations for outstanding repertoire, and the latest ACDA news and opportunities.

This month's Why We Sing conversations focus on a simple but profound idea: singing isn't just something we do in school—it can become a lifelong part of who we are.

Steve is joined by Philip Brown, ACDA National R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs, to discuss how choir directors can cultivate lifelong singers before students ever graduate.

Their conversation explores:

• Why students need to see singing as a lifelong activity—not just a school class
• The growing popularity of pop-up choirs and flexible community singing experiences
• How directors can prepare students to continue singing after high school
• Why removing barriers to participation matters
• Practical ways schools can partner with community ensembles
• Philip's own answer to the question: Why do we sing?

Steve also speaks with Matt Hill, ACDA National R&R Chair for Community Choirs, about the unique role community ensembles play in helping adults continue making music throughout every stage of life.

Together they discuss:

• Why community choirs provide more than just music—they create belonging
• How community ensembles welcome singers of all backgrounds and experience levels
• The many hats community choir directors wear behind the scenes
• Why community choirs should be viewed as a natural continuation of school and collegiate singing
• How lifelong singing benefits individuals, communities, and the choral profession
• Matt's thoughtful reflection on Why We Sing

This month's repertoire recommendations come directly from two National R&R Chairs.

Philip Brown recommends:

• Known by Grace Becker

Matt Hill recommends:

• I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day by Christopher Aspaas

Both selections demonstrate meaningful text setting and are excellent additions to your repertoire library.

This month's ACDA updates include:

• State and regional ACDA events happening throughout the summer and fall
• Congratulations to ACDA's newly elected Regional Presidents
• Auditions for the 2027 National Honor Choirs—including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir—open September 1
• Applications for the 2027 Student Conducting Masterclass open September 1
• Call for proposals for the 2027 National Conference Research Poster Session

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.

Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected].

Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group to continue the conversation.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

Archive Collections: https://acda.org/archive-collections

R&R Quick Pick: Known, by Grace Becker - https://graphitepublishing.com/product/known/and i thank You God for most this amazing day, by Christopher Aspaas - https://www.jwpepper.com/i-thank-you-god-for-most-this-amazing-day-11514213/p?srsltid=AfmBOor_Viimuker1Ml4uANyDH5LONunSxie6VZG2h5-e-wkfh6VkayG

Calendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJ

Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

Episode #23 – June 2026

Welcome 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 Gilpin

As 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 Pick

This 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 Journal

Steve 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 Challenge

This 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 Connected

Subscribe 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 [email protected].

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠

Follow 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.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire 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__Fqo2YjDeUYBEHcEAmJnXVjJDUvGKH8J

Calendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJ

Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

Request for Scores for National Conference: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/national-repertoire-resources-call-for-scores

Practice Tracks in Choral Education: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

🎙️ ACDA Podcast – May 13, 2026

Welcome to the May 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve reflects on the difference between exhaustion and burnout following a massive spring concert featuring nearly 30 pieces and five student-composed world premieres. Building on last month’s conversation with Dr. Peter Steenblik, this episode explores how meaningful musical work can energize us even in seasons of fatigue—and how reconnecting with purpose can reshape the way we experience our profession.

🎤 Why We Sing – Zach Haas
As part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with Zach Haas, a senior at Sandusky High School in Ohio, whose experience with physical tics has given him a uniquely personal understanding of music’s impact on the body and mind.

🎵 R&R Quick Pick
This month’s selection from the 2025 National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions comes from Philip Brown, R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs.

Featured piece:

• Tuli Tuli arranged by Alex Gartner

📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal
Steve welcomes Michael Gutierrez to discuss his article:
“Fostering Connection: Fifteen Social-Emotional Learning Strategies for Building Community in the Choral Classroom” from the May 2026 issue of the Choral Journal.

Topics include:

• Student Spotlight / “We Are Family” projects

• Student-led warm-ups and conducting

• Wellness Days in the choir classroom

• Affirmation circles

• Cultural and family-centered choir events

The conversation explores how social-emotional learning can become an integrated part of rehearsal culture rather than an “extra” added onto teaching.

🗂️ Into the Archives – The Origins of ACDA Honor Choirs
This month’s archival segment explores the beginnings of ACDA Honor Choirs, which first appeared at ACDA conferences in 1983.

Steve traces:

• how conferences evolved beyond conductor-centered events,

• why Honor Choirs became transformational experiences for young singers,

• the growth of children’s, collegiate, and regional honor choirs,

• and how these ensembles continue shaping repertoire, pedagogy, and the future of choral music.

Plus: a brief tribute to the ancient art of mailing cassette tape auditions.

📢 Did You Know?
This month’s updates include:

• Applications for the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) with New Zealand

• ACDA’s new Music Industry Task Force

• A research study on concert choir attire policies and gender diversity

• Additional opportunities and announcements from the ACDA weekly newsletter

🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.

Have thoughts about burnout, connection, or the question “Why do we sing?”
Send your reflections or voice memos to [email protected].

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions

R&R Quick Pick: Tuli Tulli, arr. Alex Gartner- https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=1477

International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep

ACDA Music Industry Task Force: Call for Expressionsof Interest: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/acda-music-industry-task-force-call-for-expressions-of-interest

Concert Choir Attire Policies Research Request: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

🎙️ACDA Podcast – April 2026

This 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 Identity
Steve 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 & Humanity
Continuing 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 Pick
This 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 Archives
This 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 workload
• Final days to apply for performing and insight choirs for the 2027 National Conference
• Applications open for the International Conductors Exchange Program (New Zealand)

🎧Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
Have thoughts on burnout or Why Do We Sing? Send your reflections or voice memos to [email protected].

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Choral 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-sessions

R&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-series

Between the Staves: https://choralnet.org/archives/812170

Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application forNational Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing

International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep

In the March 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast, host Steve Danielson reflects on the recent regional conferences and shares insights from across the choral community. As part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with conductor, composer, and researcher Raphael Fusco about the science and psychology behind singing, exploring how empathy, physiology, and human connection shape our musical experiences.

This episode also features a conversation with composer Dan Forrest, who recently received ACDA’s Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission—becoming the first composer to have previously won the Brock Prize for Student Composers. Dan reflects on his compositional journey, creative process, and what this full-circle moment means for his work.

Plus, Steve travels Into the Archives to explore the origins of ChoralNet and its early predecessor, Choralist, highlighting how early internet technology helped connect choral conductors long before modern social media.

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  

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login  

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: 

ACDA website: https://acda.org  

Raphael Fusco: https://raphaelfusco.com   

ChoralNet article: https://choralnet.org/archives/471001  

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/ 

Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions  

R&R Quick Pick: Celebration by Kate Crellin - https://www.katecrellin.com/product-page/celebration-satb  

Dan Forrest: https://danforrest.com  

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal  

Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing  

Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application for National Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference  

ACDA Podcast – February 2026 | Why We Sing

Welcome 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 McMahill
Steve 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 Preview
Steve 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 Pick
From 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 Archives
Steve 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 soon

• Symposium for Research in Choral Singing (April 2026, Chicago)

• HerVoice Composers Competition & Mentorship Program

• State and regional ACDA elections

• Honor Choir Scholarship Fund donations

• Regional conference reminders and resources

🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback or a Why We Sing story to share? Email [email protected] with the subject line Why We Sing.

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

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/

Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions

R&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-journal

Brock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers

Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing

HerVoice Composers Competition: https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/

Welcome to the January 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve kicks off the new year by launching a new recurring segment centered on a timeless and deeply personal question: Why do we sing? Through two vulnerable personal stories—one rooted in artistic renewal and the other in perseverance during the pandemic—Steve reflects on the power of singing to sustain, heal, and connect us. Listeners are invited to share their own stories as this exploration continues throughout the year.

🎶 Why We Sing – New Series Launch
Steve introduces a multi-month exploration of the emotional, neurological, spiritual, and communal reasons we sing and invites listeners to contribute personal reflections and stories.

🎤 Regional Conference Previews
To wrap up the regional president interview series, Steve speaks with two leaders about their upcoming 2026 conferences:

• Julie Dana, President of the Western Region, previews A Tapestry of Voices, happening March 4–7, 2026 in San Jose, California, and shares the vision behind the theme, planning insights, and hopes for attendees.

• Jonathan Owen, President of the Southwestern Region, discusses New Horizons, taking place March 4–7, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, highlighting conference-as-experience, first-time attendee support, and regional identity.

🎵 R&R Quick Pick
This month’s R&R selection comes from the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions. Jenny Bent, R&R Chair for the Collegiate Choirs Pillar, discusses Felix Mendelssohn’s How Lovely Are the Messengers and its effectiveness with entry-level collegiate ensembles.

📚 Into the Archive – New Segment
Steve launches a brand-new segment exploring the ACDA archives, starting with the very first Choral Journal (May 1959). Highlights include the journal’s original structure, early repertoire resources, and ACDA’s founding purposes—many of which continue to guide the organization today.

📢 Did You Know?

• January 15 deadline for submitting Summer 2026 symposiums, workshops, and festivals

• Early bird registration deadline for regional conferences

• Airline travel discounts for ACDA events

• Opportunities to support Honor Choir Student Scholarships

• Submissions now open for the Brock Prize for Professional Composers ($5,000 award)

🎧 Stay Connected
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Have feedback, ideas, or a “Why We Sing” story to share? Email [email protected] with the subject line Why We Sing.

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Website: https://acda.org

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• ACDA Website: https://acda.org

• Join or Log In to ACDA: https://acda.org/login

• Repertoire & Resources: https://acda.org/repertoire

• Virtual R&R Reading Sessions:
  https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions

• R&R Quick Pick – How Lovely Are the Messengers (Mendelssohn):
  https://www.jwpepper.com/how-lovely-are-the-messengers-1347590-898905/p

• Choral Journal Archive: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

• Regional Conference Registration: https://acda.org/region-conferences

• Airline Discounts for Conferences:
  https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts

• Summer Festival & Workshop Listing Deadline:
  https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/january-15-deadline-for-choral-journal-summer-festival-workshop-listing-information

• Brock Prize for Professional Composers:
  https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/