ACDA Podcast

🎙️ November 2025 – Uplifting Voices and Honoring Legacies

This month on the ACDA Podcast, Steve begins with a heartfelt reminder about the power of encouragement—how a few kind words can make all the difference in a colleague’s day. From there, we travel across the country and through choral history in another inspiring episode celebrating connection, creativity, and community.

🗽 Summer Institutes in Review: We hear from Joslyn Thomas, President of New York ACDA, who shares highlights from the state’s Fall Collegiate Conference at Nazareth University.

🎵 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve welcomes Micah Bland, author of The Life and Choral Works of Jester Hairston, to discuss the remarkable life and enduring music of one of America’s great choral composers and arrangers.

🎶 R&R Quick Pick: From the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Joy Hirokawa introduces Three Quotes by Mark Twain by Andrea Ramsey, performed by the Birmingham Boys Choir.

🌲 Guest Interview: Bill Campbell, President of Northwestern ACDA, joins Steve to preview the upcoming Northwest Regional Conference in Tacoma, Washington. With the theme Sing for a Change, the conference promises to inspire renewal and connection across the region.

📢 Did You Know?: Steve celebrates ACDA members named 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award Semifinalists, shares conference travel discounts, and highlights new research exploring conductor health.

❤️ Influence Story: Evan Lane of Tidwell Choir in Mississippi pays tribute to his mentor Brad White, whose guidance and passion helped shape his journey as an educator and conductor.

🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform, and join the conversation in the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook!
📬 Have a story or event to share? Email Steve at [email protected].

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: Three Quotes by Mark Twainby Andrea Ramsey;  https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=892

YouTube video of Three Quotes by Mark Twain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEWJTPsd-_k

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

Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat

Regional Conference Airline Discounts: https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts

Musculoskeletal Interference and Injury in ProfessionalConductors Research Request:

https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/research-requests-call-for-participants

October 2025 – Play, Purpose, and Powerful Legacies

We’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 [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

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: 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-S0XKmM

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

Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat

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

September 2025 – New Beginnings, Global Connections, and Future Visions

September means fresh starts, full choirs, and a new season of possibilities! This month, Steve brings us highlights from summer conferences around the country, including reports from UMKC’s Choral Conducting Symposium, the New Jersey ACDA Summer Conference, and the 27th Annual Voices United Conference in Virginia.

We then look beyond our borders with Josh Habermann, ACDA’s Chair for International Activities, who shares insights into the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) and its upcoming partnership with Portugal.

🎶 Our R&R Quick Pick is Until Love is Spoken by Karen Marolli, recommended by Jennaya Robinson—a powerful piece with a timely message.
🗣 Steve also speaks with Derrick Fox, president of Midwest ACDA, about the upcoming Midwestern Regional Conference in Milwaukee and its theme, Reflections of Us.
📚 In Check It Out in the Choral Journal, Steve highlights Eric Rubinstein’s article Rising Voices: Perspectives from Early-Career Choral Directors in Higher Education, featuring four inspiring young conductors.

In Did You Know?, we cover reminders about membership renewal, details on regional conferences, virtual reading sessions, and a call for research proposals for the 2026 Symposium for Research in Choral Singing.

We close with a heartfelt “Influence” story from Athena Mertes, honoring the mentors who shaped her journey as a choral director.

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to join the conversation in the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook.
📬 Got a story, event, or influence to share? 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/⁠

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

ICEP Participants: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/2026-international-conductors-exchange-program-participants-selected-partnership-with-portugal

ICEP Info: https://acda.org/resources/icep

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

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

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

R&R Quick Pick: Until Love is Spoken, byKaren Marolli;  https://www.ecspublishing.com/until-love-is-spoken.html

List of State Events: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SALL8kh_EkKydSdxjJEl0f0kFchLTtJrpMAxaqCsij4/edit?gid=893148961#gid=893148961

Regional Conference Info: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat

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

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 [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

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire

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

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

R&R Quick Pick: Oseh Shalom, by SarahRiskind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNyliu94K90

List of State Events: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SALL8kh_EkKydSdxjJEl0f0kFchLTtJrpMAxaqCsij4/edit?gid=893148961#gid=893148961

Regional Conference Info: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat

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

It’s July, which means big transitions across ACDA! This month, Steve welcomes two new national leaders: Garrett Breeze, newly appointed National R&R Chair for Show Choirs, and Robert Natter, ACDA’s new National Treasurer. We get to know their backgrounds, their visions for their roles, and how they hope to serve our choral community.

We highlight an insightful Choral Journal article from Gretchen Harrison that dives into the purpose and power of ACDA’s Repertoire & Resources network—along with fantastic rep discovery tools like the African Diaspora Music Project and the Institute for Composer Diversity. This month’s R&R Quick Pick features Roger Emerson’s arrangement of Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen, recommended by Clinton Hardy and spotlighted with a clip from Steve’s 2022 interview with Roger.

Plus, Steve previews over two dozen summer conferences and workshops happening across the country—and even abroad. He also shares a touching “influence” story fromDeanna Joseph of Georgia State University. And, we officially mark one year of the ACDA Podcast—thank you for listening!

Do you have a story, event, or musical influence you’d like to share? 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/⁠

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

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

R&R Quick Pick: Waving Through the Window, arr.Roger Emerson; https://www.jwpepper.com/Waving-Through-a-Window/10983947.item

List of State Events: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SALL8kh_EkKydSdxjJEl0f0kFchLTtJrpMAxaqCsij4/edit?gid=893148961#gid=893148961

Moveable Do Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fC2wcrEu8Ybp3AKRoA0zp

R&R Resources:

·   African Diaspora Music Project: https://www.africandiasporamusicproject.org

·   Song Helix: https://songhelix.com

·   MUZIKSEA: https://muziksea.com

·   Dozan World: https://dozanworld.com

·   African Composers Edition: https://african-composers-edition.co.za

·  Institute for Composer Diversity: https://www.composerdiversity.com

·  Rowan University DEI Music Sources: https://libguides.rowan.edu/DEIMusic

Episode #11 - June 2025

This 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 [email protected]. 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 ⁠[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

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Composers 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/p

Moveable Do Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fC2wcrEu8Ybp3AKRoA0zp

Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/julius-herford-dissertation-prize

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers -https://choralnet.org/archives/798712

Collegiate Choral Composition Community (CCCC): https://www.choralcomposition.com/

Episode #10 – May 2025

This month, Steve steps us through the May edition of the Choral Journal. He explains what’s there and has in-depth interviews with several of the article authors. KarenGraffius talks about working with tone with middle school voices and then Kyra Stahr and McKenna Stenson call us all to action to promote women in the field of conducting. This month’s R&R Quick pick comes from Moira Smiley, “How Can I Cry?” And in “Do You Know?” Steve announces a couple of upcoming applications plus information about next year’s regional conferences. He wraps up with a story of mentorship and influence from one of the conductors we saw perform in Dallas. Would you like a chance to tell the story of one of yourmusical influences and thank them? Write or record your story and submit it to [email protected].

Do you have news to share from your region? 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/⁠

Website: https://acda.org

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: How Can I Cry? By MoiraSmiley https://moirasmiley.com/downloads/how-can-i-cry-wcello/

Project: Encore - http://projectencore.org/public/home.php

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

Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/julius-herford-dissertation-prize

Episode #9 – April 2025

For 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 [email protected].

Do you have news to share from your region? 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/⁠

Website: https://acda.org

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: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, arr.by Zanaida Robles. https://www.halleonard.com/product/139863/lift-evry-voice-and-sing

Raymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Competition:https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/raymond-w-brock-competition-for-student-composers

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

Episode #8 – March 2025

To start out this month, Steve talks about an article that caught his attention in the Choral Journal. Then, he interviews Arreon Harley-Emerson, our ACDA Chair for National Diversity Initiatives about what we need to know about DEI policies. A special R&R Quick Pick includes one of Steve’s compositions. We get an interview with the ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger to get us excited about theNational Conference. Steve gives us a review of the conference app in preparation for next week’s conference. We wrap up with some listener-submitted influence stories.

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 [email protected].

Do you have news to share from your region? 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/⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

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

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

R&R Quick Pick: I carried your oxygen, by SteveDanielson. https://youtu.be/azAezsSIyi8

The Research & Publication National StandingCommittee: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee  

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 to[email protected]. And don’t forget to register for Conference!!

Do you have news to share from your region? 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/⁠

Website:https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information:https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

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

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

Daily 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.item

ACDA Podcast interview with Jessica Nápoles:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/acda-podcast/episodes/Ep--4---November-2024-ft--Jessica-Npoles-e2qs2gu/a-abkhpnr

NationalACDA interview with JoAnn Falletta:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0GTV3_GdJs

ACDA Career Website:https://acda.careerwebsite.com/

The Research & Publication National StandingCommittee:https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee