🎙️ ACDA Podcast – December 2025 | Why We Sing

In 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 [email protected].

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Website: https://acda.org

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LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Repertoire 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=rMwc9wkgItk

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

GRAMMY Music Educator Award: https://www.grammy.com/awards/music-educator-award?_gl=1*13h4mdq*_ga*MjM4MTAyMTg5LjE3NjUyMjgwMjA.*_ga_7CKBB7LRN1*czE3NjUyMjgwMTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjUyMjgwOTckajQ5JGwwJGgw

Show Choir Webinar: https://acda.org/show-choir