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

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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