ACDA's National Conference fast approaches! NWACDA's President Tim Westerhaus provides his Top Five Reasons why we should all attend this amazing event!
Reason 1: Be inspired by passionate performances, including three Northwestern Regions choirs!
We are excited to hear and cheer on the Casper Children's Chorale & Marcia Patton (WY), Oregon State University Bella Voce & Sandy Babb, and Portland State University Chamber Choir & Ethan Sperry.
Reason 2: "Drink from the Well" with Four Inspirational Keynotes
Each day of the conference features keynotes from choral leaders. In this challenging time, it can be easy to feel dispirited or discouraged. Join ACDA each day for refreshing remedies with inspiration from Anton Armstrong, Francisco J. Núñez, Alice Parker, and Eric Whitacre.
Reason 3: Dig Deeply with Timely Interest Sessions
42 sessions enable us to engage with topics relevant to our choirs today, spanning all ages and choral settings. Samples include:
Beyond Elijah Rock: The Non-Idiomatic Choral Music of Black Composers (Marques L. A. Garrett)
Blurring the Binary: Transgender Students in the Choral Ensemble (Melanie Stapleton)
Building Resilient Organizations (Chorus America staff)
Choral Teaching for Community Transformation: Purpose, Exploration, and Agency (Elizabeth Parker and Rollo Dilworth)
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the Choral Classroom (Jason Bowers)
Intergenerational Music – Repertoire for Adult + Children/Youth Choir (Joy Hirokawa)
Middle School Choral Students – How Do You Motivate Them? (Lynn Brinckmeyer)
Preparing the Choir for Choral/Orchestral Performance (Simon Halsey)
Programming in the 21st Century: Tools and Trends to Improve Gender Balance on Today’s Choral Programs (Helena von Rueden, Elaine Bennington, and Rob Deemer)
Sacred Music for All in an Age of Anxiety (Joan Szymko)
The Choral Rehearsal in a Post-COVID-19 World (Matt Caine)
The Diversity of Sisterhood: Exploring and Advocating for Choral Music by Women of Color (Edryn Coleman and Vinroy D. Brown)
The Relevance of the Contemporary African-American Spiritual in the 21st Century (Brandon Waddles, Uzee Brown, Jr., Marques L.A. Garrett, Stacey V. Gibbs, and Rosephanye Powell)
See the full list at https://acda.org/performers-presenters/#presenters
Reason 4: Sing with Bob Chilcott!
Be part of the ACDA Raymond W. Brock Memorial Composition premiere with rehearsals and dialogue with 2021 Brock composer, Bob Chilcott . Titled Songs my heart has taught me, ACDA members can join three free interactive workshops in February. Then we'll experience the premiere on Saturday, March 20 with the BBC Singers in the premiere performance.
Learn more about the workshops and register for free: https://acda.org/bob-chilcott-workshops/
Reason 5: "Northwest Connections" Reconnecting with Friends and Meeting New NW Choral Colleagues
Join the Northwestern Board for an interactive virtual NW reception on Friday, March 19, 5:30-7:30 pm. Utilizing a creative platform, drop by for a chance to chat with the NW Board, play NW choral trivia, and connect in R&R and/or state breakouts. I'll be hosting, and you will receive the link and reception information by registering for the conference. Rates go up January 28, so register now.