Marie Palmer

Every year ACDA delivers the inspiration, opportunities, and examples of excellence for which we all strive. Every year I look forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones,
sharing ideas and hearing beautiful music.  I always go home refreshed,
encouraged,  and ready to set the bar higher for myself and my students
and to continue to advocate for music remaining a core subject in
school. How does ACDA serve a middle school choir director with non-auditioned choirs?  I remember asking a wise old director this very question at my first ACDA Convention.  The choirs were brilliant, the repertoire amazing, but I couldn't see the connection to me in my lowly middle school classroom.  My new found friend reminded me that even if my choirs may never perform at an ACDA convention, or we may never be able to sing the repertoire that I heard, it was important for me to watch, listen, and learn.  He was right.