About ACDA - American Choral Directors Association

Mission

The mission of ACDA is to inspire excellence and nurture lifelong involvement in choral music for everyone through education, performance, composition and advocacy.

Vision

To create powerful artistic experiences and be advocates for cultural and educational change that we might transform people’s lives.

Purposes

To foster and promote choral singing that will provide artistic, cultural, and spiritual experiences for all.
To foster and promote a wide variety of choral music to make these experiences possible.
To foster and encourage rehearsal procedures to develop the highest possible level of musicianship and artistic choral experiences in all singing communities
To foster and promote the organization and development of choral groups of all types in educational institutions.
To foster and promote the development of choral music in religious and spiritual contexts.
To foster and promote the organization and development of choral music in communities.
To foster and promote understanding of choral music as an important medium of contemporary artistic expression.
To foster and promote significant research in the field of choral music.
To foster and encourage a wide variety of choral compositions which uphold and demonstrate the principles of artistry, community, and quality.
To cooperate with all organizations dedicated to the development of musical culture in America.
To foster and promote international exchange programs involving choral ensembles, conductors, composers, and researchers.
To disseminate research, news, and information about choral music.
To foster and promote choral singing in the pursuit of peace and justice that enhances social and emotional well-being.
To engage, listen to and learn from marginalized and historically underrepresented groups in order to create a more inclusive community.

ACDA Position Statements

Diversity in the Work of Choral Musicians

Diversity has many facets and intersectionalities. Diversity can reference and celebrate culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, age, and religious ideals, among others. While we have not always been open, affirming, accepting, and embracing in the past, we now recognize our shortcomings, and resolve to address them. Our members represent a diverse community and deserve to be acknowledged and treated with dignity. Though we know that our 2021 national virtual conference could not undo the past, let it mark the beginning of a new paradigm, a better way, and a concept of choral excellence encompassing musical artistry and the principles of inclusion and radical hospitality. We welcome you into our community of support and partnership.

In pursuit of our Mission and Vision, we will review and implement recommendations from the 2020 Diversity Study and input from our membership to ensure ACDA pursues accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion through choral singing and outreach to potential choral participants.

Nondiscrimination Statement

ACDA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. ACDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Statement on Sacred Music in Public Schools

Care should be taken in the performance of music associated with any religious or cultural tradition that it not be construed as a religious service or religious celebration. Whenever possible, a multiplicity of cultural traditions should be included in musical programming.