The Raymond W. Brock Memorial Choral Series was established in 1991 to honor the life and contributions of Raymond W. Brock, who served as administrative assistant for ACDA from 1987 until his untimely death in 1991. Annually, the ACDA executive director and the Executive Committee will commission a recognized composer to write a choral composition in an effort to perpetuate quality choral repertoire. Funds for this commission are paid from the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Endowment.
Guidelines for Commissioned Compositions
- Sacred text settings are preferred, in light of Raymond W. Brock’s service as an ordained Methodist minister.
- The work should be idiomatically choral and substantial, aiming for a significant lifespan in the choral repertoire.
- All commissioned compositions will be performed publicly for the first time at national (odd years) or regional (even years) conferences of the American Choral Directors Association.
- Any conference printed program including the performance of a commissioned composition or each piece of published music of a commissioned composition shall contain the following statement: “This composition was commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association Endowment in memory of Raymond W. Brock who served the American Choral Directors Association as Director of Development and Administrative Assistant.”
Guidelines for Eligible Composers
The commissioned composer, chosen by the Executive Committee, may be primarily choral or more broadly recognized and may be from the U. S. or international. ACDA will strive to recognize a broad spectrum of composers in making decisions about commissioning.
Commissioning Schedule
The ACDA national office and executive director will coordinate the commissioning of the work. An official announcement with information about the work and the composer will come from the national office approximately one year before the conference.
Commission Performance
The conference committee (both for the national and the regional events) will choose one ensemble from the auditioned or invited conference choirs to perform this work at their respective conference. That group will have a standard 25-minute concert session followed by additional time to perform the commission.
The Music
The commissioned composer will submit the score to the national office. Copies of the score will be forwarded to the national or region presidents who will give the score to the choir performing the work. At the presidents’ request, however, the national office will forward the score directly to the performing choirs.
Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commissioned Works
2025–To be announced in March 2024
2024
In Time of Silver Rain by Andre Thomas
Commissioned for the 2024 ACDA Region Conferences
2023
The Absence by Jennifer Higdon
Commissioned for the 2023 ACDA National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio
Premiered by The Crossing, conducted by Donald Nally
2022
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Ēriks Ešenvalds
Commissioned for the 2022 ACDA Region Conferences
First performed at:
Eastern Region conference (Takoma Academy Camerata, Lulu Mwangi Mupfumbu, conductor)
Midwestern Region conference (Indiana University NOTUS, Dominick DiOrio, conductor)
Northwestern Region conference (Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Richard Nance, conductor)
Southern Region conference (University of Mississippi Concert Singers, Donald Trott, conductor)
Southwestern Region conference (Arkansas Tech University Choral Artists, Christopher Harris, conductor)
Western Region conference (Brigham Young University Singers, Andrew Crane, conductor)
2021
Songs My Heart Has Taught Me, by Bob Chilcott
Commissioned for the 2021 ACDA National Conference
First performed virtually via recording by the BBC Singers; Bob Chilcott, conductor
2020
There is that in me, by Ivo Antognini
Commissioned for the 2020 ACDA Region Conferences
The composer attended the first performance at the Western Region Conference, performed by the Riverside City College Chamber Singers; John Byun, conductor
2019
A Silence Haunts Me, by Jake Runestad
Commissioned for the 2019 ACDA National Conference
First performed by Capital University Chapel Choir; Lynda R. Hasseler, conductor.
2018
All Things Common, by Tarik O’Regan
Commissioned for the 2018 ACDA Region Conferences
2017
Homing, by J.A.C. Redford
Commissioned for the 2017 ACDA National Conference
First performance by Magnum Chorum; Mark Stover, conductor
2016
The River, by Ola Gjeilo
Commissioned for the 2016 ACDA Division Conferences
First performance by Voces8
2015
Stop this Day and Night with Me, by Jake Heggie
Commissioned for the 2015 ACDA National Conference
First performance by The King’s Singers
2014
The Definition of Beauty, by Alice Parker
Commissioned for the 2014 ACDA Division Conferences
2013
Take Him, Earth, by Steven Stucky
Commissioned for the 2013 ACDA National Conference
Text by John F. Kennedy
First performance by the Mormon Choral Organizations Festival Chorus; Craig Jessop, conductor
2012
Distance Can’t Keep Us Two Apart, by Chen Yi
Commissioned for the 2012 ACDA Division Conferences
Text by Wang Bo (Tang Dynasty)
First Performances:
Central: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Susan Davenport, conductor
Eastern: Montclair State University Singers; Heather J. Buchanan, conductor
North Central: Clerestory
Northwestern: Pacific Lutheran University; Richard Nance, conductor
Southern: Festival Singers of Florida; Craig Zamer, conductor
Southwestern: Arlington Master Chorale; Randy Jordan, conductor
Western: Arizona State University Symphonic Chorale; Gregory Gentry, conductor
2011
Three Mystical Choruses, by Steven Sametz
Commissioned for the 2011 ACDA National Conference
First performance by Chanticleer
2010
All Works of Love, by Joan Szymko
Commissioned for the 2010 ACDA Divisional Conferences
Text by Mother Teresa
First Performances:
Central: South Lyon High School Singers; Steven Lorenz, conductor
Eastern: Conspirare; Craig Hella Johnson, conductor
North Central: Eastview High School Concert Choir & Wayzata High School Concert Choir; Jerry McCoy, conductor
Northwestern: Choral Arts; Robert Bode, conductor
Southern: East Carolina University Chamber Singers; Daniel Bara, conductor
Southwestern: Texas State University Chorale; Joey M. Martin, conductor
Western: Riverside City College Chamber Singers; John Byun, conductor
2009
Cenotaph, by Dominick Argento
Commissioned for the 2009 ACDA National Conference
Text by Sara Teasdale
First performance by the Festival Chorus and Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra; Ann Howard Jones, conductor
2008
Life’s Mirror, by Eleanor Daley
Commissioned for the 2008 ACDA Divisional Conferences
Text by Madeline Bridges (1844-1920)
First Performances:
Central: Haslett High School; Erich Wangeman, conductor
Eastern: Woodley Ensemble; Frank Albinder, conductor
North Central: The Singers – Minnesota Choral Artists; Matthew Culloton, conductor
Northwestern: Governor John R. Rogers High School; D. Patrick Michel, conductor
Southern: Seymour High School Concert Choir; Jean Burkhart, conductor
Southwestern: Collegiate Honor Choir; Eph Ehly, conductor
Western: California State University Long Beach Chamber Choir; Jonathan Talberg, conductor
2007
The Nine Muses, by David Conte
Commissioned for the 2007 ACDA National Conference, Miami, Florida
Text by John Stirling Walker
First performance by The University of Miami Frost Chorale; Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor
2006
Dances to Life, by Mack Wilberg
Commissioned for the 2006 ACDA Divisional Conferences
First Performances:
Central: Michigan State University Chorale; David Rayl, conductor
Eastern: The Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola; Kent Tritle, conductor
North Central: Lawrence University Concert Choir; Richard Bjella, conductor
Northwestern: Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West; Kathryn Lehmann, conductor
Southern: Murray State University Concert Choir; Bradley L. Almquist, conductor
Southwestern: Drury University Singers; Allin Sorenson, conductor
Western: Brigham Young University Concert Choir; Rosalind Hall, conductor
2005
Nocturnes, by Morten Lauridsen
Commissioned for the 2005 ACDA National Conference, Los Angeles, CA
Text by Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda, and James Agee
First Performance by The Donald Brinegar Singers; Donald Brinegar, conductor
2004
We Behold Once Again the Stars, by Z. Randall Stroope
Commissioned for the 2004 ACDA Divisional Conferences
First Performances:
Central: Anderson University Chorale; Richard Sowers, conductor
Eastern: West Singers, Cherry Hill HS West; Christine Bass, conductor
North Central: University of Nebraska-Omaha Concert Choir; Z. Randall Stroope, conductor
Northwestern: Western Washington Univ Concert Choir; Leslie Guelker-Cone, conductor
Southern: A Cappella Choir, Louisiana State University; Kenneth Fulton, conductor
Southwestern: Ouachita Baptist University Ouachita Singers; Charles L. Fuller, conductor
Western: Donald Brinegar Singers; Donald Brinegar, conductor
2003
Memorial, by René Clausen
Commissioned for the 2003 ACDA National Conference
First performance by The Concordia Choir; René Clausen, conductor, and Concordia Symphony Orchestra; Bruce Houglum, conductor
2002
Psalm 36, by Richard Nance
Commissioned for the 2002 ACDA Divisional Conferences
First Performances:
Central: North Central High School Counterpoints; Patricia Wiehe, conductor
Eastern: Princeton Singers; Steven Sametz, conductor
North Central: University of Nebraska University Singers; Peter A. Eklund, conductor
Northwestern: Portland State University Chamber Choir; Bruce Browne, conductor
Southern: Furman Singers; Bingham Vick Jr., conductor
Southwestern: Southwest Texas State University Chorale; John Paul Johnson and Joey Martin, conductors
Western: Brigham Young Singers; Ronald Staheli, conductor
2001
Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, by Eric Whitacre
Commissioned for the 2001 ACDA National Conference
Text by Charles Anthony Silvestri
First Performance by the Kansas City Chorale; Charles Bruffy, conductor
2000
The Circles of Our Lives, by David Brunner
Commissioned for the 2000 Divisional Conferences
Text by Wendell Berry
First Performances:
Central: Children’s Honor Choir; Judith Willoughby, conductor
Eastern: Children’s Chorus of Washington; Joan Gregoryk, conductor
North Central: Milwaukee Children’s Choir; Emily Crocker, conductor
Northwestern: Children’s Honor Choir; Anton Armstrong, conductor
Southern: Charlotte Children’s Chorus; Sandy Holland, conductor
Southwestern: Children’s Honor Chorus; Henry Leck, conductor
Western: Contra Costa Children’s Chorus; Iris Lamanna, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1999
The God of Glory Thunders, by Adolphus Hailstork
Commissioned for the 1999 ACDA National Conference
First Performance by the Oklahoma State University Chamber Choir; Jerry McCoy, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
I Thank You God, by Gwyneth Walker
Commissioned for the 1999 ACDA National Conference
Text by e. e. cummings
First Performance by the National Women’s Honor Choir; Diane Loomer and Morna Edmundson, conductors
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1998
A Psalm Trilogy, by Samuel Adler
Commissioned for the 1998 Divisional Conferences
First Performances:
Eastern: United States Navy Sea Chanters; Chuck Yates, conductor
Northwestern: Portland State University Choir; Bruce Browne, conductor
Southern: Virginia Tech University Meistersingers; Kevin Fenton, conductor
Southwestern: University of Tulsa Chorale; Ed Byrom, conductor
Western: University Singers, CSU Fullerton; John Alexander, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1997
Jacob’s Prayer, by Gian Carlo Menotti
Commissioned for the 1997 ACDA National Conference
First Performance by the Oklahoma State University Concert Chorale, Jerry McCoy, conductor; University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Concert Choir, Gary Schwartzhoff, conductor; Texas Christian University Concert Chorale, Ronald Shirey, conductor; San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Roger Melone, conductor
God Be With Us, by Stephen Paulus
Commissioned for the 1997 ACDA National Conference
First Performance by the National Two-Year Honor Choir and National Community Honor Choir; William B. Hatcher, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1996
That I Shall Never Look Upon Thee More, by James Mulholland
Commissioned for the 1996 Divisional Conferences
Text by John Keats
First Performances:
Central: University of Michigan Chamber Singers; Jerry Blackstone, conductor
Eastern: Albany Pro Musica; David Griggs-Janower, conductor
North Central: Clarion Chamber Singers; Stanley Schmidt, conductor
Northwestern: Combined Men’s and Women’s High School Honor Choir; Scott Eric Anderson and Debra L. Glaze, conductor
Southern: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Choir; John H. Dickson, conductor
Southwestern: Two-Year College Honor Choir; Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor
Western: Consort Singers Loyola Marymount University; Mary C. Breden, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1995
Alleluia for the Waters, by Daniel Pinkham
Commissioned for the 1995 ACDA National Conference
First Performance by 1995 ACDA National Men’s Honor Choir; Allen C. Crowell, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1994
Sing a Mighty Song, by Daniel Gawthrop
Commissioned for the 1994 Divisional Conferences
Text by Jane Griner
First Performances:
Central: Anderson University Chorale; Richard L. Sowers, conductor
Eastern: U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants; Captain A. Phillip Waite, conductor
North Central: U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants; Captain A. Phillip Waite, conductor
Northwestern: NWACDA Combined High School and College Choirs; Jo-Michael Scheibe, conductor
Southern: Louisiana State University A Cappella Choir; Kenneth Fulton, conductor
Southwestern: High School Honor Choir; Hugh Sanders, conductor
Western: St. Charles Borromeo Church Choir; Paul Salamunovich, conductor
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
1993
A Time to Dance, by Carlisle Floyd
Commissioned for the 1993 ACDA National Conference
First Performance by the Westminster Choir and San Antonio Symphony Orchestra; Joseph Flummerfelt, conductor
1991*
O For A Thousand Tongues, arranged by Theron Kirk
Performed at the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Service
Text by Charles Wesley
Listen: Piece included on the CD Commissions
* Some consider O For a Thousand Tongues to be the first Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission.
