American Choral Directors Association

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

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elementary choir

Getting Out of the Rut… Ideas for Introducing a New Song to Young Singers

When introducing a new piece of music, do you ever feel “stuck” or fall back on the same teaching methods for each song? This session will offer a wide range of techniques for introducing a new song to young singers. Participants will receive a packet of six octavos appropriate for use with elementary school/children’s choirs,and […]

Chattanooga TN.
Tom T. Shelton Jr.



Jazz Choirs at the Middle School Level

This session will show how to start a jazz choir at the middle school level. Topics include voicings, amplification, literature, rehearsal techniques, and working with rhythm sections.

Seattle WA.
Dan Davison



A Lifetime of Singing: Choral/Vocal Techniques and Expectations for Healthy Singing at Every Age

Many choral conductors work with a wide range of singers. The sounds and functions of voices change throughout a lifetime. This session will explore the natural and variable vocal, musical, and personal qualities for different age brackets and appropriate and age-optimal techniques to nurture singing. We will outline goals and drawbacks for a variety of […]

Chicago IL.
Karen Brunssen, Julia Davids



Here’s to Song: Developing Artistry for the Young Singer

A thoughtfully structured, in-depth educational program provides a strong foundation for singers’ personal and musical growth. This session will focus on utilizing a sequential process to build vocal technique, musicianship, choral understanding, repertoire mastery, and full engagement of the communicative elements of performance. Featuring the Apprentice Choir (grades 4-6) and the Intermediate Choir (grades 5-8) […]

Pasadena CA.
Anne Tomlinson, Mandy Brigham, Diana Landis, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus



Music that MOVES You! Integrating Elements of D-O-K in Choir

The approaches of Dalcroze, Orff, and Kodály (D-O-K) are traditionally utilized in elementary general music classrooms, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Explore a variety of strategies incorporating elements of D-O-K to energize and engaging your students in each and every rehearsal. Discover the benefits of eclectic approach as singers of all ages […]

Boston MA.
Kathryn L. Simon



Jazz Choral Music for Kids!

Looking for great repertoire to acquaint your younger singers with jazz but struggling to find exactly what you need? While the body of jazz choral repertoire for mixed voices is growing, appropriate, quality repertoire for younger voices maybe a challenge to find. Additionally, young singers often do not have experience or background with jazz, and […]

Boston MA.
Joy Hirokawa