One of ACDA’s stated purposes is “to foster and encourage choral composition of superior quality.” To that end, we provide numerous opportunities and benefits, and seek to connect choral composers with each other and with conductors.
#SingNewMusic
This past year, we choral composers lost the musical experiences that affirm, encourage, and inspire us, as well as a year’s worth of revenue normally generated by choirs purchasing, performing, and licensing our music. We recognize the importance of singing great music written in the past; but in this unique time, living choral composers and their publishers need unique support. As the light begins to dawn after our long choral darkness, #SingNewMusic! Please share our campaign on your social media accounts, and tag any upcoming or current performances with the hashtag!
ACDA Composer Members
ACDA members interested in composition are strongly encouraged to add “Composition” as an Activity (Primary, or Other) in their member profile at acda.org. (Newly available as of May 2021, for both new members or existing members). This not only helps us communicate information and opportunities better to composers, but also shapes conference offerings, publication content, and member benefits.
Online Choral Composer Communities
The American Choral Composers Facebook group is the primary place for American Choral Composers to network, discuss, crowd-source information, as well as hearing news, announcements, and opportunities.
The New Choral Music Facebook group is an invaluable place for composers to share scores, audio, or video with each other and with choral conductors looking for new music.
Conferences
National ACDA conferences provide opportunities for composers to hear top-level choral performances, meet other choral musicians and composers, network with conductors, attend composition-related interest sessions, and exhibit in the Composer Fair. Regional and state conferences also provide a variety of similar opportunities in a more localized context.
Awards
Raymond W. Brock Competition for Student Composers (entries due bi-annually)
Raymond W. Brock Competition for Professional Composers (entries due bi-annually)
Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission (awarded annually)
Other Initiatives
Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant (2019)
Genesis Prize: A Composer/Poet Response (2020)
ACDA Pearl Prize (2021-22)
Free music sharing during the COVID pandemic.
Publications
Choral Journal articles help choral composers stay aware of current thinking, research, and trends. Periodic articles or even entire issues also focus on aspects of choral composition.
