Application period is April 5, 2026-May 30, 2026
ACDA is pleased to announce New Zealand as the next partner for the International Conductors Exchange Program. In 2026, six American and six New Zealand conductors will be selected to participate in a bilateral, mutual exchange to take place in 2027. Conductors will be paired based on backgrounds and interests, and will visit each other’s choral communities, sharing techniques
and learning best practices. Visits by the New Zealand conductors will be centered around the 2027 ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 7-10, 2027. U.S. conductors will guide their counterparts at the Minneapolis conference, and host them in their local communities for region visits 3-5 days either before or after the conference.
In turn, American conductors will be hosted for the Big Sing, a nationwide competition and New Zealand’s largest choral event held August 26-28, 2027, in Auckland. While at the competition the U. S. delegation will observe rehearsals and attend seminars with local choral leaders introducing New Zealand’s unique music culture. Following the Big Sing, regional visits across New Zealand will take place approximately August 28-September 2, 2027 (exact dates TBD). American delegates must commit to attending the Minneapolis conference (March 7-10, 2027) and the New Zealand visit, August 26-September 2, 2027.
ICEP provides opportunities for the next generation of choral leaders to represent the United
States as ambassadors to the world in the exchange of music, ideas, and cultures. Established
in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International Activities Committee, the program has connected choral conductors in the United States with counterparts in Cuba, China, Sweden, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Kenya, South Africa, Germany, the Philippines, and Portugal. Over 90 American conductors have participated in the exchange program, hosting an international conductor and traveling abroad to observe and lead rehearsals and performances, present lectures and master classes, and take part in conferences and other activities
Application Period: April 5-May 30, 2026
ICEP OBJECTIVES
- To create connections between leaders of the U.S. choral community and colleagues across the globe.
- To forge stronger relationships between ACDA and choral associations around the world.
- To raise the visibility and leadership role of ACDA in the global choral community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Program (Portugal-United States Edition – 2026)
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Application opens on April 5, 2026 & closes on May 30, 2026
SELECTION CRITERIA – EMERGING CONDUCTOR
The ACDA Standing Committee for International Activities is charged with the selection of emerging leaders of the choral profession to represent the United States. The Committee has developed the following list of criteria:
1) Is a current member of ACDA
2) Is an active choral conductor in a professional (remunerative) position
3) Leads choirs with a demonstrated level of excellence
4) Exhibits a high level of human understanding, tact, and cross-cultural sensitivity
5) Has a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 20 years in the profession
Candidates may reflect a wide diversity of interests and accomplishments (church/synagogue, community/professional choir, primary/secondary/higher education).
How does this program work?
In 2026, six American and six New Zealand conductors will be selected to participate in a bilateral, mutual exchange to take place in 2027. Conductors will be paired based on backgrounds and interests, and will visit each other’s choral communities, sharing techniques, and learning best practices.
How long is the residency and when?
Residencies for our conductors will be centered around our 202 ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis. In The US conductors host their counterparts at the National Conference. Each pair decides with each other what the schedule should be for the local visit, in the community of the host, for a 3-5 days visit prior to or after the National Conference. Typical residencies are 9-10 days (inclusive of travel) total.
In turn, American conductors will be hosted for the Big Sing, a nationwide competition and New Zealand’s largest choral event held August 26-28, 2027, in Auckland. While at the competition the U. S. delegation will observe rehearsals and attend seminars with local
choral leaders introducing New Zealand’s unique music culture. Following the Big Sing, regional visits across New Zealand will take place approximately August 28-September 2, 2027 (exact dates TBD). American delegates must commit to attending the Minneapolis
conference (March 7-10, 2027) and the New Zealand visit, August 26-September 2, 2027.
What are my responsibilities as a U.S. conductor?
American conductors host visiting conductors in their local regions for approximately 3-5 days either prior to, or following the National Conference. American hosts are expected to create a schedule of activities for their guest. Typical activities include leading rehearsals, giving workshops, teaching classes, participating in music for faith communities, rehearsal and concert observations, and in some cases leading concerts or portions of concerts. Itineraries that reach a broad community and multiple organizations are encouraged.
What opportunities will I have if I am selected?
As on the U.S. side, local activities in New Zealand will be arranged by the hosts, and will vary with each location, depending on local circumstances, and the interests of each conductor.
What are the financial responsibilities of participating in this program?
American conductors going abroad are responsible for their own travel to and from New Zealnad. You will be hosted while in country. Similarly, visiting conductors are responsible for their own travel to the United States. ACDA hosts the visiting guests at the National conference, and also provides for their lodging, food, and travel after arriving state-side.
American participants selected for the program are expected to host the visiting conductor during their visit (typically 3-5 days). Hosting means providing housing (homestays or hotel), meals, and local transport as necessary for the planned activities.
Additionally, US participants commit to attending the National conference at their own expense.
Selection & Application Requirements
SELECTION CRITERIA – EMERGING CONDUCTOR
The ACDA Standing Committee for International Activities is charged with the selection of emerging leaders of the choral profession to represent the United States. The Committee has developed the following list of criteria:
1) Is a current member of ACDA
2) Is an active choral conductor in a professional (remunerative) position
3) Leads choirs with a demonstrated level of excellence
4) Exhibits a high level of human understanding, tact, and cross-cultural sensitivity
5) Has a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 20 years in the profession
Candidates may reflect a wide diversity of interests and accomplishments (church/synagogue, community/professional choir, primary/secondary/higher education).
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
The delegation should reflect a wide diversity of interests and accomplishments. The ICEP Review Committee will therefore consider conductors from diverse professional backgrounds (high school, community, elementary, higher education, communities of faith, etc.)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
1. Statement of Purpose (PDF document)
Please address your qualifications and desire to participate in ICEP. Because ICEP is a reciprocal exchange, ICEP fellows from the United States will also host their international counterparts. In your statement of purpose, please share your vision of how you might structure an experience for a visiting conductor to benefit your wider choral community. In addition, please share how your experience in the guest country might impact your future work and how you plan to continue to foster the relationships built.
2. Curriculum Vitae (PDF document)
3. Two Letters of Recommendation (PDF documents)
4. Video Submission. See guidelines below
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VIDEO GUIDELINES
REPERTOIRE
1. Two selections from different periods.
2. Selections should represent two different languages.
3. Selections should be in contrasting tempo and style.
REHEARSAL
1. The applicant should rehearse the choir in such a way as to focus on gestural communication, rehearsal technique, and the development of the musical product.
2. The ICEP Review Committee will place primary value on gestural language, and an efficient rehearsal technique that displays a positive, inclusive and collaborative atmosphere with singers.
3. The ICEP Review Committee will also place value on mastery of interpretation and effective communication.
CAMERA ANGLE
1. The camera angle will show a full frontal view of the applicant and all conducting movements.
2. The choral sound and comments of the applicant must be clearly audible on the video recording.
3. The applicant will begin each selection by announcing the title and composer of the work to be presented.
FORMAT & DURATION
1. The video recording will not be edited in any manner except to edit the beginning and/or ending of the clip to adhere to the required length, as well as allowing for the inclusion of more than one choir under the applicant’s direction.
2. The video recording will show the applicant conducting and rehearsing for a minimum of twelve minutes and a maximum of fifteen minutes.
3. The time should be divided equally between the two selections.
Please fill out the following form and upload your supporting documents by May 30, 2026. If you have any questions, please email gro.a1772693192dca@s1772693192eitiv1772693192itcal1772693192anoit1772693192anret1772693192ni1772693192.
