This session will consider a synthesis of three ideas: 1. self-understanding and realization, 2. issues of ownership, 3. shepherding and vulnerability. We will explore whether these ideas can be used in tandem to redefine our ensemble paradigm, what it means to be a conductor in the day-to-day grind of rehearsals, and whether there are ways […]
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Collegiate Vocal Jazz: Learning from Our Legacy
Vocal jazz came into existence in the 1930s and expanded with professional groups such as the The Four Freshmen, the Hi-Lo’s, the Singers Unlimited, The Manhattan Transfer, Take 6, and New York Voices. It was woven into collegiate choral programs and exploded in the 1970s and ’80s under the direction of legendary educators. This session […]
The Choral Music of J.A.C. Redford and His Commissioned Work, “Homing,” for the 2017 National Conference
J.A.C. Redford is a television and film composer who has composed music for over three dozen film and hundreds of television episodes including seasons of St. Elsewhere and Coach. He has orchestrated movie scores, working closely with James Horner and others, and orchestrated the last two Bond films. He has arranged for Grammy Award-winning artists […]
Building and Maintaining an ACDA Student Chapter
An ACDA student chapter is an incredible opportunity to enhance a learning environment. Students are empowered to create events and programs for both university and local communities, offer advocacy for choral music, and engage with their professional organization. This session covers the process of starting a chapter from scratch, discusses how to tailor the chapter’s […]
Boys to Men: Building an Intergenerational Male Choir
Very few choirs performing at a superb level of choral excellence succeed at bringing together singers of different age ranges, much less a cross several generations. This session will demonstrate how an internationally acclaimed men’s choir is creating “A Life of Song” within its own ranks. This interactive session will combine a demonstration by Great […]
Big Voice: Creating Symbiosis between Warm-ups and Repertoire Question-and-Answer Session
Have you ever wondered how other high school choir director shave found success? Big Voice is an eighty-three-minute documentary that chronicles a challenging year in the life of a determined public high school choir director. Jeffe Huls pushes his students to achieve a high level of artistry and become “one big voice,” despite many obstacles. […]
