MIDWESTERN REGION CONFERENCE 2026
2026 Midwestern ACDA Honor Choir Directors
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding conductors leading our 2026 MWACDA Honor Choirs! These inspiring educators bring a wealth of experience as both conductors and teachers, and each is deeply committed to student-centered music-making.
Herbert Washington
2026 Middle School/Junior High Tenor/Bass Honor Choir Conductor
Herbert Washington began his tenure as the Harvey K. Smith Artistic Director of the Phoenix Boys Choir in 2019. He is a frequent choral clinician, conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator for regional festivals, workshops, and conferences around the country, and is widely recognized for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to instill a love for the choral arts.
Coty Raven Morris
2026 Middle School/Junior High Treble Honor Choir Conductor
New Orleans native Coty Raven Morris is a conductor, composer, poet, and community-centered music educator who believes deeply in the transformative power of collective singing. Her compassion for music-making in diverse communities fuels every aspect of her work—from the rehearsal room to the concert hall.
Dr. Kelly Miller
2026 10th – 12th Treble Honor Choir Conductor
Dr. Kelly Miller is the Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Central Florida where she conducts the Women’s Choir. She teaches Introduction to Music Education, Secondary Choral Methods I and II, Music Learning Theory and Assessment, Music and the Student with Exceptionalities, Graduate classes in Music Education, and supervises student teachers through their internships.
Dr. Ryan Beeken
2026 10th – 12th Tenor/Bass Honor Choir Conductor
Dr. Ryan Beeken serves as Director of Choral Activities at Wichita State University where he conducts the Concert Chorale and Madrigal Singers, teaches graduate and undergraduate choral conducting, and oversees the choral area. He received Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Drake University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University.