Midwestern Conference 2026 – Reflections of Us
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 25 – 28, 2026
The 2026 Midwestern Conference theme, Reflections of Us, invites us to explore how choral music captures our collective voices—past, present, and future—honoring diverse traditions, shared experiences, and the ever-evolving tapestry of our art. As we lift our voices together, we reflect not only on the music but on each other—our communities, our challenges, and our triumphs—knowing that through song, we discover deeper connections and a greater understanding of who we are.
Our biennial conference is one of the most prestigious choral gatherings in the United States, bringing together top choral professionals, educators, and musicians, primarily from the Midwestern region but also drawing attendees from across the country. It is a momentous occasion to celebrate choral artistry, exchange ideas, and inspire the next generation of musicians and leaders in the field.
Registration
Registration for 2026 Midwestern ACDA Conference opens on Wednesday, October 1, 2025!
There are four registration types:
Attendee
$325 until January 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
$375 from January 16, 2026 to February 28, 2026
Retired
$250 until January 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
$275 January 16, 2026 to February 28, 2026
Student
$100 until January 15 at 11:59 p.m. CST
$125 January 16, 2026 to February 28, 2026
One-Day
$190 Offered only for on-site purchase
Not a member? ACDA Conference registration is limited only to ACDA members with current memberships. Click here to join ACDA, or renew your membership today. The Conferences are only one of the many advantages of membership!
Click here to learn more about ACDA member benefits or contact [email protected] for assistance.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
8:00 p.m. – Welcome to Milwaukee Concert and
Weston Noble and Stace Stegman Awards Ceremony
Thursday, February 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. – Interest Sessions A
10:00 a.m. – Concert Session #1
1:30 p.m. – Concert Session #2
3:15 p.m. – Interest Sessions B
8:00 p.m. – Headliner Concert: Lyrra
Friday, February 27, 2026
9:00 a.m. – Concert Session #3
10:45 a.m. – Interest Sessions C
1:30 p.m. – Concert Session #4
3:15 p.m. – Interest Sessions D
8:00 p.m. – Concert Session #5
Saturday, February 28, 2026
9:00 a.m. – Interest Sessions E
10:15 a.m. – Headliner Concert: JOA Choir
12:30 p.m. – Honor Choirs Concert Session
Honor Choir Conductors and FAQ
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.
Performing Choirs
Congratulations to our 2026 Midwestern ACDA Performing Choirs! Click on each ensemble to read their biography.
Angelica Cantanti Concert Choir
Elizabeth Egger (Minnesota)
Bowling Green State University Men’s Chorus
Richard Schnipke (Ohio)
Central Michigan University Chamber Singers
Amon Eady (Michigan)
Chorale NouvEAU
Kate Larson (Wisconsin)
The Detroit School of Arts Concert Choir
Julian Goods (Michigan)
First Community Church Marble Cliff Singers
Amy Johnston Blosser and C. Andrew Blosser (Ohio)
Indian Trail High School and Academy Chorale
John Choi (Wisconsin)
Isthmus Vocal Ensemble
Michael McGaghie (Wisconsin)
Lawrence University Cantala
Phillip Swan (Wisconsin)
Linn-Mar High School Bella Voce
Jack Jorgensen (Iowa)
Luther College Nordic Choir
Andrew Last (Iowa)
North Scott High School Singers
Lori Potts (Iowa)
Stare at the Sun
A.J. Keller (Illinois)
University of Wisconsin-Madison Concert Choir
Mariana Farah (Wisconsin)
Waukee High School A Cappella
Jeff Knutson (Iowa)
We can’t wait to celebrate their artistry and hard work in Milwaukee!
Interest Sessions
Congratulations to our 2026 Midwestern ACDA Interest Session Clinicians!
Redefining Community: Choral Music at the Margins
Elena Cressy
Singing by heart: Aural tradition in the Choral Classroom
Elisabeth Cherland
Supporting Sopranos in the Choral Ensemble
Christiana Howell
Evolving Landscapes: Music Education in Underserved Areas
Erin Colwitz & Gabriela Hristova
Due Diligence: First Steps for Ethical Native Engagement
Thomas Goedecke & Alyssa Beltran
The Intersections of Gospel and European Choral Traditions
Bryon Black
Unified Music: A Practical Demonstration of Music for All
Zachariah Carlson-Giving
Using Technology to Enhance Student Learning in Choirs
Jason Hawkins
Appropriation or Collaboration? Programming World Music
Austin Norrid
Más Que Ritmo: Heart and Heritage of Latinx Choral Music
Eric Reyes
In Her Voice: Spotlighting Female Choral Composers
Hilary Apfelstadt, Alan Troy Davis, Lynne Gackle, and Mari Ésabel Valverde
Standards-Based Grading in the 6–12 Music Curriculum
Matthew Clark
Selecting and Programming Repertoire with Purpose
William McLean
Collective Wisdom: Reflections from Midwestern Prison Choirs
Amanda Weber, Mary Cohen, Jody Kerchner, Laura Clapp, and Catherine Roma
Choir as a Mirror: Reflect and Celebrate Student Identities
Leah Wyman, Cee E. Adamson, and Anjali Chudasama
We look forward to your sessions in Milwaukee!
Honor Choir Auditions
The 2026 MWACDA Honor Choir auditions open August 27, 2025 and close September 24, 2025 (6:00 pm Central). Accepted singers will be notified on October 29, 2025.
If teachers decide to “Send Payment to Parent” then the parent must pay via credit card by that deadline or the application won’t process.
The 2026 Midwestern ACDA Conference gathers four honor choirs for students from grades 6 to 12. This opportunity brings students together with passionate and talented peers from across the Midwestern region in a supportive choral community. Singers will be transformed through an experience with diverse and inspiring conductors from across the United States.
