The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) will present Jubilate, our first National Honor Choir designed to welcome singers of varying abilities into one shared musical experience, at the 2027 ACDA National Conference, March 7–10, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Rooted in the belief that singing is fundamental to being human, Jubilate celebrates the many ways individuals learn, communicate, and connect through music. This special ensemble brings together singers with different musical backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities, demonstrating how intentional approaches to choral music-making can create opportunities for meaningful participation.
Jubilate’s repertoire, rehearsals, and supports are designed with multiple pathways into the music in mind. Rather than expecting every singer to learn or participate in the same way, the ensemble embraces learner variability as an essential part of the musical experience.
The choir’s approach recognizes that differences among singers need not be barriers to artistic collaboration. Instead, those differences can shape and enrich the music they create together.
Participating students have been invited from the Buffalo Hanover Montrose School District under the leadership of Zack Carlson-Giving, Buffalo High School Vocal Music Director, alongside other invited singers.
At the heart of Jubilate is a guiding belief: What we create together changes based on who is welcomed to create it.
Experience Jubilate at the 2027 National Conference
Conference attendees will have two opportunities to experience Jubilate through its participation in the Music in Worship service and a special Informance.
Jubilate’s participation in the Music in Worship service will bring the ensemble’s shared musical experience into one of the conference’s communal gatherings.
Music in Worship Service
- Date: Tuesday, March 9
- Time: 5:45-6:45 PM
- Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary
The ensemble will also present an Informance, giving conference attendees an opportunity to experience Jubilate’s approach to inclusive choral music making.
Jubilate Informance
- Date: Tuesday, March 9
- Time: 12:30-1:30 PM
- Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary
Together, these appearances will offer attendees an opportunity to consider how choral environments can be designed to support singers with varying abilities while fostering artistry, connection, and belonging.
Meet the Conductor: Dr. Rhonda J. Fuelberth
Dr. Rhonda J. Fuelberth will serve as conductor of the inaugural Jubilate Honor Choir.
Dr. Fuelberth is the Richard H. Larson Distinguished Professor of Music and Professor of Music Education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she previously served as associate director of the Glenn Korff School of Music. A conductor, teacher educator, and scholar, her work centers on choral music making, learner variability, and inclusive music education.
Her teaching, research, and creative activities explore Universal Design for Learning, music teacher preparation, and the development of choral environments that reduce barriers while supporting artistry, agency, belonging, and meaningful participation.
Dr. Fuelberth is also the founder and artistic director of i2Choir—Inclusive, Intergenerational, Exponentially Better Together, a community choir intentionally designed to bring singers with and without disabilities together. Through i2Choir, mutual support is embedded throughout the ensemble experience, creating opportunities for meaningful participation and collaborative music making.
Her professional leadership includes service as president of the North Central ACDA Region (now Midwestern) and the Nebraska Choral Directors Association.
Dr. Fuelberth brings extensive experience in inclusive choral practice to Jubilate, supporting the ensemble’s mission to celebrate the contributions of every singer.