As I write this final letter as President of the Midwestern Region ACDA, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we have shared over the past two years. What I feel most is gratitude.
Serving as your president has been one of the great privileges of my professional life. While leadership positions often come with titles and responsibilities, this role has continually reminded me that the true strength of MWACDA has never resided in any one individual. It lives in the collective generosity, passion, and dedication of the people who choose to serve.
Our region is powered almost entirely by volunteers. State presidents, board members, repertoire and resources chairs, conference coordinators, honor choir teams, leadership academy mentors, committee members, clinicians, presenters, and countless others give their time and talents because they believe in the transformative power of choral music and the importance of community. Their work often happens behind the scenes, without recognition or applause, yet it is the foundation upon which everything we accomplish is built.
This past February, many of us gathered in Milwaukee for the 2026 MWACDA Regional Conference. As I reflect on my presidency, that experience stands as a powerful reminder of who we are and what we can accomplish together. Under the theme Reflections of Us, we celebrated not only artistic excellence but also the people, perspectives, and experiences that shape our choral community. We learned from one another, sang together, engaged in meaningful conversations, welcomed new leaders, and were inspired by performances that reminded us why we do this work.
What made Milwaukee special was not simply the concerts, sessions, or honor choirs. It was the sense of connection that could be felt throughout the conference. It was the generosity of presenters who shared their expertise, the dedication of volunteers who ensured every detail was attended to, the enthusiasm of students experiencing a regional conference for the first time, and the countless moments of encouragement exchanged between colleagues and friends. The conference was a reflection of the very best of MWACDA, and I remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to its success.
Throughout my presidency, I have had the opportunity to witness the very best of our profession. I have seen colleagues share ideas freely, mentor emerging leaders, celebrate one another’s successes, and navigate challenges with grace and determination. Time and again, I have been reminded that our greatest resource is not a program, a conference, or an initiative. It is each other.
To every person who has served MWACDA in any capacity, thank you. Thank you for your willingness to lead, to support, to create, to problem-solve, and to show up when the work needed to be done. Your commitment has strengthened our region and enriched the lives of thousands of singers, conductors, educators, and students.
As I prepare to conclude my term, I do so with tremendous optimism for the future of MWACDA. The region is strong because its people are strong. We have talented leaders throughout our states, engaged members who care deeply about our mission, and a new generation of choral musicians and educators who are ready to help shape what comes next.
It is also my pleasure to welcome Dr. Zack Durlam as the next President of MWACDA. Zack is a thoughtful leader, a dedicated colleague, and a passionate advocate for choral music. He understands the value of service, the importance of relationships, and the responsibility of stewardship. I know he will lead our region with integrity, vision, and care, and I am excited to watch MWACDA continue to flourish under his leadership. The region is in excellent hands.
As I step away from this role, I do so with a full heart. Thank you for your trust, your support, your friendship, and your belief in the work we do together. Though my term as president is ending, my commitment to MWACDA remains unchanged. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you as we work to ensure that every singer, conductor, and choral community has the opportunity to thrive.
The theme of our conference was Reflections of Us, and perhaps that is the reflection I carry with me most as I conclude this chapter. Leadership has allowed me to see the remarkable generosity, talent, resilience, and humanity that exist throughout this region. Those qualities are what define MWACDA. They are what will sustain it long into the future.
May we continue to champion excellence while extending grace. May we continue to lead with courage while remaining open to learning. May we continue to build a choral community that welcomes, inspires, and uplifts all who enter it.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
With sincere gratitude,
Dr. Derrick Fox
President, Midwestern Region ACDA
2024–2026