Author: Luke McGinnis

ACDA Midwestern Region is honored to announce and welcome JOA CHOIR as a Headlining Ensemble for the 2026 Midwestern Region Conference: Reflections of Us! JOA CHOIR was founded in January 2016. Based in Busan and designated a professional arts organization by Busan Metropolitan City, this ladies' choir is guided by conductor Gun Yoon Lee. They interpret and perform a diverse repertoire—from classical to popular music, traditional Korean sounds, and jazz—through the distinctive beauty and delicacy of women’s voices. Pursuing a sound that stands apart from conventional female choirs, they offer a fresh model to Korea’s arts scene and are growing toward the global stage. In 2022, they drew strong attention as one of the most notable choirs on the audition TV show Sing For Gold, and in 2025, they won the Grand Prix at the Korea International Choral…

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…

ACDA Midwestern Region is honored to announce and welcome LYYRA as a Headlining Ensemble for the 2026 Midwestern Region Conference: Reflections of Us! Lyyra is the new all-women vocal ensemble from The VOCES8 Foundation and is based in the USA. Creating world-class musical experiences to inspire audiences, Lyyra seeks to redefine the genre of upper voice music in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing capabilities within the full spectrum of women’s singing. The sound of this bright, young group combines velvety richness alongside star-like brilliance. With a broad texture and exhilarating range of sound, the group’s talented members specialize in classical, jazz, pop, and folk music from diverse traditions and backgrounds. Reflective of music, harmony, and the night sky, Lyyra takes its name from the constellation that represents Orpheus’ famed…

This year, we saw a 20.17% increase in Honor Choir auditions since our last regional conference in 2024. Thank you to all of our teachers, sponsors, and our Honor Choir Chairs, Stephen Dean and Jordan Dollins, for encouraging students to audition for our Midwestern Honor Choirs! 2026 Conference Regrsitration begins Wednesday, October 1, 2025!