Author: Luke McGinnis

The conference masterclass committee is delighted to announce that public masterclasses in conducting will be held during the 2026 Midwest  Region Conference in Milwaukee, WI. The masterclasses are offered to acknowledge and develop the conducting and rehearsal skills of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students and to promote student activity at the conference. We welcome and encourage applications from students in both small and large music programs. The masterclasses will offer a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone involved.  These masterclasses will engage undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled full-time in a music degree program. Applicants are not required to be enrolled in a conducting class at the time of application, only in a college/university music program. Conference registration fees will be waived for those selected to participate in the masterclasses. The…

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…