Author: Luke McGinnis

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…

Dr. Anton Armstrong has been named the 2027 Robert Shaw Choral Award Honoree. The Robert Shaw Choral Award is given to a choral leader who has made exceptional contributions to the art of choral music. The recipient is chosen by the ACDA Past Presidents Advisory Council. The Robert Shaw Choral Award is presented during each national conference. The following criteria for selection were approved by the Past Presidents Advisory Council in November 1990. The recipient should be a member of ACDA (though there may be exceptions). The recipient should be someone whose primary career is/was in the United States. The recipient has made a significant contribution to the cause of the choral art in America. Such contributions made may have been through teaching, conducting, or leadership. The Robert Shaw Award Reception…

Register today to join the choral community in Minneapolis. Choose from two tracks for a tailored experience. Register Here.

Over the last year, ACDA has been considering how we engage with our Industry members and how we can better leverage the knowledge and expertise of all industry sectors for the entirety of the choral field. ACDA has had an Industry Representative appointed to the National Board in an ex-officio/non-voting capacity for many years, in compliance with the Bylaws. In March 2025, a plan began to develop to move towards the implementation of a National Standing Committee that would involve more Industry members and expand the collaboration between ACDA and the industry members of the choral ecosystem. The first iteration of this work is now called the ACDA Music Industry Task Force. This work will ultimately result in the creation of a National Standing Committee in the next Bylaws revision.…