Author: Luke McGinnis

Today, July 1, 2026, represents the first day of service for our new Midwestern Region President, Zachary Durlam! Dr. Durlam will represent our region membership on the National Board, direct the major initiatives and offerings of the Midwestern Region, and lead the 2028 Midwestern Conference. Zack Durlam serves as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Artistic Director of the Master Singers of Milwaukee (MSM), and choir director at Grace Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin. He previously taught at Fresno Pacific University where he received the university’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award.  Prior to that, Durlam taught secondary vocal music for twelve years – including nine at Iowa City West High School where his Chamber Choir was chosen to perform at the NCACDA conference and the music department…

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…

Dan Forrest has been awarded the 2027 Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commissionwhich will premier at the 2027 ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis, MN in March of 2027. Receiving the Brock Commission is an extraordinary achievement for any composer but there is something profoundly meaningful about this full-circle moment. In 2005, Dan Forrest was recognized with the Raymond Brock Prize for Student Composers for his work Selah—an early affirmation of a promising voice. Now, a little more than 20 years later, he returns to the ACDA stage as the recipient of the Raymond Brock Memorial Commission, our association’s most prestigious honor for composers. For the first time, a student prize recipient has grown into a composer whose artistry, impact, and leadership merit this highest recognition. Dan’s journey reflects not only his extraordinary…

We are thrilled to welcome you to Milwaukee for the 2026 Midwestern ACDA Conference! As we gather under the theme “Reflections of Us,” we invite you to arrive prepared, not just with your music and schedule, but with a spirit of generosity, professionalism, and shared purpose. Below are important details to help you plan ahead and make the most of your conference experience: Conference Locations • All performances (Honor Choirs & Featured Choir Concerts) will take place at the Pabst Theater. • All interest sessions, reading sessions, exhibits, and registration will take place at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. • There is no shuttle service between venues, so please plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel. Transportation • No conference shuttle service will be provided. • Please arrange your own…