As a young professional I loved going to ACDA conferences to learn about the choral art and to meet like-minded people. Between the concerts, interest sessions, and reading sessions, I’d come home with more repertoire ideas and information than I could possibly use in a lifetime. ACDA conferences were exhilarating and occasionally a bit intimidating,…
At a time when social divisiveness is on constant display and our differences are highlighted in a contentious way, choral music that brings communities together and focuses on shared values is more important than ever. Well-crafted and meaningful repertoire creates a lens through which young singers can focus on their community and develop a meaningful…
I have taught students at the middle school level for over twenty years, and I have yet to discover a quick and easy method for choosing great repertoire. In fact, the process is intense, sometimes stressful, and takes a lot of time. But I have never regretted the hours of searching, listening, analyzing, and planning…
When it comes to commissioning music, one size does not fit all. It can have many different variables. Some people, when they think about commissioning, have their own bias, and they believe that it only works in a certain way. Here are some assumptions many conductors make regarding the commissioning of a work: It costs…
ICDA’s 2016 Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award Recipient: Joleen Nelson Woods The Iowa Choral Directors Association presented the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to choral music in Iowa to Joleen Nelson Woods at the 42nd Annual Summer Symposium at the end of July. Joleen is well known and respected for her untiring…
