Dear Friends— For years, I’ve read the valedictories given by state, divisional, and national presidents as they hand their imaginary gavels off to their successors, and I guess it’s now my turn. While I’d like to give a nod to “my administration,” I’d like to focus most of this final column of mine on the future. If there’s one thing that I have learned from my service in ACDA, it is that the people in our industry are the finest folks there are in the world. If our conference did anything in Sioux Falls in February, I hope that it proved just how wonderful our conference staff is, person for person. If you enjoyed or were inspired in any way by that event, I hope that you will thank one…
From Brainerd, Minnesota, Phil Mattson is a name, I believe, familiar to all of us. As a major pioneer in the world of jazz and especially vocal jazz, Phil’s musicianship, dedication, and comprehensive knowledge of the craft is beyond just about anyone of his generation. Anyone can look up information about Phil, but here are some things you might not know. We all know where he’s been and taught, but we don’t know his “story.” Here is a bit of how Phil Mattson developed—as a person, as a teacher, and as a pioneer in our field. When Phil finished his graduate studies at The University of Iowa, he had no job. At the time, a friend of his interviewed at Foothill College in California, but in the end recommended Phil…
The last of this season’s Google Hangout sessions are coming up. You are invited to join your NC-ACDA R&R Chairs in these Hangouts. The Video Hangout is a type of virtual round table discussion in real-time. This has been a great chance for colleagues to come together, brainstorm, share, and be inspired! The topics presented in these Hangouts cover a wide range of interests. If you have a computer and a Google ID, you can join any of these sessions. The link to join these Hangouts is shared through Facebook, email, and the NC-ACDA website as the dates approach. Below is a list of the upcoming topics, as well as their dates and times. Be sure to check them out! Upcoming Google Hangouts: May 1, 2016 at 3:30 PM with…
Republished from Wisconsin School Musician, January 2013, with permission from the Wisconsin School Music Association I love attending music conventions/conferences for a variety of reasons, and one of those is the chance to learn new and exciting repertoire. In my book, I feel that I can put a check mark in that box if I find at least one quality choral work that calls my attention and, therefore, that I would like to include in future teaching and/or programming. It is a great feeling, one that inspires me to study the work and share my newfound treasure with the world. Luckily, I have found many works that way. Like most of us in that situation, I also look at countless other newly published pieces that, for one reason or another,…
