A Season of Growth, a Season of Possibility
Dear MWACDA Friends,
As spring stretches its arms and ushers us into warmer, brighter days, we find ourselves in a season of transition. The air is filled with the scent of new beginnings—and yet, this time of year also carries the bittersweet echoes of farewell. Many of you are preparing to send singers into the next chapter of their lives, whether that’s graduation, summer adventures, or new educational journeys. These moments are both tender and triumphant, and I hope you pause to celebrate the immense impact you’ve had on their lives through your artistry, your care, and your teaching.
With this spirit of change and growth in mind, I want to share my excitement about what lies ahead for our choral community. The 2026 Midwestern ACDA Conference in Milwaukee is on the horizon—and though it may seem far away, the work of building something truly meaningful begins now. The theme of our conference is “Reflections of Us,” and I invite each of you to consider what part of your story, your passion, your expertise might be shared to enrich this gathering.
We are officially inviting applications for session proposals and choir performances, and I want to encourage you—yes, you—to apply. Maybe you’ve hesitated before, thinking, “Well, everyone already knows this,” or “My choir isn’t the type that usually gets selected.” But your voice matters. Your lens may be exactly the one someone else needs. What you see as common could be a breakthrough for a fellow educator. And that choir of yours? It could be the one that touches hearts and shifts perspectives on our shared stage.
Let’s also talk about diversity in our performing ensembles. It’s no secret that conference stages haven’t always represented the full breadth of our communities. If we want our performances to reflect the richness of our region, we need a wide pool of applicants. And we need to go further—we need to champion and support the choirs who may face financial or logistical hurdles to apply or attend.
So here’s a challenge: if there’s a choir you believe in—a school, a church, a community ensemble that might not normally submit—be the spark. Talk to them. Encourage them. Connect them with people who can help. Maybe you are the one who can rally support and resources. While we don’t yet have all the mechanisms in place to ensure every dream can be fully funded, your actions can build a stronger network of care and inclusion.
Let’s dream boldly, act intentionally, and shape a conference that truly is a Reflection of Us—our challenges, our growth, our excellence, and our deep commitment to one another.