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 was one of seven programs in the nation named a Gold Signature School by the Grammy Foundation.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Luther College, master’s from the University of Iowa, and doctorate from Michigan State University. UWM choirs under his direction were finalists in the American Prize competition, and MSM and UWM choirs have been selected for performances on conferences of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association (WCDA), Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA), and the Midwestern American Choral Directors Association. Choirs under Durlam’s direction have also appeared on professional Milwaukee tour stops with Andrea Bocelli, the Eagles, the Rolling Stones, and music from the Final Fantasy video games. Durlam has presented at state and regional conferences of ACDA and WMEA, and he frequently works as a guest conductor and clinician. In spring 2025 he was recognized with the “Distinguished Citizen – Professional in the Arts” award by the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee. He is a past president of WCDA and is excited to begin his term as president of MWACDA.
Dr. Durlam will serve in this role until June 30, 2028. Let’s welcome him and thank him for his volunteer service!