Episode #23 – June 2026
Welcome to the June 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve begins this month’s episode with a reminder to reconnect with the reasons we first chose this profession and the impact we continue to have through music. Along the way, we celebrate the joy of singing, explore ACDA history, and continue our ongoing journey to answer one of choral music’s most enduring questions: Why do we sing?
🎤 Why We Sing – Greg Gilpin
As part of the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve sits down withcomposer, arranger, conductor, and educator Greg Gilpin, whose beloved anthem Why We Sing has inspired generations of singers around the world. Greg reflects on the origins of the piece, why its message continues to resonate with singers of all ages, and how his experiences workingwith young musicians have shaped his understanding of music’s purpose. The conversation explores singing not simply as performance, but as a meaningful human experience that helps us connect, communicate, and navigate life.
🎵 R&R Quick Pick
This month’s R&R Quick Pick features the obviouscompanion to our featured interview: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin. Performed by the Northern Lights Chorale under the direction of Bruce Phelps, this enduring choral favorite continues to remind singers and audiences alike of the profound reasons we gather together in song.
📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal
Steve highlights Kaitlin DeSpain’s article, “From Principleto Practice: Woman-to-Woman Mentorship in Choral Conducting,” from the June/July 2026 issue of Choral Journal. The article examines the role mentorship can play in supporting women conductors as they navigate leadership opportunities, professional networks, visibility, and career advancement. Steve discusses the article’s key findings, explores five characteristics of effective mentorship,and reflects on how mentorship can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive profession.
🗂️ Into the Archives – ACDA Trivia Challenge
This month’s Into the Archives segment takes a playful turnas Steve quizzes listeners on their ACDA knowledge.
How well do you know the history of the organization? Testyourself with questions about ACDA’s founding, first president, first national conference, regional structure, and more. No prizes are awarded—but bragging rights are definitely on the line.
📢 Did You Know?
This month’s ACDA updates include:
• Applications for the 2027 National Honor Choirs openSeptember 1, including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir
• Applications open September 1 for the 2027 StudentConducting Masterclass
• ACDA is seeking proposals for the 2027 National ConferenceResearch Poster Session
• Researchers are currently seeking participants for anational study on the use of practice tracks in choral education
🎧 Stay Connected
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Have feedback, future guest ideas, or an answer to the question Why Do We Sing? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org.
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Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
ACDA website: https://acda.org
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
R&R Quick Pick: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin- https://www.jwpepper.com/why-we-sing-3303113/p?srsltid=AfmBOoqY_dioqkcS7zoN8kS__Fqo2YjDeUYBEHcEAmJnXVjJDUvGKH8J
Calendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJ
Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference
Request for Scores for National Conference: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/national-repertoire-resources-call-for-scores
Practice Tracks in Choral Education: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee
South Africa