ACDA Podcast

ACDA Podcast – February 2026 | Why We Sing
Welcome to the February 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! As regional conference season approaches, Steve continues the year-long exploration of Why We Sing with a conversation that examines the connection between body awareness, personality, and choral music-making. The episode also looks ahead to the 2027 ACDA National Conference, revisits ACDA history, highlights meaningful repertoire, and shares important updates for members.
🎶 Why We Sing – Interview with Sarah McMahill
Steve continues the Why We Sing series with composer, educator, and clinician Sarah McMahill, whose work connects myofascial awareness, breath, alignment, and the Enneagram to singing and conducting. Their conversation explores how physical awareness and emotional understanding can help singers feel more free, connected, and expressive in rehearsal and performance.
🎤 2027 National Conference Preview
Steve is joined by ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger and ACDA Vice President Pearl Shangkuan to preview the 2027 ACDA National Conference — Singing Through the Ages, happening March 7–10, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They discuss the conference theme, planning vision, schedule updates, and what attendees can look forward to at ACDA’s next national gathering.
🎵 R&R Quick Pick
From the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Matt Hill (Community Choirs R&R Chair) shares O Nata Lux by Michael John Trotta, a lyrical and expressive work well-suited for community ensembles.
📚 Into the Archives
Steve continues exploring ACDA history by looking at the March 1961 issue of the Choral Journal, reflecting on early conference planning, growing membership, and the concept of “choral scenes” as an early example of integrating movement and staging into choral performance.
📢 Did You Know?
Brock Prize for Professional Composers submissions closing soon

Symposium for Research in Choral Singing (April 2026, Chicago)

HerVoice Composers Competition & Mentorship Program

State and regional ACDA elections

Honor Choir Scholarship Fund donations

Regional conference reminders and resources

🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback or a Why We Sing story to share? Email [email protected] with the subject line Why We Sing.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠
Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠
Website: https://acda.org
Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login
 
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
ACDA website: https://acda.org
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions
R&R Quick Pick: O Nata Lux by Michael JohnTrotta - https://www.mjtrotta.com/music-catalog/sheet-music/satb-unaccompanied/o-nata-lux/
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Brock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers
Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing
HerVoice Composers Competition: https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/

Welcome to the January 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve kicks off the new year by launching a new recurring segment centered on a timeless and deeply personal question: Why do we sing? Through two vulnerable personal stories—one rooted in artistic renewal and the other in perseverance during the pandemic—Steve reflects on the power of singing to sustain, heal, and connect us. Listeners are invited to share their own stories as this exploration continues throughout the year.
🎶 Why We Sing – New Series Launch
Steve introduces a multi-month exploration of the emotional, neurological, spiritual, and communal reasons we sing and invites listeners to contribute personal reflections and stories.
🎤 Regional Conference Previews
To wrap up the regional president interview series, Steve speaks with two leaders about their upcoming 2026 conferences:
Julie Dana, President of the Western Region, previews A Tapestry of Voices, happening March 4–7, 2026 in San Jose, California, and shares the vision behind the theme, planning insights, and hopes for attendees.

Jonathan Owen, President of the Southwestern Region, discusses New Horizons, taking place March 4–7, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, highlighting conference-as-experience, first-time attendee support, and regional identity.

🎵 R&R Quick Pick
This month’s R&R selection comes from the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions. Jenny Bent, R&R Chair for the Collegiate Choirs Pillar, discusses Felix Mendelssohn’s How Lovely Are the Messengers and its effectiveness with entry-level collegiate ensembles.
📚 Into the Archive – New Segment
Steve launches a brand-new segment exploring the ACDA archives, starting with the very first Choral Journal (May 1959). Highlights include the journal’s original structure, early repertoire resources, and ACDA’s founding purposes—many of which continue to guide the organization today.
📢 Did You Know?
January 15 deadline for submitting Summer 2026 symposiums, workshops, and festivals

Early bird registration deadline for regional conferences

Airline travel discounts for ACDA events

Opportunities to support Honor Choir Student Scholarships

Submissions now open for the Brock Prize for Professional Composers ($5,000 award)

🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback, ideas, or a “Why We Sing” story to share? Email [email protected] with the subject line Why We Sing.
Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠
Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠
Website: https://acda.org
Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA Website: https://acda.org

Join or Log In to ACDA: https://acda.org/login

Repertoire & Resources: https://acda.org/repertoire

Virtual R&R Reading Sessions:
https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions

R&R Quick Pick – How Lovely Are the Messengers (Mendelssohn):
https://www.jwpepper.com/how-lovely-are-the-messengers-1347590-898905/p

Choral Journal Archive: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Regional Conference Registration: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Airline Discounts for Conferences:
https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts

Summer Festival & Workshop Listing Deadline:
https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/january-15-deadline-for-choral-journal-summer-festival-workshop-listing-information

Brock Prize for Professional Composers:
https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/

🎙️ ACDA Podcast – December 2025 | Why We Sing
In the December 2025 episode of the ACDA Podcast, Steve reflects on the timeless question, “Why do we sing?” Inspired by Greg Gilpin’s beloved song, Steve invites listeners to share what singing means to them—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and communally—as we head into a season full of performances and reflection.
🎶 Featured Interview: Jeffrey Ames, President of the ACDA Southern Region, joins the podcast to preview the 2026 Southern Region Conference, Prism of Voices, happening March 4–7 in Memphis, Tennessee. Jeffrey shares the vision behind the theme, highlights what makes the Southern Region unique, and reflects on leadership, mentorship, and connection.
📖 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve explores the November/December Choral Journal article “The Superpower of the Introverted Choral Conductor” by Chris Maunu, celebrating the quiet strengths of thoughtful, grounded leadership and how introversion can be a powerful asset on the podium.
🎵 R&R Quick Pick (Special Feature): Members of October Project—Marina Belica, Emil Adler, and Julie Flanders—join the show to celebrate the 10th Anniversary re-release of The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace. The conversation explores the project’s origins, its viral resurgence, and how these rounds are being used by choirs of all ages around the world.
📢 Did You Know?:
• Congratulations to the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award Finalists
• Membership renewal reminders
• Updates on Regional Conferences and the Children & Community Youth Choirs Retreat
• A featured Show Choir webinar for mid-year momentum
• Opportunities to support Honor Choir student scholarships
❤️ Influence Story: Andrew Crane (Brigham Young University) honors his mentor, Dr. David Rayl, in a powerful reflection on the lasting impact of great teachers and leaders.
🎧 As always, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share feedback, and submit stories and updates to [email protected].
Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠
Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠
Website: https://acda.org
Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login
 
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
ACDA website: https://acda.org
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
October Project: https://www.octoberprojectmusic.com/
R&R Quick Pick: Turn by OctoberProject; https://octoberproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-book-of-rounds-a-cappella 
YouTube video of Turn arr. Carrie Tennant for the Vancouver Children's Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMwc9wkgItk
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences
Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat
Regional Conference Airline Discounts: https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts
GRAMMY Music Educator Award: https://www.grammy.com/awards/music-educator-award?_gl=1*13h4mdq*_ga*MjM4MTAyMTg5LjE3NjUyMjgwMjA.*_ga_7CKBB7LRN1*czE3NjUyMjgwMTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjUyMjgwOTckajQ5JGwwJGgw
Show Choir Webinar: https://acda.org/show-choir

🎙️ November 2025 – Uplifting Voices and Honoring Legacies
This month on the ACDA Podcast, Steve begins with a heartfelt reminder about the power of encouragement—how a few kind words can make all the difference in a colleague’s day. From there, we travel across the country and through choral history in another inspiring episode celebrating connection, creativity, and community.
🗽 Summer Institutes in Review: We hear from Joslyn Thomas, President of New York ACDA, who shares highlights from the state’s Fall Collegiate Conference at Nazareth University.
🎵 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve welcomes Micah Bland, author of The Life and Choral Works of Jester Hairston, to discuss the remarkable life and enduring music of one of America’s great choral composers and arrangers.
🎶 R&R Quick Pick: From the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Joy Hirokawa introduces Three Quotes by Mark Twain by Andrea Ramsey, performed by the Birmingham Boys Choir.
🌲 Guest Interview: Bill Campbell, President of Northwestern ACDA, joins Steve to preview the upcoming Northwest Regional Conference in Tacoma, Washington. With the theme Sing for a Change, the conference promises to inspire renewal and connection across the region.
📢 Did You Know?: Steve celebrates ACDA members named 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award Semifinalists, shares conference travel discounts, and highlights new research exploring conductor health.
❤️ Influence Story: Evan Lane of Tidwell Choir in Mississippi pays tribute to his mentor Brad White, whose guidance and passion helped shape his journey as an educator and conductor.
🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform, and join the conversation in the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook!
📬 Have a story or event to share? Email Steve at [email protected].

ACDA website: https://acda.org
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions
R&R Quick Pick: Three Quotes by Mark Twainby Andrea Ramsey;  https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=892
YouTube video of Three Quotes by Mark Twain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEWJTPsd-_k
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences
Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat
Regional Conference Airline Discounts: https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts
Musculoskeletal Interference and Injury in ProfessionalConductors Research Request:
https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/research-requests-call-for-participants

October 2025 – Play, Purpose, and Powerful Legacies
We’re in the thick of the choral season, and Steve is right there with you! This month on the ACDA Podcast, we celebrate connection, creativity, and inspiration fromevery corner of the choral world.
Steve starts with one last Summer Institute recap from right in his home state of Idaho and an open invitation to host your state’s event next year.
🎶 R&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel, a luminous piece featured in the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions and introduced by Caron Daley.

🗣 Guest Interview: Amanda Hanzlik, President of Eastern ACDA, previews the 2026 Eastern Regional Conference in Providence, RI. She shares the meaning behind this year’stheme, Envision, and what attendees can expect from this inspiring gathering.
📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve spotlights Saleel Adarkar Menon’s article “From Groans toGrins: A Play-Based Approach to Teaching Music Literacy.” Discover how gamification and play-based strategies can bring joy and engagement back into your music literacy instruction.
📢 Did You Know? Find out how to join the Tenor-Bass Commission Consortium, renew your ACDA membership, and register for upcoming regional conferences and the Children & Community Youth Choir Retreat.
❤️ Influence Story: Andrew Last of Luther College honors his mentor, the legendary Weston Noble, whose servant-leadership and inclusive vision continue to inspire generations of choral musicians.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to join the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook to connect, share ideas, and celebrate our choral community.
📬 Got a story, event, or influence toshare? Email Steve at [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠
Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠
Website: https://acda.org
Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login
 
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
ACDA website: https://acda.org
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions
R&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel;  https://www.jwpepper.com/ripple-effect-11407909/p?srsltid=AfmBOookCHEDACpNf-e4Fb3fhGuWCv9w45Fp7gHCLniFGhzowFHumczi 
YouTube video of Ripple Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cEM-S0XKmM
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences
Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat
Tenor-Bass Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs