ACDA Podcast

🎙️ACDA Podcast – April 2026
This month, Steve reflects on the realities of fatigue in the choral profession—especially in the wake of a busy performance season—and opens an honest, thoughtful conversation about burnout, identity, and sustainability in our work.
🧠Burnout & the Choral Director Identity
Steve is joined by Dr. Peter Steenblik for a deeper exploration of burnout—not just as a problem to solve, but as a signal worth understanding. Moving beyond practical strategies, this conversation examines how passion, expectations, andprofessional identity intersect, and what it means to pursue sustainable joy in a demanding field.
🎶 Why Do We Sing? – Community & Humanity
Continuing the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with composer and author Jack Curtis Dubowsky about singing as a deeply human, embodied, and communal act. Their discussion explores singing as a vehicle for identity, connection, and even social change—broadening the question beyond music into the shared human experience.
🎵R&R Quick Pick
This month’s selection comes from the Junior High/Middle School Choirs R&R Chair, featuring Crossroads by Reginal Wright—an engaging and meaningful work for developing ensembles.
📚Into the Archives
This segment explores ACDA’s long-standing partnership with Hinshaw Music and the evolution of its publishing efforts—from the practical ACDA Monograph Series to today’s scholarly and historical resources that continue to shape the choral profession.
📢Did You Know?
Updates include:
A new "Between the Staves" advice column on managing springtime workload
Final days to apply for performing and insight choirs for the 2027 National Conference
Applications open for the International Conductors Exchange Program (New Zealand)
🎧Stay Connected
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
Have thoughts on burnout or Why Do We Sing? Send your reflections or voice memos 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
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal
Choral Journal Article from Peter Steenblik: https://acda.org/archives/6586
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: Crossroad by ReginalWright - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/crossroad-9780193433502?cc=us&lang=en&
Jack Curtis Dubowsky: https://www.jackcurtisdubowsky.com/
Hinshaw Music Series: https://acda.org/publications/hinshaw-music-series
Between the Staves: https://choralnet.org/archives/812170
Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application forNational Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference
Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing
International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep

In the March 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast, host Steve Danielson reflects on the recent regional conferences and shares insights from across the choral community. As part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with conductor, composer, and researcher Raphael Fusco about the science and psychology behind singing, exploring how empathy, physiology, and human connection shape our musical experiences.
This episode also features a conversation with composer Dan Forrest, who recently received ACDA’s Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission—becoming the first composer to have previously won the Brock Prize for Student Composers. Dan reflects on his compositional journey, creative process, and what this full-circle moment means for his work.
Plus, Steve travels Into the Archives to explore the origins of ChoralNet and its early predecessor, Choralist, highlighting how early internet technology helped connect choral conductors long before modern social media.
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  
Raphael Fusco: https://raphaelfusco.com   
ChoralNet article: https://choralnet.org/archives/471001  
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: Celebration by Kate Crellin - https://www.katecrellin.com/product-page/celebration-satb  
Dan Forrest: https://danforrest.com  
Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal  
Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing  
Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application for National Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

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