ACDA Podcast

This month, Steve welcomes both nominees for ACDA’s National Repertoire and Resources (R&R) Chair: Dustin Cates and Jenny Bent. In separate interviews, they share their experiences with ACDA, discuss their visions for the future of R&R, and explore ways to help members discover repertoire, access meaningful resources, and connect across the choral profession. ACDA members will vote for the position in early 2027.
In this month’s Into the Archives, Steve revisits ACDA’s collection of recorded webinars, featuring topics ranging from changing voices and choir recruitment to collaboration between composers and poets.
For the R&R Quick Pick, Jenny Bent introduces There Will Be Songs by Christina Rasmussen Collins, a beautiful work for SATB voices with lush harmonies and opportunities for expressive musical line.
Continuing our Why Do We Sing? series, Steve reflects on an article by Alissa Dorman about helping students develop a deeper understanding of why they make music—and how listening, articulating, and contemplating can help singers connect with music’s meaning.
And in this month’s Did You Know? segment, Steve shares opportunities for the 2027 ACDA National Conference, including early-bird registration, the Research Poster Session, the Steven M. Demorest Research Grant, and the Outstanding ACDA Student Chapter Award.
Plus, a few updates from ACDA and a reminder to subscribe,follow, and join the conversation.
🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email acdapodcast@acda.org.
Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.
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
National Conference Registration: https://my.acda.org/s/lt-event?id=a1YWP000002Mx3V2AS#/Home
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
R&R Quick Pick: There Will Be Songs, SATBand piano, by Kristina Rasmussen Collins; https://www.lorenz.com/shop/school-and-community-choral/octavos/there-will-be-songs?fbclid=IwY2xjawL4jDtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhME5qNE14ekI4QzcxMFh3AR78qw1XChgGXvcnfP2ZkqUUw7073v5j51_yO5tk--wLCHlK6NXG95KrPsBogw_aem_saO_62p90KuV5y2OTW9Sbg   
R&R Chairs: https://acda.org/about-us/acda-leadership
Steven M. Demorest Research Grant: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/steven-m-demorest-research-grant
Outstanding Student Chapter Award: https://acda.org/resources-for-student-members/outstanding-acda-student-chapter-award

ACDA Podcast — September 2026
Social media has become an increasingly important part of the choral profession—but what are we gaining, what are we losing, and how can we use it well?
This month, Steve sits down with composer and publisher Jocelyn Hagen, Choralosophy host Chris Munce, Choral Clarity founder Adam Paltrowitz, and short-form choral media creator Chris Maunu for a wide-ranging conversation about social media and choral music. They discuss professional development, finding repertoire, building relationships, self-promotion, the all-powerful algorithm, online community, and the tension between creating meaningful content and simply creating content that performs well.
For this month’s R&R Quick Pick, Jocelyn Hagen introduces “Look at the Stars” from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, featured on her new album Here I Am. The piece, performed by True Concord Voices and Orchestra under the direction of Eric Holtan, combines choral music with multimedia elements inspired by Leonardo’s curiosity and creativity.
And in this month’s “Did You Know?” segment, Steve highlights opportunities for the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis, including the National Honor Choirs, National Vocal Jazz Honor Choir, the first National Show Choir Honor Choir, the Student Conducting Masterclass, and the Research Poster Session. He also shares information about ACDA’s new 2027 Tenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium.
Plus, a few updates from ACDA and a reminder to subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.

🎧 Stay Connected
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email acdapodcast@acda.org.
Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.
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
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
R&R Quick Pick: Look at the Stars, by JocelynHagen; https://jocelynhagen.com/catalog/the-notebooks-of-leonardo-da-vinci/
Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference
Tenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs
Panel Guests:
Jocelyn Hagen: https://jocelynhagen.com/
Chris Munce: https://choralosophy.com/
Adam Paltrowitz: https://www.choralclarity.com/

ACDA Podcast – August 2026
As summer winds down and a new school year begins, Steve Danielson looks ahead to exciting developments in ACDA and the choral world. This month, Steve reflects on the growing conversation around AI, creativity, and choral music, sharing his own experience and inviting listeners to consider what technology means for the future of musical creativity.
Steve talks with Luke Warren and Tori Brindis about ACDA’s first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir, coming to the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis. They discuss the evolution of show choir, the musical and artistic goals of the new ensemble, student auditions, and the collaboration between conductor and choreographer.
Garrett Breeze introduces My Time, an energetic show choir opener co-composed by Breeze and Kaz Brindis.
Steve shares updates on the 2027 National Conference, including honor choir auditions, the Student Conducting Masterclass, a new research poster session, a study examining treble choirs and student belonging, and ACDA’s new Tenor-based Choirs Commission Consortium.
What do you think about AI and creativity in choral music? Share your thoughts with Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org or on social media.

Stay Connected
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to WhyWe Sing? Email acdapodcast@acda.org.
Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.
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
Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/
R&R Quick Pick: My Time, by Garrett Breezeand Cazz Brindis; https://breezetunes.com/product/my-time/
International Journal of Research and Choral SingingCase Study: https://acda.org/archives/7881
Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceTenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs

Summer may be a quieter season for many choirs, but the joy of singing doesn't take a vacation! In this episode, Steve continues the Why We Sing series by exploring what it means to remain a singer throughout life—from high school graduation to community ensembles and beyond. Along the way, you'll hear practical ideas for keeping singers engaged, recommendations for outstanding repertoire, and the latest ACDA news and opportunities.
This month's Why We Sing conversations focus on a simple but profound idea: singing isn't just something we do in school—it can become a lifelong part of who we are.
Steve is joined by Philip Brown, ACDA National R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs, to discuss how choir directors can cultivate lifelong singers before students ever graduate.
Their conversation explores:
Why students need to see singing as a lifelong activity—not just a school class
The growing popularity of pop-up choirs and flexible community singing experiences
How directors can prepare students to continue singing after high school
Why removing barriers to participation matters
Practical ways schools can partner with community ensembles
Philip's own answer to the question: Why do we sing?
Steve also speaks with Matt Hill, ACDA National R&R Chair for Community Choirs, about the unique role community ensembles play in helping adults continue making music throughout every stage of life.
Together they discuss:
Why community choirs provide more than just music—they create belonging
How community ensembles welcome singers of all backgrounds and experience levels
The many hats community choir directors wear behind the scenes
Why community choirs should be viewed as a natural continuation of school and collegiate singing
How lifelong singing benefits individuals, communities, and the choral profession
Matt's thoughtful reflection on Why We Sing
This month's repertoire recommendations come directly from two National R&R Chairs.
Philip Brown recommends:
Known by Grace Becker
Matt Hill recommends:
I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day by Christopher Aspaas
Both selections demonstrate meaningful text setting and are excellent additions to your repertoire library.
This month's ACDA updates include:
State and regional ACDA events happening throughout the summer and fall
Congratulations to ACDA's newly elected Regional Presidents
Auditions for the 2027 National Honor Choirs—including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir—open September 1
Applications for the 2027 Student Conducting Masterclass open September 1
Call for proposals for the 2027 National Conference Research Poster Session
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.
Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email acdapodcast@acda.org.
Join the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group to continue the conversation.

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/
Archive Collections: https://acda.org/archive-collections
R&R Quick Pick: Known, by Grace Becker - https://graphitepublishing.com/product/known/and i thank You God for most this amazing day, by Christopher Aspaas - https://www.jwpepper.com/i-thank-you-god-for-most-this-amazing-day-11514213/p?srsltid=AfmBOor_Viimuker1Ml4uANyDH5LONunSxie6VZG2h5-e-wkfh6VkayG
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

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
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
Have feedback, future guest ideas, or an answer to the question Why Do We Sing? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org.
Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠
Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠
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