The mission of the American Choral Directors Association is to inspire excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the American Choral Directors Association stands in solidarity with musicians, artists, scholars and citizens from across our nation against hate and violence. We condemn the views and actions of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan members, and fascists, including those who were in Charlottesville, Virginia, this past week.
As conductors, teachers, musicians, performers and scholars, we have a responsibility to those in our care: our students, our choristers, and our audiences. We know that the power of the human voice joined in song sends a powerful message of unity, love, and community.
As professionals who are charged with the musical education of our children, youth, university students and adults, it is incumbent upon us all to stand strong in both word and deed against those who seek to demean, impoverish, harm and exclude others.
We lament the loss of life through senseless acts of terror. We know that violence born of hate will never unite our nation. We believe that in order to be the greatest advocates for those whose lives we touch, we must always seek to build strong communities of trust, respect, and understanding.
The Executive Committee of the American Choral Directors Association
Jim Taylor says
Well said!