The next time you are in a high school or college choral rehearsal, look around you: seated somewhere is the next president, your future CEO, the next Alice Parker or Robert Shaw. The future of choral music in America is being shaped right now by the experiences students are having in their schools. This is a crucial time to get students connected with each other, with mentors, and with organizations that will ensure they have the support, tools, and motivation they need to develop their passion.
Throughout the years of directing everything from collegiate ensembles to children’s choirs, ACDA has provided a source of strength and inspiration for me, as I’m sure it has for many of you. It was the student chapter at our school that made me aware of ACDA, and got me to a national conference. I will never forget experiencing the incredible sounds of the choirs for the first time, buying as many CD’s and as much music as I could afford, and walking around in hotel lobbies with thousands of people who were just like me- passionate about making choral music.
The energy an ACDA student chapter can create at your school is of great importance to the future of choral music. Being a member of a group like this reminds us that we are a community of artists. Students take ownership of their art, and start to see themselves as professionals in the greater world, which they will soon become. It is evident when looking at the students sitting in classrooms right now that the future of choral music in America is bright, and it is up to us to spread the choral music love to all generations. An ACDA student chapter is a great way to do just that.
Why wait? Learn more about Starting an ACDA Student Chapter, submit a Student Chapter Application, or visit the ChoralNet Student Chapter Community.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.