Those who stay in the choral conducting profession long enough typically accumulate a string of letters after their name. Some of us have an additional couple before them.
However, under the umbrella of ACDA, we’re all peers – especially at a Conference. It doesn’t matter whether you are a freshman music major or a seasoned veteran with multiple doctorates, we’re all in this profession because we love the choral art and are striving to create the most beautiful vocal music possible. ACDA’s leadership recognized this about 40 years ago when they decided to stop publishing Choral Journal articles by “Dr. This” and “Professor That.” It remains so to this day and the same sensibility applies to our Conference name tags.
If you’re a newer member of the Association attending the National Conference and you have a question for an interest session presenter, wish to say ‘hello’ to a conductor whose choir performed, or simply want to meet someone whose face you’ve seen in the Choral Journal, just walk up to them, call them by their first name, and start the conversation. They will be – as you’ll soon discover – eager to visit!
J.D. Frizzell says