Voices of Change: Impacting the Communities We Serve

The August 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Voices of Change: Impacting the Communities We Serve.” Following is a portion from the article.
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The following panel discussion convened by Donald Dumpson, R&R Chair of Lifelong Singing, was presented at the 2022 ACDA Eastern Region Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, as part one of three in the series, “Identity and Inclusion in Choral Spaces: Pathways to Lasting Change.” The purpose of this session was to explore the identity, performance philosophy, and role in society of the choirs represented on the panel in light of a significant national reflection on American racism and inclusivity following the protests in response to the murder of George Floyd and other social justice issues that became particularly resonant during the Covid-19 pandemic. Julia Zavadsky moderated this discussion.

For the second session, “Identity, Inclusion, and Excellence in the ACDA,” Wendy Moy moderated a panel discussion with Penelope Cruz, then Eastern Region President; David Fryling, then-ACDA Vice President; Arreon Harley-Emerson, Diversity Initiatives Committee Chair; and Robyn Hilger, ACDA Executive Director. We discussed how ACDA as an organization addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion with a focus on the changes for the 2022 Eastern Conference and 2023 National Conference. The third session, “Creating Choral Community: Coming Together in Song” introduced repertoire from the choirs represented on this panel. We will include a list of the pieces at the end of part two, which will be published in the next issue of Choral Journal.

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Read the full article in the September 2023 issue of Choral Journal. acda.org/choraljournal