When’s the last time you asked yourself why you chose this path? What makes you choose choir? Sitting in class last week we were diving into some of my favorite choral selections and the students were enamored – that look on their faces, that feeling I get when listening, the excitement that comes when the sound washes over you, the way it brings the whole room together everytime – just a few of the reasons I love our field!
When’s the last time you considered the way ACDA helps you accomplish this amazing job? Do you participate in ACDA for networking? Maybe for professional development? Perhaps for the awesome music? Is there something more you wish ACDA could support you with?
In this month’s Advocacy and Collaboration curated blog (and paired podcast episode), we talk to ACDA’s new Director of Membership Programs & Services, Dennis N. Carpenter II.
We kicked off the conversation by learning about where Dennis came from, a native of the DC area, and how he ended up in the Association Management industry. Dennis is easy to talk to and we quickly found ourselves collecting random trivia facts, myth busting, and even getting some insider scoop related to the best water bottle distributors (since Dennis spent some years working with IBWA, the International Bottled Water Association).
One major takeaway from our chat with Dennis was the emphasis on “One ACDA” being a holistic approach to member engagement. It’s not just about numbers or recruitment, but rather about fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among choral professionals nationwide. This approach recognizes the diverse needs of members across different stages of their careers and areas of expertise. Dennis shared that through “One ACDA,” there will be tailored resources and opportunities that cater to everyone, from the budding choral student to the seasoned director. The overarching goal is to ensure that every member feels seen, heard, and valued, further strengthening the tapestry of the ACDA community. If there’s one thing to anticipate in the upcoming months, it’s a more interconnected and vibrant ACDA experience for all.
Learn more about the ACDA Advocacy and Collaboration Committee and their resources at ACDA.org/advocacy or follow A&C on Facebook and Instagram. You can also listen to this episode on the Music (ed) Matters Podcast, Episode 171, anywhere you get your podcasts or watch the full interview on YouTube.
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