The International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) provides opportunities for the rising generation of choral leaders to represent the United States as ambassadors to the world in the exchange of music, ideas, and cultures. Established in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International Activities Committee, the program has connected choral conductors in the United States with counterparts in Cuba, China, Sweden, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Kenya, South Africa, and Germany. Between 2012 and 2024, 69 U.S. conductors have participated in the exchange program, hosting an international conductor and traveling abroad to observe and lead rehearsals (or performances), present lectures and master classes, attend conferences, as well as other activities.
The 2024 exchange with Israel was scheduled to coincide with the 2024 Region Conferences and culminate with our US conductors’ residencies in Israel in the summer. Due to the continued conflict in the region, this exchange was suspended for 2024 but is planned to resume in 2025 with our Israeli partners visiting us during the 2025 National Conference and our US conductors in residency in Israel soon after.
2025 Call for Applications for the exchange with the Philippines is now open!
The 2025 Call for Applications is currently open for the exchange with the Philippines. The 2025 exchange will start with our Filipino guests joining us at the 2025 National Conference and our US conductors in residency in October 2025 in the Philippines. The deadline to apply is May 31. You can read the eligibility and submission requirements and make your application by CLICKING HERE.
Meet the 2024 ICEP Participants for the Exchange with Israel:
Dr. Dustin S. Cates (he/him/his) is a teacher, conductor, singer, researcher and proud native of Kansas City, Missouri. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships with people through music. Dr. Cates is Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Boyer College of Music and Dance, part of the Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts at Temple University. At Temple he conducts the University Chorale, supervises graduate students, and teaches courses in music education, choral/vocal pedagogy, and choral methods. His research focuses on issues of equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice in choral music. Cates is an active conductor/clinician for honor choirs and music festivals throughout the United States and a frequent presenter of workshops for music educators. Dr. Cates earned undergraduate and doctoral degrees in choral music education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and a master’s degree from Baker University. Prior to his work at Temple, Cates was Artistic Director and Conductor of Heartland Men’s Chorus, Associate Director of Worship Arts at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and taught high school choral music in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He currently serves as the American Choral Directors Association National Repertoire and Resources Chair for Tenor/Bass Choirs and is Past President of the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Cates considers his most important roles to be husband to Dr. Raymond Cattaneo, and father to their son Emmaus.
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a distinguished Vietnamese-American conductor and educator, known for his innovative programming that seamlessly weaves choral music with narrative. As Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, he provides visionary leadership for the Choral Area, oversees the Doctoral and Master’s Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers (flagship SATB) and Mazi (SSAA).
A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, his work with choral ensembles has garnered international recognition. He is on the Conducting Faculty for the 2024 XV FIMUS Festival in Brazil and was named a 2024 Conducting Fellow to Israel for ACDA’s International Conductors Exchange Program. The UofM University Singers, under his direction, have been selected to perform at the 2024 Tennessee Music Educators Association Conference.
A recognized authority in vocal pedagogy, Dr. Cathlina’s research on choral tone and conducting gesture is published in international journals. He has presented over 51 interest sessions across the globe, co-leading two Conducting Masterclasses in Greece. He is set to be the Choral Headliner for the 2024 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. Driven by a passion for human connection, he finds great inspiration as an honor choir conductor. His extensive guest conducting schedule includes honor choirs nationwide.
Dr. Cathlina holds a D.M.A. in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, an M.M. from Michigan State University, and a B.M.E. from Baylor University. Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools. He is grateful for the support of his husband, family, and friends, who embrace his unique blend of Vietnamese culture and Western upbringing. Dr. Cathlina, his husband Kyle, and their dog Coco proudly call Memphis, Tennessee, their home. www.franciscathlina.com.
Dr. Jami Lercher (she/her) is currently Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She conducts the BW Treble Choir and teaches courses in choral methods, conducting, and vocal techniques. Jami spent 14 years in public schools teaching elementary and secondary music in Iowa and Minnesota. An advocate for affirming diverse musical traditions, she served as the Artistic Director of the South Florida Jewish Chorale for two seasons. She also helped found and co-chair the ACDA-Minnesota 9-10th Grade SSAA Honor Choir, and is passionate about providing meaningful musical experiences for all. She currently sings as a soprano with the Cleveland Chamber Choir and accompanies the Berea-Midpark High School choirs.
Jami is an Iowa native, earning her undergraduate degree in music education at Iowa State University under Dr. James Rodde. Through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, she completed the Master of Music degree at the University of Wales, Bangor, studying Celtic music and teaching singing to members of the Deaf community. She was awarded a DMA in Choral Conducting under Dr. Amanda Quist from the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, where she researched the life and choral works of Welsh composer Morfydd Owen (1891-1918). Jami’s research interests include amplifying the music of historically excluded composers, and engaging creativity, movement, and critical thinking in the choral rehearsal. She is an active member of ACDA and NAfME, serving as a conductor, clinician, and presenter at various state and national conferences. In 2022, Jami presented at the World Choral Expo in Lisbon, Portugal, and currently serves on the National Board for NCCO. She has published two editions of historical works by Vittoria/Raphaella Aleotti, available through Walton and Gentry. When not making music, Jami can be found exploring the great outdoors with her family.
Dr. Marcela Molina has been leading the Tucson Girls Chorus since 2006, first serving as Artistic Director and taking the helm as Executive Director in 2011. Under Dr. Molina’s guidance, the Tucson Girls Chorus has grown significantly in programming and community engagement. With her leadership, the TGC has transformed into a vibrant and collaborative organization that creates access to inclusive programming for youth, and provides resources to music educators and support to their classroom all year-round. In addition to her work with the TGC, Dr. Molina serves as Director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Marcela Molina holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and the University of Arizona. She has contributed articles to Antiphon, and the books Teaching through Performance in Choir, Volume 2 and Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers. She was named 2019 Choral Director of the Year by Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA), and she often serves as a clinician and guest conductor for choral festivals. Dr. Molina has served on the board of the AzACDA as well as standing committees for ACDA Western Division. She currently serves on the board of Chorus America.
Brian C. Murray is the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wyoming. At UW, he leads a program of six choral ensembles, including the Collegiate Chorale, Singing Statesmen, and Happy Jacks. In 2024 the UW Singing Statesmen will give invited performances for the Wyoming Music Educators Association and the Northwestern American Choral Directors Association. Dr. Murray earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of North Texas, studying with Drs. Allen Hightower, Jessica Nápoles, Richard Sparks, and Kristina MacMullen.
Prior to beginning his doctoral coursework, Dr. Murray taught high school choir for seven years in Carrollton, Texas. He received a Master of Music Education degree from the Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in choral music education, summa cum laude, from the University of North Texas. He remains connected to his alma mater by returning each summer and serving as an associate director of the UNT All-State Choir Camp and a faculty member for the UNT Choral Conducting Symposium.
Dr. Murray has presented interest sessions for state, divisional, and international choral conferences and he has published in ChorTeach and the Choral Journal. He is a frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, and his professional affiliations include ACDA, NAfME, TCDA, TMAA, TMEA, WMEA, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Dr. Kyle Nielsen is Director of Choral Activities at Southern Virginia University, where he conducts the Chamber Singers, Men’s Chorus, teaches applied voice, and oversees Choral Studies and Vocal Music Education concentrations, including the Choral Studies student internship program. Also in demand as a guest conductor and professional ensemble singer, recent appearances include the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival, Utah Music Educators’ Association State Choir Festival, the Piedmont Singers (VA), and regular appearances with the professional schola at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, VA. Previous professional appointments include: Artistic Administrator for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Associate Conductor of the Master Chorale of South Florida, and Conducting Fellow with Grammy-nominated Seraphic Fire.
Nielsen is a graduate of the DMA Choral Conducting program at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, as well as the MM Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance & Pedagogy programs at East Carolina University. He also holds a BA in Music and Theatre from Southern Virginia University.
For more information on the International Conductors Exchange Program, visit us at https://acda.org/resources/icep.
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