Dr. D. Brent Ballweg to Join ACDA National Office Staff

D. Brent Ballweg, currently professor of music and director of choral activities at Oklahoma Baptist University, will join the ACDA national office staff in July as associate director and conference liaison.

“I owe a great deal to our organization both professionally and personally,” he stated. “ACDA has educated me through our many conference interest and reading sessions, inspired me through a galaxy of world-class performances, and has enriched me personally through a host of life-changing friendships. I love our organization and am honored to give back to ACDA serving in this position.”

Ballweg is a Life member of ACDA and has served in a range of roles including Southwestern Region president; R&R Chair for Two-Year College Choirs at the national, regional, and state levels; and member of many conference committees at the national and regional level. He was president of Oklahoma ACDA and served as the chapter newsletter editor and webmaster, as well as many other roles. In 2012 Ballweg was named a Director of Distinction by Oklahoma ACDA and in 2016 was honored with the Exemplary Teacher in Higher Education Award by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association.

“Brent has been a wonderful ACDA and choral colleague over the years,” reflected ACDA Executive Director Tim Sharp. “I am delighted that his career plans are such that he is now able to join our staff in the national office and offer to our members the wisdom and experience that only he can share.”

Ballweg has served as the artistic director and conductor of the Plano (TX) Civic Chorus, assistant director of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, and founder and director of the Northeast Arkansas Chorale. Ensembles under Ballweg’s direction have performed as invited honor choirs for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference and have toured to Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Mexico, and Russia. He has also conducted several times in New York City’s Carnegie Hall under the auspices of MidAmerica Productions.

Celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is made up of approximately 19,000 members who represent more than 1 million singers across the country. ACDA’s national office is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with 13 staff who serve its membership.