Latest Blog Posts

“Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak Self-care has always been at the core of ancient traditions which evolved to help us seek and maintain balance in body, […]

The February issue of Choral Journal is available online. This issue is the program book for the 2023 National Conference. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. If you are not already a member of ACDA, join today to start receiving […]

Valentine’s Day may seem like a holiday that should be ignored in choir, but I think it could be a missed opportunity! Choir and singing is all about creating connection and spreading love. This post will share practical and effective ideas that include everyone! Here is: Valentine’s Day Choir Rehearsal: 12 Ways to Make It Productive!

Last week I had the incredible honor to headline at CMEA in Colorado Springs. I was able to introduce the A Cappella rehearsal (no piano played while singing, and without hearing the piece first.) This is the first part of my concept that I proposed for my rejected National ACDA session. So I did it […]

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Percy Bysshe Shelley Happy Ground Hog Day! This morning, I hope your own local rodent has brought good, spring-timey news to you and your community. In case you don’t remember the folklore, here’s how it works; if it’s cloudy when the Ground Hog comes out from its […]

As students enter the choral classroom, they often arrive from classes in which they passively listen to lectures or complete bookwork.  In contrast to these uninspired lessons, it is advantageous for teachers to incorporate at least one fun vocal exercise in each rehearsal to promote an enjoyable classroom environment.  ChoralEd, Episode 17 features a demonstration […]

ChorTeach is ACDA’s quarterly online publication, designed for those who work with singers of all levels but specifically K-12 and community choirs. A full annotated ChorTeach index is available online at acda.org/publications/chorteach. Over 160 articles are organized into seventeen categories. For more information, email  or visit acda.org/chorteach. Following is an excerpt from an article in the Fall 2022 issue […]

When you perform, it’s your job to go out there and save a life.Deke Sharon This week, I welcome the “Father of Contemporary A Cappella,” Deke Sharon onto the show. We discuss the origins of the modern “A Cappella” genre as well as the “family tree” of other types of A Cappella vocal music genres […]

“The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.” Walt Whitman I get emails about Choral Ethics issues from all over. Several times a year, it’s a flurry of emails. I have gotten MANY emails this January in particular. I think it’s because restrictions have ended […]

#75: Wednesday, January 25, 2023

“Skin” – composed by Mari Esabel Valverde
Poetry by Naomi Shihab Nye
SSAA, piano

Are you looking for a brand-new piece for your SSAA ensemble? Something lush and sweeping, with thought-provoking text? Composed by, and using the poetry of, two wonderful women with diverse, expansive, multi-faceted backgrounds? Then read on!