Latest Blog Posts

ChorTeach is ACDA’s quarterly online publication, designed for those who work with singers of all levels. Following is a list of the articles in the Winter 2023 issue! A full annotated ChorTeach index is available online at acda.org/chorteach. Over 160 articles are organized into seventeen categories. For submission information, to view the index, or to read the latest issue, […]

I must confess that even though I write about Choir Valentine’s Day every year, I have yet to prepare anything for my February 14th choir rehearsal. Lucky for me, I have my own blog post, “9 Last Minute Choir Valentine’s Day Rehearsal Ideas”, that I know is filled with last-minute ideas I can implement Monday […]

This week, welcome BACK to the show Dr. Marques Garrett, who last appeared in episode 17, “Beyond Elijah Rock,” where many of us were introduced to the concept of “non-idiomatic” music of Black composers. In this episode, part of the “Oxford Series,” Marques returns to celebrate his latest contribution to the growing canon of music by Black composers […]

“I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.”  Freddie Mercury My youngest brother is a conservatory trained percussionist…..which means he’s played for a LOT of rock bands.  Classically trained, he likes playing for rock bands more than orchestras. Why?  The atmosphere.  According to him, most rock musicians are not the spoiled brats […]

“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 […]