ACDA Announces Major New Choral/Orchestral Work from Dominick Argento

Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winning composer Dominick Argento has composed the American Choral Directors Association's 2009 Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission, a multi-movement choral-orchestral work, to be performed at the ACDA 50th Anniversary National Convention, March 4-7, 2009 in Oklahoma City. With the composer in residence, guest conductor Ann Howard Jones will conduct the festival chorus and Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra in this world premiere.

The seven movement work dramatically progresses from I. Dedication (orchestral overture), II. Parade (SATB choir and orchestra), III. Elegy (SAT choir and orchestra), IV. Chorale (SATB choir unaccompanied), V. Admonition (SA choir and orchestra), VI. Cenotaph (STAB choir and orchestra), VII. The Last Post (SATB choir and solo trumpet). Commenting on the new composition, ACDA Executive Director Tim Sharp stated, "With his characteristic melodic beauty and signature harmonic language, Argento has created a colorful and dramatic work that offers a reflection on war from a future time when war is only a distant memory. This major new contribution to the choral repertoire will evoke thoughts of Bach's major choral works with its self-borrowings, variety of choral display, and centerpiece Chorale 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men'." Philip Brunelle, conductor of the Minneapolis based choral ensemble VocalEssence states, "This is a composer who knows his instruments and uses them with great color and beauty. Many composers can write for chorus OR orchestra: few have the skill to compose equally for both."

Argento has weaved a collection of poetry together that offers a unique perspective on war and peace. Using Sara Teasdale's poem There will come soft rains as inspiration for the work, the composer named the composition Cenotaph, a word which signifies a memorial built to honor lives whose remains are elsewhere. The title and the work convey universal significance when reflecting on war, but also convey specific meaning when considered in light of the lives that are memorialized at the Oklahoma City National Memorial (www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org).

In the title movement Cenotaph (Movement VI), the four part fugue begins with the words "Who will remember, passing through this Gate . . . " This text specifically references the new Menin Gate at Ypres, which honors soldiers who died in WWI. However, one cannot help but also reflect on the fact that the Oklahoma City National Memorial is bordered by two memorial gates, signifying 9:01 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, 1995, by the East Gate of the memorial, and 9:03 a.m. by the West Gate. The space in between interprets 9:02 a.m. when the bomb exploded, killing 168 men, women, and children at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The concluding movement is for unaccompanied chorus (wordless) and solo trumpet intoning "The Last Post", the bugle call that, since 1928, has been played every night at 8 o'clock at Menin Gate.

Cenotaph will be paired with Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem in the premiere concert which will take place Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM at the Civic Music Hall in Oklahoma City. The performance will be offered to the public on March 6, and will be repeated for the ACDA Convention on Saturday.

ACDA Student Conducting Competition

The ACDA Student Conducting Awards were initiated during the 1993 National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. We again offer this highly successful event at the 2009 National Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Student Conducting Awards are now funded through ACDA’s Endowment Trust. The objectives of the Student Conducting Awards are three-fold:

1. To acknowledge and reward outstanding graduate and undergraduate student conductors;
2. To encourage score preparation and advancement of conducting and rehearsal skills; and
3. To promote student activity at the National Convention.

These cash prizes are awarded to the winners of the final round of the conducting awards:

• First Prize, Graduate Level: $1000
• Second Prize, Graduate Level: $500
• First Prize, Undergraduate Level: $500
• Second Prize, Undergraduate Level: $250.

In addition, the sixteen semi-finalists (up to eight undergraduate and eight graduate) each receive a $200 scholarship funded by corporate sponsors to defray costs to attend the National Convention. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold valid ACDA student membership.
• Be a full-time undergraduate student (junior or senior status) or a full-time graduate student at a college or university in the United States at the time of application.
• Submit a complete application portfolio.

Click here to view and print the complete application guidelines, eligibility requirements and the official application form. Application postmark deadline: October 31, 2008.

ACDA Student Composition Contest

The Raymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Contest


In an effort to find another means for furthering its mission to promote choral music and ensure its future, ACDA established the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Contest in 1998. The objectives of the contest are three-fold:

1. To acknowledge and reward outstanding undergraduate and graduate student composers,
2. To en courage choral composition of the highest caliber, and
3. To further promote student activity at ACDA division and national conventions.

The winner of the composition contest will be warded a $1,000 cash prize, airfare to the ACDA convention, hotel accommodations, convention registration, and a performance of the work on the main stage by a choral ensemble selected by the Convention Committee.

Application Postmark Deadline: August 1, 2008

Click here for information and the official application

ACDA National Student Conducting Competition

The ACDA Student Conducting Awards were initiated during the 1993 ACDA National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. We again offer this highly successful event at the 2009 ACDA National Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The ACDA Student Conducting Awards are now funded through ACDA’s Endowment Trust.


The objectives of the ACDA Student Conducting Awards are three-fold:

1. To acknowledge and reward outstanding graduate and undergraduate student conductors;
2. To encourage score preparation and advancement of conducting and rehearsal skills; and
3. To promote student activity at the ACDA National Convention.
   

These cash prizes are awarded to the winners of the final round of the conducting awards:

1. First Prize, Graduate Level: $1000
2. Second Prize, Graduate Level: $500
3. First Prize, Undergraduate Level: $500
4. Second Prize, Undergraduate Level: $250.

In addition, the sixteen semi-finalists (up to eight undergraduate and eight graduate) each receive a $200 scholarship funded by corporate sponsors to defray costs to attend the National Convention.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold valid ACDA student membership.
2. Be a full-time undergraduate student (junior or senior status) or a full-time graduate student at a college or university in the United States at the time of application.
3. Submit a complete application portfolio.

Click here to view and print the complete application guidelines, eligibility requirements and the official application form.

Application postmark deadline: October 31, 2008.

You Be The Reporter

The ACDA Technology Committee will be recording audio and video podcasts during the 2008 ACDA Division Conventions and we need your help. We want you to report about your convention experience. Tell us about a concert you attended or interview a colleague. Share why you attended the convention and what you will take back to your choirs at home. Honor choir students and performing choir members send us photos or video of your choir warming up before the concert.

View sample videos and sample photos from the 2007 ACDA National convention.

Keep your videos to around one-minute in length and please do not take photos or video during the performances. We'll feature your submissions on the ACDA web site and ChoralNet.

ACDA North Central Division Convention - Fargo, North Dakota

The 2008 ACDA North Central Division convention will be in Fargo, North Dakota, March 5-8, 2008.

Headline Choir: Chanticleer

Concert Stage Performances

• The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists, Matthew Culloton
• Varsity Men's Chorus - University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Peter Eklund
• Concert Choir - North Dakota State University, Jo Ann Miller
• Choralaires - Duluth East High School, Jerome Upton
• Concert Choir - University of Wisconsin, River Falls, Jong-Won Park
• Women's Concert Chorale - University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Alan Rieck
• Pike Kor - Luther College, Sandra Peter
• The Singing Statesmen - University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Gary Schwartzhoff
• Great Northern Union Chorus (Minneapolis, MN), Peter Benson
• Concert Choir - Waukesha West High School (WI), Thomas Ajack
• St. John's University Men's Chorus, Axel Theimer
• University Chorale - University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Rhonda Fuelberth
• Dakota Voices (Rapid City, SD), James Feiszli
• Concert Choir - Ames Children’s Choir (IA), Sylvia Munsen
• Kantorei - Central Dakota Children’s Choir (Bismarck, ND), Michael Seil

Chamber Concert Choirs

• Chamber Singers - University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), Angela Broeker
• Lake Effect - University of Minnesota, Duluth, Tina Thielen
• Madrigal Singers - North Dakota State University, Michael Weber
• Belle Canter Select Womenss Choir - Stillwater High School, MN, Angela Mitchell

Interest Session Demonstration Choirs

• Chamber Choir - City High School (Iowa City, IA), Greg Grove
• A Cappella Choir - Central High School (Aberdeen, SD), Jeff Owens
• Warrior Choir - Westside High School (Omaha, NE), Doran Johnson
• Members of the University Of Nebraska - Lincoln Men's and Women’s Choirs
• Dakota Voices (Rapid City, SD), James Feiszli
• Concert Choir - Ames Children’s Choir (IA), Sylvia Munsen
• South Dakota State University Concert Choir Steven Grives
• VoicesIowa - Phil Mattson

Music in Worship

• South Dakota State University Women's Choir - Laura Diddle
• The Concordia Choir - Rene Clausen
• The Choral Arts Ensemble - Michael Culloton

Immersion Day on Wednesday, March 5 - New Teachers Track and Chanticleer Track.

Interest Sessions, reading sessions, and music exhibits.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

National Presentation Opportunity - Call for Proposals

ACDA is seeking informative and engaging interest session proposals relevant to today's active choral director for presentation at the 2009 ACDA National Convention in Oklahoma City, OK March 4-7, 2009.

Those interested in presenting a session at this national event are encouraged to submit a written proposal outlining the details of the session. Sessions may include lectures, interactive workshops with a demonstration choir, a panel discussion or other format.

All presenters must be a current member of ACDA. Proposals will be considered by members of the national convention committee. Proposals must be postmarked by March 2, 2008.

2009 ACDA Interest Session Proposal Form

2009 ACDA National Convention Information

See a list of the sessions presented at the 2007 ACDA National Convention

Other upcoming ACDA national convention opportunities include Research Poster Session, undergraduate and graduate student conducting competition, and student composition
contest. Watch the ACDA convention web site for details and forms.

2008 ACDA Southern Division Convention - Louisville, Kentucky

The 2008 ACDA Southern Division Convention will be in Louisville, Kentucky, March 5-8, 2008.


Headline Choir - Anonymous 4

Performing Choirs
Atlanta Sacred Chorale, Eric Nelson
Bella Voce, Stefanie Cash
Belle Chantique, Tucker Biddlecombe
Belmont University Vocal Show Ensemble, James Kimmel
Bob Jones University Chorale, Warren Cook
Charlotte Children’s Choir, Sandy R. Holland
Lassiter High School Concert Choir, Brian Williams
Mississippi College Singers, James M. Meaders
Noe Middle School 7th-8th Grade Chorus, Alexis Paxton
Peachtree Presbyterian Church Chamber Choir, Bryan Priddy
Roanoke College Children’s Choir, Kimberly Davidson
Select Choraliers, Beckye Justice Thomas
Seymour High School Concert Choir, Jean Burkhart
Seymour Junior High Eagle Ensemble, Lisa Bitzas
Taylor Festival Choir, Robert Taylor
University of Kentucky Men’s Chorus, Jefferson Johnson
University of Kentucky Women’s Choir, Lori R. Hetzel
University of Louisville Chorus and Orchestra, Kent Hatteburg
University of Mississippi Women’s Glee, Debra Spurgeon
Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham, Rodney Wynkoop

22 interest sessions, A Festschrift in Honor of Dr. Donald P. Hustad, 12 reading sessions, music in worship sessions, and music exhibit hall.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

2008 ACDA Western Division Convention - Anaheim, Calif.

The 2008 ACDA Western Division convention will be in Anaheim, California, February 27-March1, 2008.
Headline Choirs

• Australian Voices, Stephen Leek
• Chor Leoni, Diane Loomer
• The Crystal Cathedral Choir and Orchestra, Donald Neuen
• The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Bruce Mayhall

Choirs

• Arizona State University Chamber Singers, David Schildkret
• California State University Long Beach Chamber Choir, Jonathan Talberg
• Corona Del Sol HS Chamber Singers, Greg Hebert
• Fullerton College Concert Choir, John Tebay
• Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Anne Tomlinson
• Mission Viejo HS Chamber Choir, John Elg
• Nevada Union High School Concert Choir, Rod Baggett
• Northern Arizona University Shrine of the Ages Choir, Edith A. Copley
• Phoenix Vocal Jazz, Craig Peterson
• San Francisco Choral Artists, Magen Solomon
• San Francisco State University Chamber Singers, Joshua Habermann
• San Ramon Valley HS Concert Choir, Ken Abrams
• Sound FX, Radi Carp
• South Bay Children’s Choir - Bel Canto Ensemble, Diane Simons

12 interest sessions, conducting masterclass with Ann Howard Jones, 9 reading session, and music exhibits.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

2008 ACDA Southwestern Division Convention - Kansas City, Missouri

The 2008 ACDA Southwestern Division Convention will be in Kansas City, Missouri February 20-23, 2008.

Choirs

• Young Singers of Central Oklahoma, Darla Eshelman
• West Junior High School Chorale, Craig McCauley
• Bella Voce, Mariana Farah - University of Missouri
• Seoul Ladies' Singers, Eui Joong Yoon
• Bel Canto Treble Choir, David Beussman
• Oakville Senior High Chamber Choir, Paula Martin
• Metropolitan State College of Denver Chorale, Michael J. Kornelsen
  
• Willard High School Chamber Choir, Mark Lawley
• Smithson Valley High School Broadway Ladies, Perry Dean
  
• Madraliers, Brian Lanier - Northwest Missouri State University
• Young Voices of Colorado, Jena Dickey
  
• Bella Voce (Varsity Women), Patrick W. Dill - L.C. Anderson High School
• Jaguar Chorale, Mark Rohwer - Flower Mound High School
• Chorale, Tony Gonzalez - Norman North High School
  
• The Singing Girls of Texas, Mark Stamper
  
• The University of Kansas Concert Choir, Paul Tucker
  

17 Interest Sessions, 6 reading sessions, Music Technology Room, R&S Resource Room,
Kodaly Focus Session on Saturday, and music exhibit hall.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

2008 ACDA Northwestern Division Convention - Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2008 ACDA Northwestern Division Convention will be in Vancouver, British Columbia, February 20-23, 2008.
Headline Choir - The King's Singers

Choirs

• Alaska Chamber Singers (AK)
• Bellevue Community College Vocal Jazz Ensemble (WA)
• Boise East Jr. High School "Mad Jazz" (ID)
• Christ Church Cathedral Choir (BC)
• Chor Leoni (BC)
• Eagle High School "Sonous" (ID)
• Elektra Women's Choir (BC)
• Flathead High School (MT)
• Grant High School "Royal Blues" (OR)
• Portland Symphonic Girlchoir (OR)
• Male Ensemble Northwest (various states)
• Opus 7 (WA)
• Oregon State University Chamber Singers (OR)
• Oregon State University Meistersingers (OR)
• Pacific Youth Choir (OR)
• Portland Symphonic Choir (OR)
• Rogers High School Concert Choir (WA)
• Seattle Jazz Singers (WA)
• St. Mary's Varsity Ensemble (Japan)
• Universitat Tubingen Camerata Vocalis (Germany)
• Vancouver Cantata Singers (BC)
• Vancouver Chamber Choir (BC)
• Voce Femminile (Willamette University) (OR)
• Western Washington University Concert Choir (WA)
• Whitworth Choir (WA)
• Willamette Singers (OR)

Great interest sessions, reading session, and music exhibits hall.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

2008 ACDA Central Division Convention - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The 2008 ACDA Central Division convention will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan February 20-23, 2008.

Headline Choir
Westminster Choir, Joe Miller

Performing Choirs
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork
Bowling Green State University Men's Chorus, William Skoog
Gold Company, Stephen Zegree
Goshen College Women's World Music Choir, Debra Brubaker
Greenville College Choir, Jeffrey Wilson
Haslett High School Chorale, Erich Wangeman
Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir, J. Scott Ferguson
Indianapolis Youth Chorale, Cheryl E. West
Jefferson High School Varsity Singers, Jeff Vallier and John Satterfield
Michigan State University Women's Chamber Ensemble, Sandra Snow
Otterbein College Concert Choir, Gayle Walker
St. Joseph Valley Camerata, David Seitz
Voices of Triumph, Robert Ham

Music in Worship Session
"Songs of Pain, Protest, Gratitude, and Celebration: A Tapestry of Classical, Global, Gospel Psalmody" with John Witvliet, clinician and Valparaiso University Chorale, Christopher M. Cock

Ye Olde Madrigale Feaste Wright State University Chamber Singers
Wind in the Woods Early Music Ensemble
Tudor Rose Dance Company
12 Interest Session, 12 Reading Sessions and Music Exhibit Hall.

View the convention schedule and access the registration form on the ACDA web site.

2008 ACDA Eastern Convention - Hartford, Connecticut

The 2008 ACDA Eastern Division Convention will be in Hartford, Connecticut, February 13-16, 2008.
Invited Choirs

• Ensemble Amarcord


• Lumen Valo


• musica intima


• Pomerium - Alexander Blachly


• Woodley Ensemble - Frank Albinder

See the invited choir photos and bios here.

Auditioned Choirs

• Central Bucks HS West Men's Choir - Joseph Ohrt


• Cornell University Glee Club - Scott Tucker


• Eastern Lebanon County Middle School Choral Ensemble - David F Scheaffer


• Greece Arcadia HS Select Women's Choir -Kristy Kosko


• The King Philip SIngers - Marc L. Kaplan


• New Jersey Youth Chorus - Patricia Joyce


• The Princeton Girlchoir: The Semi-Tones - Rebecca Elpus


• Radcliffe Choral Society of Harvard University - Jameson Marvin


• Temple University Concert Choirs - Alan Harler


• The University of Maryland Chamber Singers - Edward Maclary


• University of Delaware Chorale - Paul D. Head


• William Hall HS Choraliers - Lorraine Cetto

Read information about each choir and read the conductor's bios here.

29 Interest Sessions plus 12 reading session and exhibit hall.

View the convention schedule and the registration for on the ACDA web site.

Call for ACDA Interest Session Proposals

ACDA is seeking informative and engaging interest session proposals relevant to today's active choral director for presentation at the 2009 ACDA National Convention in Oklahoma City, OK March 4-7, 2009.

Those interested in presenting a session at this national event are encouraged to submit a written proposal outlining the details of the session. Session may include lectures, interactive workshops with a demonstration choir, a panel discussion or other format.

All presenters must a current member of ACDA. Proposals will be considered by members of the national convention committee. Proposals must be postmarked by March 2, 2008.

2009 ACDA National Convention Information and official proposal form.

ACDA - Fargo 2008

The 2008 North Central ACDA Convention
Fargo, North Dakota
March 5-8, 2008

Convention registration is now open!
Click here to print the registration form.

Congratulations to the choirs and conductors that have been selected to perform in Fargo.

Feature Choir
Chanticleer

Concert Stage Performances
The Singers --Minnesota Choral Artists, Matthew Culloton
Varsity Men's Chorus -- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Peter Eklund
Concert Choir -- North Dakota State University, Jo Ann Miller
Choralaires -- Duluth East High School, Jerome Upton
Concert Choir -- University of Wisconsin, River Falls, Jong-Won Park
Women's Concert Chorale -- University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Alan Rieck
Pike Kor -- Luther College, Sandra Peter
The Singing Statesmen -- University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Gary Schwartzhoff
Great Northern Union Chorus (Eagan, MN), Peter Benson
Concert Choir -- Waukesha West High School (WI), Thomas Ajack
St. John's University Men's Chorus, Axel Theimer
University Chorale -- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Rhonda Fuelberth
Dakota Voices (Rapid City, SD), James Feiszli
Concert Choir -- Ames Children's Choir (IA), Sylvia Munsen
Kantorei -- Central Dakota Children's Choir (Bismarck, ND), Michael Seil

Chamber Performances
Chamber Singers -- University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), Angela Broeker
Lake Effect -- University of Minnesota, Duluth, Tina Thielen
Madrigal Singers -- North Dakota State University, Michael Weber
Belle Canter Select Women's Choir -- Stillwater High School, MN, Angela Mitchell

Interest Session Demonstration Choirs
Chamber Choir -- City High School (Iowa City, IA), Greg Grove
A Cappella Choir -- Central High School (Aberdeen, SD), Jeff Owens
Warrior Choir -- Westside High School (Omaha, NE), Doran Johnson
Members of the Uni. Of Nebraska -- Lincoln Men's and Women's Choirs
Dakota Voices (Rapid City, SD), James Feiszli
Concert Choir -- Ames Children's Choir (IA), Sylvia Munsen
VoicesIowa - Phil Mattson

Music in Worship
South Dakota State University Women's Choir - Laura Diddle
The Concordia Choir - Rene Clausen
The Choral Arts Ensemble - Michael Culloton

Immersion Day Sessions
Morning Session for New Teachers
Afternoon Sessions with Chanticleer

2008 ACDA Honor Choir Conductors

ACDA is pleased to welcome 26 honor choir conductors at the 2008 ACDA Division Conventions!

Tony Araujo Anton Armstrong David Brunner Eph Ehly Kevin Fenton Joseph Flummerfelt Lynne Gackle Janet Galvan Joan Gregoryk Judith Herrington M. Roger Holland Bradley Holmes Henry Leck

Diane Loomer Kirk Marcy Stan McGill Joe Miller Jo-Michael Scheibe Anthony Sears Timothy Seelig Pearl Shangkuan Elena Sharkova Mary Alice Stollack William Weinert Julia White Mack Wilberg

Click here for more information about the 2008 ACDA Division Conventions and Honor Choirs