The ACDA Central Division Conference
Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel
Cincinnati, Ohio
The first ACDA Central Division conference I attended was in Cincinnati in 2000. Pat Wiehe and Kitty O’Donnell of North Central High School in Indianapolis told me about this event and that if I wanted to go, I could room with them. This simple invitation provided me a great opportunity to see and hear the work of our wonderful division. The then-new men’s ensemble “Cantus” was the headliner group. I had the opportunity of seeing old friends from my home state of Michigan, received wonderful music reading packets, some of the selections which I am still using today. Through an interest session, I learned about vocal health and how to save my singing voice from the trials of teaching. Now you have this opportunity before you: there are opportunities to hear wonderful choirs from our division, new ideas to help you and your choir grow, music selections chosen by experts in their fields from four states and most importantly, opportunities to meet directors from the division who may become not only a resource for you but also lifelong friends and colleagues.
I invite you to examine the 2014 Cincinnati conference schedule located on the Central Division web site: http://www.acdacentral.org/ . You will be able to see what choirs are performing, who is giving presentations, what music reading sessions will be presented, and what amazing guest artists you will see when you attend.
Special events and ensembles featured at this conference include first and foremost the headliner choir, “Vocal Essence,” a professional ensemble from Minnesota, directed by Philip Brunelle. Philip Brunelle is also presenting a session on concert programming. Kenyan men’s ensemble “Taifa Mziki” will be performing, thanks to Indiana University. The work El Niño by American composer John Adams will be presented by the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, featuring choirs from CCM, the CCM orchestra, and the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, directed by Robyn Lana. There will be a premiere of a work by the composer Jaako Mäntyjärvi sung by “Cor Cantiamo,” directed by Eric A. Johnson and an opportunity to meet and converse with Mäntyjärvi in the exhibit hall. Another unique opportunity will be the premiere of a composition by Alice Parker presented by the Little Miami High School Select Women’s Ensemble. Three honor choirs will rehearse and perform at this conference: the High School Honor Choir, directed by Bruce Chamberlain of the University of Arizona, the Middle School Girls’ Honor Choir, directed by Janet Galvan of Ithaca University, and the Middle School Boys’ Honor Choir, directed by Julian Ackerley of the Tucson (Arizona) Boys Choir. ACDA Executive Director Tim Sharp will give us an update on the state of ACDA and Mary Hopper, former Division President and now ACDA National President-Elect, will report on the progress of the 2015 ACDA National Conference in Salt Lake City.
An important consideration is that credit toward potential teacher certificate renewal is available when you attend this conference. Instead of taking a class online or attending a seminar which has nothing to do with choral conducting, you can rest assured that you will learn something to use the next day on the podium, will have the opportunity to network with other directors, gain fresh perspective on programing and most assuredly, you will be inspired!
Please contact choral director friends and plan to attend the 2014 ACDA Central Division Conference in Cincinnati. Advance registration prices and guarantees end January 5, so don’t delay! I will be looking for you!
Mary Evers is Choral Director at Greenfield-Central High School in Indiana and serves the ACDA Central Division as 2014 Conference Program Chair.
