ACDA-PA Awards
Dear choral colleagues,
I hope this email finds you safe and well. A few months ago we could never have envisioned what a turn our lives and the lives of our singers would take. This all seems so surreal, and I know I have been at a loss for how best to keep doing what we do while confined to life at a computer screen.
As choral conductors, we are a community of artists who work tirelessly for our singers. Perhaps this has never been more evident than in the past few weeks as we have been striving to adapt what we do to an online environment while still delivering meaningful musical experiences to our singers. We want to connect with them, and they need the supportive musical environment that singing in a choir gives them. As we deal with these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of our colleagues.
Nominations are now open for the ACDA-PA Awards! If you know a choral colleague who is doing exemplary work, consider nominating this conductor for one of ACDA-PA’s special awards. We offer three awards, described below. Please send a letter of nomination describing the candidate’s qualifications and why you feel they are deserving of the award to Susan Medley at vicepresident@acdapa.org by May 30, 2020. Awards will be presented at the 2020 Summer Conference.
The Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence is presented to an individual for outstanding lifelong work in the choral art. Started in 1998, this award is named in honor of Elaine Brown, the founder/director of Singing City in Philadelphia, PA. The candidate must demonstrate:
- outstanding, lifelong achievements in the choral art
- a minimum of 15 years experience as a choral musician
- musical/choral leadership in the state of Pennsylvania
- high, consistent musical standards
- his/her active participation in ACDA
More information and a list of past recipients can be found at https://www.acdapa.org/elaine-brown-award-for-choral-excellence.html
The Eileen M. Hower Memorial Award is presented in honor of Eileen M. Hower, gifted choral musician and choral educator. The award is given to a Pennsylvania choral music educator who has been teaching for more than 15 years; has a proven record of commitment to developing voices, particularly at the middle school level; maintains high artistic standards; is actively involved in ACDA or some other professional leadership; models a passionate, positive, energetic, and joyful approach to their work. More information and a list of past recipients can be found at https://www.acdapa.org/eileen-m-hower-memorial-award.html
The Outstanding Young Conductor Award is presented to a rising young conductor doing exceptional work. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- full or part-time continuous employment as a choral conductor in Pennsylvania for 3 - 5 years
- outstanding leadership and musicianship in any choral field - education, sacred music, or other professional choral music making
- impact on the size or quality of their program including significant contributions to the program and/or musical life of others as measured by the number of participants, improved quality, and/or community impact
- special consideration may be given to active members of ACDA.
A list of past recipients can be found at https://www.acdapa.org/outstanding-young-conductor-award.html
Recognition by one’s peers is represents tremendous affirmation to a choral conductor, whether they are early in their career, mid-career, or have been at this for a long time. Please consider honoring a fellow conductor by nominating them for one of these awards.
I’ll look forward to receiving your nominations!
Stay safe and stay healthy,
Susan Medley
Vice President, ACDA-PA
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April 2020 Membership Update
