Dear colleagues,
 
As I write this it is 60 degrees and the daffodils are trying to open. Spring is finally here!  As the weather gets warmer I start to think of summer, ACDA is offering some exciting events this summer that I want to share with you.
 

NextDirection Choral Leadership Conference for High School Students
July 23-26, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA
Dr. Shane Lynch and Dr. Lisa Billingham, headliners
A Special Leadership Opportunity for Outstanding High School Students
ACDA-PA will offer $350 scholarships to two high school students to attend the ACDA NextDirection Choral Leadership Conference. The scholarship covers housing, meals, and material costs.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student.  This is a two-step application process.  Both applications are due April 15.

 
Please encourage your outstanding high school students to take advantage of this opportunity!
 
 

ACDA-PA 2019 Summer Conference, Bring Your Song
August 4-6, Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA 
 
We have an incredible lineup of offerings this year, and I want to personally invite you to Pittsburgh August 4-6 to take in all that this conference has to offer.  Here are some highlights:
 
Headliner: Dr. Lynda Hasseler from Capital University
If you attended ACDA National and heard her choir perform the Brock Commission, you know what a passionate artist she is. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from her!

Conducting Masterclass with Lynda Hasseler
This event is open to conference attendees though application on the registration form. Participants will conduct a semi-professional choir in a selection of mixed choral repertoire. For more information, email President-Elect, Caron Daley at daleyc1@duq.edu  (All attendees are invited to observe the masterclass.)

“Bring Your Song” session
Share your favorite piece of choral music with your colleagues. In addition to our dynamic reading sessions, conference attendees will find even more new repertoire in this exciting session. More information and the opportunity to apply to present a piece can be found on the registration form.

Performances – Now accepting applications for performing choirs!  Apply here.

Interest Sessions – Would you like to present an Interest Session?  Apply here.

Reading Sessions – Including music for all types of choirs

Roundtables – Share ideas with conductors who work with choirs similar to your own

Exhibits – Browse the latest choral music with The Musical Source

Great Food – Breakfast and lunch included with registration

Social Event – Sing the National Anthem at a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park!
Stand on the field of PNC Park in front of 30,000 of your closest friends. We will sing Robert Page’s unpublished arrangement of the National Anthem, which you will receive as a PDF via email after you register. Registration includes a game ticket loaded with $10 in concession credit. If friends and family would like to sit in our group for the game, additional tickets will be available for purchase. Game is Monday, August 5 at 7:05 pm vs. Milwaukee Brewers. We sing the anthem at approximately 6:45 pm.
 
Conference housing information is available here.
 
Mark your calendars now! Registration will be open soon. 
You will receive an email when you can register online!

Were you that high school student who loved choir, who was able to draw others around you during break, but who didn't know that choir could possibly be a career for you? The NextDirection event is for those very students, and is aimed at opening up the world of choral education for them. Built on a program developed and honed by the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, 2018 was the first time we offered the experience to students across the country. 

Virginia
July 23-26, Virginia Wesleyan University - Virginia Beach
Headline conductors: Dr. Shane Lynch and Dr. Lisa Billingham
Registration deadline: May 1, 2019.
Click here to learn more.

TWO students will be chosen for a full scholarship to this conference, covering fees.  The scholarship winner is still responsible for transportation costs.

If you are not awarded the state scholarship, you may have the option to pay the participant fee of $350 and attend the conference.  The fee includes all materials, lodging, and meals.  Your transportation to and from the conference will be your responsibility as well.  If you are accepted as a paying participant, payment is expected by May 15.

IF YOU HAVE A STUDENT WHO IS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THIS CONFERENCE AND WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ONE OF THE TWO SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY ACDA-PA, CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.  A RECOMMENDATION FROM AN ACDA MEMBER MUST BE INCLUDED (AT THE END OF THE FORM).