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Alice Parker (1925-2023), beloved com-
poser, conductor, and teacher, passed Visit Oxford at
away peacefully on December 24, 2023,
at the age of 98. Born in Boston in 1925, ACDA 2025!
she began her musical journey at Smith
College and earned a master’s in choral conducting
from Juilliard. Her early collaboration with Robert
Shaw led to treasured folk-song arrangements that still Booth W313 & W314,
resonate with choirs around the world. Parker’s im- Winspear Opera House
pressive catalog of over 600 compositions is celebrated
for its heartfelt simplicity and emotional warmth. In
1985 she founded Melodious Accord, a nonprofit
dedicated to the joy of choral singing, mentoring
generations of musicians who cherished her wisdom
and generous spirit. Parker always believed music
lived beyond the notes on the page, urging performers
to connect deeply with their own hearts. Her legacy
continues to shine through her timeless music and the
countless lives she touched. She is lovingly remem-
bered by her five children, eleven grandchildren, and
six great-grandchildren.
• Browse new collections including

Robert Ray (1946-2022) was a dis- Marques L. A. Garrett’s and Edryn
tinguished composer, educator, and Coleman’s Accessible and Beautiful
musician who impacted the St. Louis • Discuss repertoire requirements
music community and beyond. As the with knowledgeable staff
founding director of the IN UNISON
Chorus from 1994 to 2010, Ray developed the en- • Meet composers including
semble’s unique sound and established it as a vital Reena Esmail, B. E. Boykin,
part of the region's cultural identity. His composi- Shruthi Rajasekar, Reginal Wright,
tions, blending elements of the African diaspora with Tracy Wong, and more
classical traditions, have been performed in venues
ranging from local churches to Carnegie Hall. His
Gospel Mass, notably performed at the 2019 ACDA Join our Exhibitor Showcases
National Conference, became a signature piece in the
Centerpieces: Programming
American choral repertoire. A passionate educator, concerts around multi-movement Wed, Mar 19th | 3pm
Ray mentored numerous students at the University of works from OUP
Illinois and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where
Accessible and Beautiful:
he served as a professor and directed the University Repertoire for mixed voices to Fri, Mar 21st | 11am
Community Chorus. A gifted pianist, Ray performed encourage connection and growth
solos worldwide.

Find out more at oxford.ly/ACDA25

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CHORAL JOURNAL February 2025 / ACDA National Conference Program Book Volume 65 Number 6 137