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STANDING COMMITTEES From the
Executive Director

ADVOCACY & COLLABORATION
EMILY WILLIAMS BURCH, CHAIR

EmilyWilliamsBurch@gmail.com
Honoring the Past, Showcasing the Present,
COMPOSITION INITIATIVES and Envisioning the Future

ROBERT BODE, CHAIR
bode.58@osu.edu
As leaders and advocates for the choral art, we
understand the importance of celebrating our shared
DIVERSITY INITIATIVES journey: where we have been, where we are now, and
ARREON HARLEY-EMERSON, CHAIR Robyn Hilger where we are heading. This year’s National Confer-
arreon@equitysings.com
ence embodies this theme of Celebrating the Choral Art: Past, Present,
EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION and Future, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with our
JOHN MCDONALD , CHAIR history, engage with the vibrant present, and envision an exciting future
jtmcdonald@mckendree.edu for choral music.
Imagine walking into a space alive with the sound of choirs from
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES around the world—ensembles you might never have the chance to hear
JOSHUA HABERMANN, CHAIR otherwise. These performances will reflect diverse traditions, innovative
joshhabermann@gmail.com programming, and the universal power of human voices in harmony. They
will inspire and remind us why we are so deeply committed to this art form.
REPERTOIRE & RESOURCES Equally transformative are the professional development sessions
GRETCHEN HARRISON, CHAIR crafted to meet the needs of today’s choral leaders. Whether you’re seeking
nationalrr@acda.org new approaches to repertoire, exploring strategies for equity and inclusion,
or diving into the latest pedagogical and conducting techniques, these
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS sessions will empower you with tools and insights to enhance your work.
JESSICA NAPOLES, CHAIR This conference is also a rare chance to connect with colleagues from
Jessica.Napoles@unt.edu across the globe. In the hallways, over shared meals, and in casual con-

versations, you’ll find moments of camaraderie and collaboration. The
relationships you build and the ideas you exchange will extend well beyond
this gathering, enriching your work and broadening your perspective for
ADVOCACY STATEMENT years to come.
And let’s not forget the exhibitors who make up the vibrant industry
The human spirit is elevated to a broader understanding hub of our event. These partners represent the best in our field, offering
of itself and its place in the world through the study of and products and services that can elevate your ensembles and streamline your
participation in choral music. Singing in a choir produces
more active and involved citizens. It affects self-worth efforts. Whether it’s discovering new music, exploring technology, planning
in youth and adults. It builds connectivity throughout your next tour, or finding the perfect tools to support your program, the
communities. Society benefits from the aesthetic beauty exhibits will be a treasure trove of resources. Plan to visit the exhibits as
and community of singers created by choral programs part of your conference week!
within schools, houses of worship, and community This National Conference is a celebration of who we are and a pow-
organizations through involved citizenry, connectivity erful reminder of what we can achieve together. It is an opportunity to
throughout communities, and feelings of personal self-
worth. The American Choral Directors Association and honor the legacy of choral music, to embrace the present with passion and
its membership resolve to ensure the survival of choral creativity, and to dream boldly about the future. I look forward to seeing
programs for this and future generations by: you there as we raise our voices together, united in purpose and vision.
Actively voicing support for funding at local, state, and
national levels of education and government; collaborating
with local and national organizations to ensure the
distribution of arts funding data and arts-related activism
opportunities; advocating for full access to choral singing
and inclusion of all singers in a choral program; and
ensuring the distribution of advocacy statements and data
regarding choral programs. 2 CHORAL JOURNAL Volume 65 Number 6 February 2025