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THE PURPOSES OF ACDA

that this season will pass, as the others have before. • To foster and promote choral
singing, which will provide artistic,
Organizations are not immune to liminal times, and ACDA is currently cultural, and spiritual experiences
experiencing our own liminal season. We know what the choral experience for the participants.
was like in our classrooms, communities, colleges and universities, and worship • To foster and promote the finest
spaces before 2020. We remember what it was like to be able to sing without types of choral music to make
masks and to stand close together in community. We remember what concerts these experiences possible.
were like before zoom and video editing. In almost all cases, we experienced a • To foster and encourage rehearsal
deep sense of loss in our inability to gather and sing together. procedures conducive to

When we find ourselves between the known past and the still unknown attaining the highest possible
future, we need not remain still. Liminality does not require passivity or inac- level of musicianship and artistic
performance.
tivity! Once we yield to this unknowing and uncertainty, we can see this space
is full of its own possibilities. Just as airports have rebranded from liminal spac- • To foster and promote the
organization and development
es to destinations, we can approach this liminal time in much the same way: of choral groups of all types in
during this period of reorientation, we have the opportunity to strengthen schools and colleges.
ourselves and our organization for the future we know will come. • To foster and promote the
ACDA is embarking on an examination of our By-Laws, and you will start development of choral music in the
to see calls for open comments on our website and social media. This will be church and synagogue.
your chance to participate directly in how the governance of this organization • To foster and promote the
works. It is not glamorous work, but it is work that will manifest in our ability organization and development
to serve you well for the future. We will also continue our work to become a of choral societies in cities and
communities.
more equitable organization. You will see this intentionality on full display in
your region conferences and the exciting 2023 National Conference, among • To foster and promote the
other upcoming initiatives. understanding of choral music as an
important medium of contemporary
A leadership transition is a liminal space for any organization, and I am artistic expression.
eager to participate directly with you during the region conferences to better
understand how ACDA can continue to grow to serve the needs of the mem- •To foster and promote significant
research in the field of choral music.
bership. Personally, I am in my own liminal season being new to this choral
community. I am keenly aware that there is a particular advantage to having a •To foster and encourage choral
composition of superior quality.
new lens through which to examine our work, while at the same time, it is clear
to me every day just how much I do not know. If you see me wandering around • To cooperate with all organizations
your region conference, don’t hesitate to stop me, introduce yourself, and point dedicated to the development of
musical culture in America.
me in the right direction. I’ll certainly appreciate having your friendship and
guidance while I’m out on the road! •To foster and promote international
I want to encourage you to continue to have hope that we will get “there” exchange programs involving
performing groups, conductors, and
soon enough. As we steadily move from our past to our future, I invite you to composers.
join me in embracing the gift that is this very special liminal time. It is okay
for us to not know yet how to get where we want to go or how to do the work • To disseminate professional news
and information about choral
we need to do. In this liminal space, we can take heart in knowing we are here music.
together, and we will get there together. I am very much looking forward to • To foster and promote choral singing
continuing this work with you. in the pursuit of peace and justice
that enhances social and emotional
well-being.

• To foster and promote diversity and
inclusivity through active engage-
ment with underrepresented choral
musicians and potential choral
participants.
—ACDA Constitution and Bylaws

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2022 Volume 62 Number 5 3