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2026 ACDA Eastern Region Conference February 25-28, 2026 Providence, Rhode Island

Sandra Snow is a conductor, pedagogue, John J. Atorino is a professional music
and scholar who is widely recognized for conductor from Ridgewood, NJ, and is
guiding singers of all ages and abilities to the artistic director of the New York City
achieve artful performances through an Gay Men’s Chorus. He holds a bachelor’s
understanding of music and its context from the University of Michigan and a
in the world around them. Snow serves as the director master’s from New York University. He taught music in
of choral programs and area chair of conducting at public and private schools for over twelve years before
the Michigan State University College of Music, where becoming a full-time conductor. Atorino has conducted
she oversees graduate programs in choral conducting ensembles at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall,
and conducts the MSU University Chorale. As a guest Lincoln Center, and Apollo Theater. He has led en-
conductor, she travels extensively across North Ameri- sembles for live television performances with highlights
ca and abroad. Snow founded mirabai in 2017. mira- including Good Morning America, Late Night with Jimmy Fal-
bai’s recording, Ecstatic Songs, won the American Prize lon, This Week Tonight with John Oliver, and a commercial
in Choral Music in the professional choirs’ division in for RuPaul’s Drag Race. He has also worked as a music
2020. Snow has received the Michigan State University copyist for Concord Theatricals and as a freelance ar-
William J. Beal Award for outstanding faculty, the MSU ranger. Atorino is the host of a successful podcast about
Teacher-Scholar Award, and the John D. and Dortha J. all things queer in pop culture.
Withrow Distinguished Teaching Award.

Commissioned Composer
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus

We are thrilled to announce composer and arrang-
er Scott Hoying as the commissioned composer for the
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus at ENVISION 2026!

Scott Hoying is a Grammy and Emmy
Award-winning vocalist, composer, ar-
ranger, and producer best known as a
founding member of the a cappella su-
pergroup Pentatonix. With over 13 mil-
lion albums sold, 6 billion streams, three Grammy
The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus comprises Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,
more than 280 talented singers of various ages, back- Pentatonix has become one of the most successful vo-
grounds, and experiences. They sing to challenge per- cal groups of all time. Hoying’s solo work, including his
ceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community, to combat Grammy-nominated single “Rose Without the Thorns”
fear and hatred, encourage compassion and human (feat. säje & Tonality), showcases his signature blend of
connection, and to thrill with the superb quality of heart and harmony. He is also a composer/arranger for
their sound. NYCGMC performs large-scale concerts Disney Parks and arranges for other major pop artists,
around New York City, makes numerous special ap- blending choral artistry with the pulse of contemporary
pearances, and participates in community programs. music and media. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+
They have received international critical acclaim for rights and visibility, Hoying’s artistry and activism will
performances in London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Ber- infuse this landmark commission with purpose, joy, and
lin, Paris, Montreal, Munich, Barcelona, Dublin, and inspiration.
most recently in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 11