Page 168 - CJJanuary2026

2026 ACDA Southwestern Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 Albuquerque, New Mexico

Interest Sessions

through of music, as well as information on a brand-new stories that shape Latinx identity. What makes Latinx
resource for choral educators. music Latinx? Is it the language, the rhythm, the histo-
ry? We’ll explore its rich blend of Indigenous, African,
Joshua Donaldson is the director of cho- European, and contemporary influences—highlight-
ral activities at Emporia State University, ing music from folk traditions to works by present-day
where he leads four ensembles and teaches Latinx composers writing within classical frameworks.
classes in conducting, choral methods, and Attendees will gain practical tools for teaching this rep-
music theory. He is an active choral artist, ertoire, including guidance on Spanish diction, rhyth-
singing with KC VITAs. He clinics choirs across Kansas mic integrity, culturally responsive strategies, and ap-
and most recently was the clinician for the SEKMEA proaches to oral-tradition music. Participants will sing
district honor choir. His research focuses on creating in- and move together, and leave with rehearsal-ready re-
clusive classrooms and repertoire by women composers sources, historical context, and curated repertoire lists
and LGBTQIA+ composers. Donaldson presented at for a variety of ensembles—centering music by living
the 2025 National ACDA Conference on crafting in- Latinx composers.
clusive classrooms for LGBTQIA+ students. He holds a
BME, MM in choral conducting, and MM in vocal per- Eric D. Reyes will be the clinician for this session. His
formance from Pittsburg State University, and a DMA in photo and bio are on page 64.
choral conducting from the University of Kansas.

Jackson Thomas is the director of choral
activities at the University of Central Mis- Passing the Baton:
souri, leading choral ensembles and teach- Leadership Through Student Conducting
ing courses in conducting, literature, and
techniques. He previously taught at Pem- Student conducting offers more than podium time—
broke Hill School and in Kansas City public schools. it’s a transformative tool for cultivating leadership, own-
As founder and artistic director of KC VITAs, he has ership, and ensemble unity. This session will explore
premiered nearly one hundred contemporary-classical how empowering students to lead from the podium can
works, with the organization earning recognition in na- develop essential skills such as communication, collabo-
tional competitions. He also directs the Northland Com- ration, and creative problem-solving. Through student
munity Choir and previously led the Schola Cantorum testimonials, personal experiences, and real-world case
of the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American studies, we will highlight the lasting impact of student
Guild of Organists. Since 2015 he has been director of conducting and its role in building confident, capable
choral music at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in leaders. Attendees will walk away with practical, adapt-
Lenexa, KS. He frequently directs honor choirs and ad- able strategies to incorporate student conducting op-
judicates festivals. portunities into their choral programs, regardless of
ensemble size or institutional setting.

Más Que Ritmo: Kaitlin DeSpain enjoys a varied career
The Heart and Heritage of Latinx Choral Music as an educator, conductor, performer,
and clinician. She earned her BME from
Marshall University, an MM from the
This session explores the wide range of Latinx vocal University of Kentucky, and a DMA from
music and how it reflects the many voices, cultures, and the University of Houston. DeSpain previously taught

166 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5