Page 191 - CJJanuary2026

2026 ACDA Western Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 San Jose, California

Committee’s task force for transgender justice, as well pathway to understanding. Gain practical strategies for
as equity-based committees for Western ACDA, Early integrating ASL into your choral programs to create
Music America, GALA Choruses, and the Presbyterian a richer, more inclusive experience for audiences and
Association of Musicians. They holds degrees from Se- performers alike.
attle University and the University of Arizona.
Jacob Boland was born in Khabarovsk,
Russia, and is a passionate musician and
Due Diligence: advocate for accessibility in the arts. Di-
First Steps and Ethical Engagement agnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
at the age of eight, Boland faced social
with Native Peoples and Music challenges, finding refuge in music. In 2021 he devel-
oped permanent hearing loss due to COVID-19, which
Choral educators are often asked to include diverse transformed his relationship with sound. Rather than
voices, but “due diligence” is not always part of the seeing this as a setback, he embraced it as a source of
equation. In this session, we’ll explore what it means to strength, exploring music through vibrations and emo-
ethically engage with Native American music. Thom- tional resonance. He took a break from his studies at
as Goedecke and Alyssa Beltran (Pyramid Lake Pai- California State University, Long Beach, to adapt to his
ute) will share how to navigate the complex layers of new reality as a hard-of-hearing musician. His compo-
colonialism, appropriation, and misrepresentation in sitions challenge traditional notions of music, empha-
Native music programming. We’ll also examine how to sizing inclusivity and sensory experiences. As a conduc-
build authentic relationships with Native communities, tor, he fosters collaboration and innovation, mentoring
ensuring that your programming goes beyond token- fellow musicians with disabilities. Boland aims to create
ism. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for re- a more inclusive music industry.
specting Native music, creating space for Native voices,
and ensuring that your programming benefits Native
peoples.
Making Admin

Thomas Goedecke will be a clinician for this session. Your Biggest Choir Fan
His photo and bio are on page 61.
Building strong relationships with administrators
Alyssa Beltran will be a clinician for this session. Her is essential for choral directors navigating K–12 and
photo and bio are on page 61. higher education. This interactive session provides key
strategies, practical “dos and don’ts,” and expert advice
on advocating for programs, securing resources, and
achieving tenure—all while avoiding unnecessary con-
Harmonizing Through Hands: flict. Led by experienced administrators who are also
American Sign Language in Choral Music choral directors, this discussion offers real-world in-
sights on working within institutional systems. Attend-
Discover the power of American Sign Language ees can submit questions (anonymously, if preferred) for
(ASL) in choral music as a bridge to inclusivity and ar- live, on-the-spot answers from the panel. The session
tistic expression. This session explores the use of ASL aims to equip choral directors with the tools needed to
interpreters in choral performances, inspired by the foster productive administrator relationships, advocate
presenter’s personal experience as a partially deaf in- effectively, and create sustainable, thriving programs
dividual. Learn how ASL connects those with hearing for their students.
disabilities to music, offering a visual and emotional

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 189