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STANDING COMMITTEES
From the
Region Presidents
ADVOCACY & COLLABORATION
ALEX GARTNER, CHAIR
agartner@pensacolasings.org Lifting Each Other Up:

Creating a Culture of Kindness and
COMPOSITION INITIATIVES Respect at Our Regional Conferences

KATIE HOUTS, CHAIR
by Derrick Fox,
katie.houts@gmail.com
Midwestern Region President
DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
ARREON HARLEY-EMERSON, CHAIR Derrick Fox Endorsed by:
arreon@equitysings.com Amanda Hanzlik, Eastern Region President

EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION Jeffery Ames, Southern Region President
JOHN MCDONALD, CHAIR Jonathan Owen, Southwestern Region President
JohnMcDonald@wustl.edu
Bill Campbell, Northwestern Region President
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES Julie Dana, Western Region President
JOSHUA HABERMANN, CHAIR
joshhabermann@gmail.com As we gather for the upcoming regional conferences, we celebrate
not only the incredible artistry and scholarship within our communities,
REPERTOIRE & RESOURCES but also the spirit of collaboration that makes these events possible. Ev-
GRETCHEN HARRISON, CHAIR ery session, concert, and shared moment represents countless volunteer
nationalrr@acda.org
hours from colleagues who have worked with dedication and care to cre-
ate an inspiring experience for us all.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Our collective success depends on how we show up for one another
ELIZABETH CASSIDY PARKER, CHAIR with gratitude, respect, and generosity. Each participant contributes to

eparker@temple.edu

the atmosphere we create together. By being thoughtful in our words,
kind in our actions, and supportive of one another’s efforts, we strength-
en the bonds that make our choral community thrive.
ADVOCACY STATEMENT
Ways to Support and Celebrate Each Other
The human spirit is elevated to a broader understanding
of itself and its place in the world through the study of and • Express gratitude openly: Thank presenters, conductors, accompa-
participation in choral music. Singing in a choir produces
more active and involved citizens. It affects self-worth nists, and performers for sharing their artistry and expertise.
in youth and adults. It builds connectivity throughout
communities. Society benefits from the aesthetic beauty • Acknowledge the unseen work: Take time to recognize the vol-
and community of singers created by choral programs unteers, coordinators, and staff who make the conference run smoothly.
within schools, houses of worship, and community
organizations through involved citizenry, connectivity • Be punctual and prepared: Arriving on time honors the time and
throughout communities, and feelings of personal self-
worth. The American Choral Directors Association and preparation of those leading sessions and performances.
its membership resolve to ensure the survival of choral
programs for this and future generations by: • Listen with openness: Approach each session and concert with curi-
Actively voicing support for funding at local, state, osity and appreciation rather than comparison or critique.
and national levels of education and government;
collaborating with local and national organizations to • Communicate thoughtfully: Whether asking questions or sharing
ensure the distribution of arts funding data and arts- feedback, frame your words in a way that is respectful and constructive.
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 January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5