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2026 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference

Conference Overview

William Burden ( Juilliard & Mannes)
Master Clinician It is my honor to invite you to community of people who care deeply about both
SVC Nationals 2024-25
join us for the 2026 Midwestern the art and the people who make it.
ACDA Region Conference, Feb- The program in Milwaukee promises to inspire
ruary 25–28 in Milwaukee, Wis- and challenge. You will encounter world-class choirs
consin. Our theme, “Reflections from across the Midwest and beyond, hear new
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR of Us,” speaks to the heart of works alongside treasured classics, and experience
MUSICAL JOURNEY! Derrick Fox who we are as choral musicians, the remarkable diversity of choral traditions that

define our profession. Our honor choirs will show-
educators, and human beings. Together we will cel-
ebrate the music, the people, and the communities case the talents of singers from across the region,
For more than 25 years, Schmidt Vocal Arts has opened doors and unlocked potential for that make our region so vibrant. and our reading sessions, interest sessions, and ex-
This conference is more than a gathering; it is a
the next generation of classical singers. Through performance opportunities, networking, reunion. For many of us, the MWACDA conference hibits will offer practical tools you can carry back to
your own ensembles. And, of course, who wouldn’t
master classes, mentorship, and transformative awards and scholarships, SVA supports is the rare moment where we reconnect with long- want an opportunity to take a photo with Curdy!
young artists in their first steps to the stage. time colleagues, mentors, and friends. It is where we Beyond the music, we will also enjoy the warmth
share ideas freely, where a chance conversation in of Milwaukee itself, a city with a rich cultural her-
PERFORM a hallway sparks a new project, and where we are itage, a thriving arts community, and a welcoming
spirit. Against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, our
reminded that we are part of something much larger
$650K Competitions for high school & than ourselves. time together will be filled not only with music but
also with laughter, conversation, and renewed pur-
At the same time, it is also a place of welcome—
IN CASH AWARDS undergraduate singers with direct feedback an opportunity to meet new faces, form new collab- pose.
from adjudicators
& SCHOLARSHIPS orations, and expand our circle of friends and col- I hope you will join us. Come ready to be chal-
leagues. Whether this will be your first conference or lenged, encouraged, and renewed.
LEARN your fifteenth, you will find yourself embraced by a

60+ scholarships awarded each year from
$1K to $25K+, master classes, and
educational programs for students Midwestern Region Conference Registration Information

until January 15 at 11:59 PM CST
Aaron Crouch
Aaron Crouch GROW Attendee $325 Retired $250 Student $100
1st Place
1st Place
Washington, DC 2015-16
Washington, DC 2015-16
Networking opportunities, alumni
connections, and continued support for January 16 - February 28
aspiring professionals Attendee $375 Retired $275 Student $125
One Day $190 only available on site
Explore our programs and opportunities
www.schmidtvocalarts.org Register at acda.org/region-conferences

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 47