Page 5 - CJJanuary2026

• Support colleagues’ sessions: Attend events Don’t Miss Out:
led by your peers and show your encouragement Why Early Registration Truly Matters!
through your presence and engagement. A message from Robyn Hilger,
National Executive Director
• Celebrate diverse perspectives: Embrace the
wide range of musical traditions, pedagogical ap- Every year, I hear the same hopeful refrain: “I’ll
proaches, and cultural viewpoints represented. register once I know my schedule.” Or, “I’ll book
my travel later—there’s plenty of time.” And every
• Avoid negative side talk: If concerns arise, ad- year, I watch colleagues scramble at the last min-
dress them privately and respectfully rather than ute, paying more than they expected and missing
through casual conversation. out on the most convenient options.
For the first time, our conference is offering air-
• Amplify others’ successes: Use social media line travel discounts. Like most good deals, these
and personal interactions to lift up and highlight discounted fares work best when you act early. The
the work of others. same principle applies to conference registration.
Our Early Bird deadline (January 15 @ 11:59pm
• Offer small gestures of kindness: Simple CST) is designed to reward those who plan ahead.
acts like holding a door, offering a seat, or sharing Registering early isn’t just about saving a few dol-
a program can brighten someone’s day. lars—it ensures you receive timely conference up-
dates and gives you one more thing off your plate
• Honor performance etiquette: Be attentive, during an already busy season.
silence devices, and applaud generously to show We only release hotel information to those who
respect to all performers. register. Why? Because it ensures those who are
committed to attending the conference have first
• Model collegiality: Remember that we repre- dibs! You may be able to book with the hotel direct-
sent our institutions and our choral musicians to ly after the block fills, but you certainly will pay a
one another and to our broader community…our higher price. Staying at the conference hotel makes
behavior and actions set the tone. everything easier: you’re steps away from sessions,
you have built-in networking opportunities, and
you avoid the stress of juggling off-site transpor-
Closing Thought tation. The only way to guarantee your place is to
Let these conferences be a reflection of who register and reserve now.
we are and who we aspire to be: a community of So consider this your friendly nudge: take ad-
musicians who lead with grace, gratitude, and re- vantage of the new airline discounts, secure the
spect. The eyes and ears of all choristers, from the Early Bird rate, and grab your spot in the hotel
elementary level to the collegiate level as well as block while rooms are still available. This year’s
community to faith-based choirs, are watching and conferences promise to be inspiring, energizing,
listening to us.Together, we can make our regional and well worth the trip—so make the process as
conferences not just memorable, but meaningful. smooth (and affordable!) as possible by acting now.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 3