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2026 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference

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Honor Choir Conductors
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THE REVIEWS ARE IN!
6th-9th Grade Treble 10th-12th Grade Tenor/Bass “It was a truly
dazzling experience.”

Coty Raven Morris, a New Orleans na- Ryan Beeken serves as director of choral
tive, is the Hinckley Assistant Professor activities and associate director for the
of Choir, Music Education, and Social School of Music at Wichita State Universi- “Thank you MAP for the opportunity to
Justice at Portland State University. She ty, where he conducts the Concert Chorale conduct so many magnificent musicians in the premiere
holds a master’s in choral conducting and Madrigal Singers and teaches gradu- concert hall and for your support, professionalism, and
from Michigan State University. A newly published ate and undergraduate conducting and literature. His kind words throughout the entire experience.”
composer, Morris’s works have been performed at choirs have been featured at state, regional, and nation-
honor choirs and festivals across the country. She is al conferences of ACDA and NAfME. A frequent guest DON KRUDOP, GUEST CONDUCTOR
also a two-time Grammy Music Educator nominee (fi- conductor and clinician, Beeken has received invitations “Such a great experience for all!”
nalist, 2024; semifinalist, 2025). Morris is a host at All to lead nearly one hundred all-state and honor choirs
Classical Radio and the International Children’s Arts in twenty-two states and internationally. He recently
Network. She also serves as chorus master and artistic concluded service on the national executive board of
collaborator with Portland Center Stage, the Oregon ACDA as chair for student membership and previously “It was a magical experience for me, and I am so grateful for the
Symphony Orchestra, and Choirs of America. She is held leadership roles at regional and state levels. Prior opportunity you gave me to be creative with my students and their
families, working toward this performance...Our families and
the founder of Being Human Together, a community to WSU, he taught at Indiana University of Pennsylva- students continue to share how meaningful this experience was
focused on conversations around mental health, diver- nia, Michigan State University, Drake University, and in to them. What a blessing for our community!”
sity, and inclusivity in music education. Iowa public schools. ALYSON MOORE, GUEST CONDUCTOR

“Fabulous time!!”

6th-9th Grade Tenor/Bass 10th-12th Grade Treble
“It still feels surreal that I had the chance to perform at “Excellent organization!”
“It still feels surreal that I had the chance to perform at
Carnegie Hall. It’s wild, overwhelming and truly a dream
Carnegie Hall. It’s wild, overwhelming and truly a dream
Herbert Washington is the Harvey K. Kelly A. Miller is an associate professor of come true. Thank you for believing in me. I’m crying as I
come true. Thank you for believing in me. I’m crying as I
write this because it means so much to me. That’s
Smith Artistic Director of the Gram- music and coordinator of music education write this because it means so much to me. That’s
something I’ll carry with me forever.”
my Award-winning Phoenix Boys Choir at the University of Central Florida, where something I’ll carry with me forever.”
and a proud alumnus of the organiza- she conducts the SoAl Chorus, TeBa Cho- STUDENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES, CHOIR PARTICIPANT
tion. Widely recognized for his dynamic rus, and the UCF Community Choir. She
teaching style, he is an active choral clinician, con- teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in music
ductor, lecturer, and adjudicator. He also cofounded education while coordinating and supervising student
The Choral Window, an international resource for teachers through their junior and senior internships. She Stop By Our Booth At These Upcoming Regional Conferences:
directors that shares innovative techniques to enhance enjoys presenting choral, vocal, and leadership work-
music literacy and energize rehearsals. Beyond choral shops and frequently serves as a clinician and festival TMEA- San Antonio, TX ACDA Northwestern- Tacoma, WA
education, Washington is a passionate advocate for di- adjudicator. Miller is the current editor-in-chief of the ACDA Eastern- Providence, RI ACDA Southern- Memphis, TN
verse musical styles, having produced, composed, and Florida Music Director, the chancel choir director at Grace ACDA Midwestern- Milwaukee, WI ACDA Western- San Jose, CA
arranged music in both commercial and radio settings. Covenant Presbyterian Church in Orlando, and a past
A graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of president of Florida ACDA. She holds National Board
Arizona, he founded the award-winning a cappella en- Certification in secondary choral music and a DMA in
semble Meow or Never and has served in leadership choral conducting from Michigan State University. 212-239-0205 | contact@midamerica-music.com
roles with ACDA. www.midamerica-music.com

68 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5