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2026 ACDA Northwestern Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 Tacoma, Washington

Whitworth University of singing and community through the study and per-
The Whitworth Choir formance of a wide variety of music. The Whitworth
Choir has performed by invitation at Northwest ACDA
Region and NAfME. Repertoire selection ranges from
chamber music to orchestral-choral works. The choir
was named the winner of The American Prize in Cho-
ral Performance in 2024.

Xiaosha Lin serves as the director of cho-
ral activities at Whitworth University and
is a conductor, adjudicator, and choral
clinician in both the United States and
China. Known as a dynamic conductor
with her efficient and engaging rehearsal approach,
her choirs are often given praises such as: “sang with
strength, beauty, creativity, and such musicality.” Un-
The Whitworth Choir is regarded as one of the der her direction, The Whitworth Choir was named
premier university choirs in the Pacific Northwest and the winner of the 2024 American Prize in Choral Per-
continues to build upon a ninety-year heritage of fine formance. Lin received graduate degrees in choral con-
choral singing. The members of this award-winning ducting from Michigan State University, Westminster
choir represent a variety of academic majors, commit Choir College, and Hong Kong Baptist University.
themselves to daily rehearsals, and celebrate the joy

2026 ACDA Northwestern Region Conference March 4-7, 2026 Tacoma, Washington

Interest Sessions
In t er est S essions

A Cornucopia of similar ones. This session explores several possible paths
into South Asian music: from the choral perspective and
Carnatic Curriculum from the Carnatic perspective. We will introduce the

art of konnakol (vocal percussion), swaras (improvisatory
The choral canon is changing! Composers like Ree- solfège), traditional songs appropriate for beginner musi-
na Esmail and Shruthi Rajasekar are writing wonder- cians of all ages, and Bharatanatyam dance.
ful music influenced by Hindustani (North Indian) and
Carnatic (South Indian) traditions, and their music is Ethan Chessin teaches choir, songwriting,
increasingly popular with choirs of all ages. Our choir and music production at Camas High
embarked on a year-long exploration of South Asian School. His expertise in producing major
music through multiple lenses; we learned from choral collaborative premieres has earned his
composers as well as from local culture bearers, and choirs invitations to record and perform
we are eager to share what choristers learned while alongside Portugal. The Man, Stanley Jordan, Y La
giving suggestions on how to replicate this project or Bamba, AU, Michael Allen Harrison, Bright Moments,

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 85