Page 5 - CJJuneJuly25

From the

President

As I sit here writing my final President’s Column, I cannot help but think of the rich
threads of people, music, collaboration, and renewal that this organization has woven
into the tapestry of my life. ACDA has given so much to so many, and I certainly count
myself in that number. In my first column in July 2023, I listed four beliefs that served
to ground my agenda as president of ACDA. I thought I would revisit these statements
David Fryling to see where we are two years later.

I continue to believe deeply in ACDA. Its people, its mission, and its vision “to create powerful artistic
experiences and be advocates for cultural and educational change that we might transform people’s lives” are
all things that continue to inspire me and so many others. Our national artistic and educational leadership
position is even more important these two years later and, I believe, stronger.

I continue to believe in you, our members, who guide us all in this important work. I am in-
spired every time I meet a new-to-me member of this organization; the breadth and depth of our grassroots
leadership is astounding. I look forward to each of your continued stewardship of ACDA.

I continue to believe we must hold each other accountable and persevere in this most vital
work. We must continue to reach outside of our comfort zones to expand what it means to invite everyone
to sing their songs, and continue to engage more—and more diverse—communities in creating meaning and
impact through our art.

I continue to believe in the transformative possibilities of our work together. Together, we are
thousands strong, in positions of community trust, and hold immense potential for effecting positive change
within a society in turmoil. The transformative power of artistic experiences should not be underestimated.
Their potential role of effecting positive change is more apparent—and needed—than ever.

It has been one of the most meaningful opportunities in my professional life to serve as your ACDA Na-
tional President. My deepest thanks go out to the other members of the Executive Committee: To rising
President-Elect Jessica Napoles, welcome! We are excited for the new energy you bring. To rising Vice
President Pearl Shankguan and her 2027 National Conference Committee, we’re already so thankful for
the work you’re doing. To our two “retirees,” Past President André Thomas and Secretary and Trea-
surer Tom Merrill, thank you each for your steady and steadfast leadership for so many years. To rising
President Edie Copley, we all look with anticipation to see where your leadership takes us. And to our
Executive Director, Robyn Hilger, whose thoughtful leadership of our beloved institution continues to
inspire everyone who has the privilege of working alongside her, thank you: you are a rockstar and role model
for us all.
As I move into the past president position on the Executive Committee, I look forward to the important
work we have before us. I promise we will pursue ACDA’s compelling vision of its bright future on your behalf.
Out of so many, we continue to be ONE ACDA.

CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2025 Volume 65 Number 9 3