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INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTORS EXCHANGE PROGRAM

New Zealand 2027
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

ICEP provides opportunities for the next generation of choral leaders to represent the United
States as ambassadors to the world in the exchange of music, ideas, and cultures. Established
in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International Activities Committee, the program has connected choral conductors in the United
States with counterparts in Cuba, China, Sweden, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Kenya, South
Africa, Germany, the Philippines, and Portugal. Over 90 American conductors have participated in the exchange program, hosting an
international conductor and traveling abroad to observe and lead rehearsals and performances, present lectures and master classes,
and take part in conferences and other activities.

ACDA is pleased to announce New Zealand as the next partner for the International Conductors Exchange Program. In 2026, six
American and six New Zealand conductors will be selected to participate in a bilateral, mutual exchange to take place in 2027.
Conductors will be paired based on backgrounds and interests, and will visit each other’s choral communities, sharing techniques
and learning best practices. Visits by the New Zealand conductors will be centered around the 2027 ACDA National Conference in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 7-10, 2027. U.S. conductors will guide their counterparts at the Minneapolis conference, and host
them in their local communities for region visits 3-5 days either before or after the conference.

In turn, American conductors will be hosted for the Big Sing, a nationwide competition and New Zealand’s largest choral event held
August 26-28, 2027, in Auckland. While at the competition the U. S. delegation will observe rehearsals and attend seminars with local
choral leaders introducing New Zealand’s unique music culture. Following the Big Sing, regional visits across New Zealand will take
place approximately August 28-September 2, 2027 (exact dates TBD). American delegates must commit to attending the Minneapolis
conference (March 7-10, 2027) and the New Zealand visit, August 26-September 2, 2027.

ICEP OBJECTIVES

1) To create connections between leaders of the U.S. choral community and colleagues across the globe. 2) To forge stronger
relationships between ACDA and choral associations around the world. 3) To raise the visibility and leadership role of ACDA in the
global choral community.

Application Period: April 5 — May 30, 2026

SELECTION CRITERIA - EMERGING CONDUCTOR

The Standing Committee for International Activities is charged with the selection of emerging leaders of the choral profession to
represent the United States. The Committee has developed the following list of criteria:

1) Is a current member of ACDA, 2) Is an active choral conductor in a professional (remunerative) position, 3) Leads choirs with
a demonstrated level of excellence, 4) Exhibits a high level of human understanding, tact, and cross-cultural sensitivity, 5) Has a
minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 20 years in the profession

Candidates may reflect a wide diversity of interests and accomplishments (church/synagogue, community/professional choir, primary/
secondary/higher education).

For more information and to apply, visit: http://acda.org/resources/ICEP
Application deadline: May 30, 2026

20 CHORAL JOURNAL May 2026 Volume 66 Number 8