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Submission Guidelines for Performing Choirs
2027 ACDA National Conference
Minneapolis, MN
March 7-10, 2027

The 2027 National Conference theme is Singing Through the Ages. We will gather in Minneapolis to celebrate our rich
choral heritage, its evolution across time, and our hope for singers to engage in the choral art across their lifespan. We call
upon our membership to share performances that demonstrate excellence and expertise highlighting a broad spectrum
of choral repertoire, including music prior to 1850, historically excluded composers, and newly commissioned works. We
seek applications for performances that will actively engage our ACDA membership. Conductors from all R&R areas are
strongly encouraged to apply. It is an important priority that ensembles from every R&R area be seen and heard on the
concert stage at this national conference.

I. Eligibility

Conductors must be current members of ACDA at the time of application, registration, and performance. For Contemporary
A Cappella Scholastic Ensembles with student conductors, conductors or faculty advisors must be current members of
ACDA at the time of application, registration, and performance. Scholastic ensembles are defined as ensembles affiliated
with an educational institution whose majority membership is made up of students.

Conductors must be employed in the same position with the same organization since fall 2023, excepting student conduc-
tors of Contemporary A Cappella Scholastic Ensembles. No choir or conductor may perform on successive national confer-
ences as a performing choir or insight choir. However, a different choir from the same school or organization can submit
an audition as long as the conductor is different (e.g., a treble choir from University A is still eligible to audition as a 2027
performing choir if the mixed choir from University A performed at the previous conference, but only if the treble choir con-
ductor is not the same person who conducted the mixed choir and the conductor meets the other eligibility requirements.)

Co-conductors for a particular ensemble will submit ONE application for performance if all of the following conditions
apply:

• Both conductors are ACDA members and have been co-conductors of the ensemble for at least three years (since fall
2023)
• Both conductors share an equal or similar leadership role with the ensemble

Each conductor must submit THREE recordings and programs that represent their own performances with the choir. The
complete submission (six recordings total—three recordings from each conductor) will be assessed as one performance
application. If the application is submitted incorrectly, the ensemble will not be considered. Programs must clearly show
that co-conductors have an equal or similar role in performance with the specific ensemble.
Contemporary A Cappella Ensembles and Show Choirs are exempt from the co-conductor recording requirements and will
submit only three recordings.

II. Registration and Travel Information

It is understood that ACDA will not assume financial responsibility for travel, food, or lodging for ensembles or directors.
Completing the online application implies that the conductor and the ensemble will obtain the necessary funds to travel
and perform at the conference if accepted.
Conductors are expected to officially register for the conference at the posted registration rates.

CHORAL JOURNAL May 2026 Volume 66 Number 8 39