Page 52 - CJNov_Dec24

Repertoire & Resources

year. They had to present a budget early in the year. Keila Ussi says:
From Rebecca Saltzman: “One of the most success-
ful things we did was a silent auction with things that While Ithaca College’s music education pro-
students would want to bid on such as ‘Dr. Galvan’s gram was always strong in its curriculum,
rum cake’ or ‘Lunch with Dr. White’ or ‘A crocheted the opportunities for application of content
sweater from Dr. J.’” knowledge provided by our chapter of ACDA
was extremely helpful as an undergraduate…
As an instrumentalist in my undergraduate de-
gree, ACDA was also a huge way for me to
step my foot into the choral world, further pre-
Please include any other information you paring me for choral as well as instrumental
would like to share about your student teaching upon graduation. Being a member of
chapter and its success. IC’s ACDA Executive Board was invaluable
to my development. Organizing large-scale
events, considering a variety of student wants/
SUNY Potsdam: Our chapter has spent a lot of time needs, coordinating endless moving parts,
reaching out to the choral community for support. Nev- networking, problem solving with peers, and
er be afraid to ask a musician or educator to join a zoom documenting the process along the way were
call and talk about their work for your chapter. Some all skills that have been directly applicable to
of the most valuable lessons we have learned started my life as a choral educator and are the direct
with a simple ask. Crane ACDA is often the start of our result of the experiences I had. Being provided
members’ professional journey. Students are given the the space to step up as leaders was beneficial,
tools to succeed in academia, build their resume, and and also allowed us to provide the tools and
create lasting bonds with other future music educators. resources most relevant to our peers.
Our organization is one that uses its influence for unity,
acceptance, and kindness. From initiatives that stand
against bullying and harassment on campus to small Visit https://acda.org/resources-for-student-members
acts of kindness each day, Crane ACDA is where stu- to see a list of current ACDA Student Chapters or
dents know they are always safe, valued, and respected. connect with someone at the ACDA National Office
to learn more about starting a chapter at your institu-
tion.
Indiana University: Our students are instrumental
in the chapter’s success! Their hard work and dedica-
tion is inspiring!

Ithaca College: The true secret of our success is the
fact that the students ran things—they were the lead-
ers. Being part of their professional organization is a
behavior and practice they learn in part through their
participation in the ICACDA chapter. They create a
vision and look at holes in their education and try to
find ways to get more information. What could ACDA
provide that was not being done? In what areas do they
need more information? What service can be provided?

50 CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2024 Volume 65 Number 4