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Ferrie: I gather information through a variety of Brown: It seems like in today’s social media/digital
sources. My first step is to look at social media, where footprint world, that resources are all around us. I will
I see daily posts from colleagues seeking advice. About usually look online and see what questions seem to be
two years ago, I launched a national MS/JH Facebook coming up most often, or topics that have several com-
group that has grown rapidly into a vibrant community ments echoing a need for content in a specific area.
where directors can seek advice, exchange ideas, and Informal conversations and dialogues with peers/col-
share solutions. While the needs across the country vary leagues can also identify shared interests for topics and
widely, common themes often emerge. Identifying those areas of interest for growth in the professional com-
shared challenges provides a strong foundation for ad- munity.
dressing issues that resonate broadly. Some of the diversity in the membership that makes
I also draw inspiration from the teachers I mentor. it challenging is the multitude of places where people
Their questions and concerns reflect the needs of many, are in their professional teaching journey. Topics, ques-
and working with them reminds me of my own early tions, and resources that a teacher in the first five years
years in the profession—when I had little experience of their career may be different from a veteran teacher.
and was still learning what it meant to be an effective On the flip side, many new teachers have a wide ar-
teacher. Reflecting on those moments helps me ask my- ray of educational skills that veteran teachers may not
self: what would I have needed at that stage in my career? have, so the possibilities for choral educators to learn
In addition, I regularly reach out to middle school from each other truly are endless.
and junior high choir directors across the country to One of the professional conferences I attended many
hear what they are experiencing in their own regions. times is the ACDA-MN Summer Dialogue. While the
These conversations reinforce the truth that profes- sessions were informative, the director’s chorus experi-
sional support is not just for new teachers. Mid-career ence was always fun, the opportunity to observe all-state
and veteran educators also benefit from meaningful choir rehearsals formative, it was the informal chances
professional development opportunities. Ultimately, I to dialogue with others that made some of the most
want the profession of choral music education to thrive profound impressions. Through conferences like this,
nationwide. Being intentional, listening to others, and friendships are made, mentors and mentees evolve, and
actively seeking advice are essential parts of my role in the collaborative spirit reminds me that none of us are
ensuring that we continue to support teachers at every in this profession alone.
stage of their careers. I do understand that it is not always possible to get
I’ve developed content through my own channels. to an ACDA conference for a variety of reasons. While
Under the name Choir With Clint, you can find materials some information shared at these conferences is specif-
on Instagram and Teachers Pay Teachers—resources I ic to the conference and those in attendance, there are
began creating several years ago to expand the avail- other resources that are available to the entire member-
ability of middle school choir tools and ideas. I am also ship. The Facebook group page “ACDA Senior High
the co-host of The Choir Chronicles podcast. With two School Repertoire and Resources” can be a good way
full seasons already released, the podcast offers a wide to find resources, see some repertoire suggestions, com-
range of conversations, insights, and practical resources ment, and dialogue to learn from one another. There
designed to inspire and equip choir directors at all lev- is another Facebook group titled “I Teach High School
els. I encourage you to give it a listen; you may discover Choir” that offers up lots of the same things and is a
just the spark or idea you’ve been looking for. great resource. Additionally, the ACDA website has
Finally, one of our responsibilities as R&R leaders is repertoire suggestions and lists that can be informative
to curate a list of recommended literature from ACDA and helpful.
members, which is published on the ACDA website af-
ter each national conference. I strongly encourage you
to explore that resource.

CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2025 Volume 66 Number 4 27