In our very first issues of The Southwestern Connection, you were able to meet your SWACDA executive boardandalsoeachoftheR&RChairs Wealsosharedwithyoueachofourstatepresidents Comingthis summer,you’llhaveachancetomeetthenewstatepresidentsandinfutureissuesyouwillbeintroduced to the entire team that will be working to create and present an awesome conference It truly “takes a village”
OurfeaturedPastPresidentthisissueisMargieCamp MargieisservingasmyConferenceChair,andIam so grateful for her help and guidance. Many of you know Margie, but in case you do not, Margie is a SWACDA Past President, and has been either a Conference Chair or the SWACDA treasurer on each conference since 1996. Her institutional knowledge is unsurpassed. She also helps with national conferences and has been the Hospitality Chair at multiple National ACDA conferences, including CincinnatiandDallas.
I know that many colleges and universities will be completing their semester soon, the k-12 schools will completetheirsemesterinthenextmonthorso,andthechurchandcommunitychoirswillbeendingtheir season.Ihopethateachofyouwillfindsometimetorest,recuperateandrejuvenateintheweekstocome. Ialsohopethatyouhavefound The Southwestern Connection tobeagreatresource,fullofgreatliterature, intriguingresourcearticlesandsurprisingspecialguests.
ManyofyouwillbeattendingyourstateACDAconferencesinjustacoupleofmonths Thoseconnections withfriendsandcolleaguesaresoveryimportant Oftentheconnectionsandfriendshipsareasimportant asthelearningthatgoesoninthemeetings YourSWACDAleadershipislookingforwardtoseeingmanyof you this summer in anticipation to Albuquerque Margie Camp will be at the summer conference in Colorado and also at TCDA. Jeff Wall and Joshua Oppenheim will be representing SWACDA at the Oklahoma conference. I will be at the conference in my home state of Missouri and I am also looking forwardtoattendingbothKansasandArkansasconferences.
Conference Year/Location: 2012/Dallas Currently resides: Englewood, CO
MargieCamprecentlyretiredfromherroleasadministrativedirectorandtrainingchoirdirectorforYoung Voices of Colorado With thirty years of public school experience, she served the Cheery Creek School District as Campus Middle School’s choir director and the district music coordinator Camp has served SWACDAasapastpresident,treasurer,andprogramchairformanySWACDAconferences Shehasearned degrees from Trinity University and The University of Texas at San Antonio. She also has an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Curriculum Development from the University of Colorado at Denver.CampwasinductedintotheColoradoMusicEducatorsHallofFamein2011andreceivedACDA’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2023. She was honored to receive the SWACDA Margie Camp Lifetime AchievementAwardandtheColoradoACDALegacyAwardin2024.
My“why”isrootedinthebeliefthatchoralmusichasthepowertotransformlives Asachoraldirector, ACDAhasbeenmysteadfastcompanion,offeringresources,mentorship,andavibrantcommunityoflikeminded professionals. It’s not just about refining my craft it’s about helping my singers and fellow directorsfindtheirvoicesmusicallyandpersonally
From the very beginning, I was inspired by an extraordinary teacher, Mary Ann Winden. She was my musicteacherfrom3rdgradethrough12thgradeandmystudent-teachingsecondaryplacementteacher. WhenImetMrs Windenasa3rdgraderatWilshireElementarySchoolinSanAntonio,Texas,itdidn’t takemelongtodecidethatbeingamusicteacherwasthebestthingintheworld.Thatmomentshapedmy life’spath,andbeingamusicteacherisstillthebestthingintheworld.
Mrs Windenalsoencouragedmyfirststepsintoserviceandvolunteering,whichbecameacornerstoneof my career. In 7th grade, she volunteered me to assist at TCDA by handing out and collecting reading sessionpackets(whichwasoneofthemostchallengingthingsIhaveeverdone!).Thatexperiencesparked a lifelong connection with TCDA, where I continued to volunteer in various capacities and eventually servedontheTCDABoardasSecretary/Treasurer.Herinfluencegavemeconfidenceandtheopportunity toexploreleadership,service,andcommunityinwaysthatdeeplyshapedme.
ServingwithinACDAhasbeenoneofthemostrewardingaspectsofmycareer Fromservingontheboards ofmystatechapter,TCDA,andthenColoradoACDA,tocontributingforover30yearsattheregionallevel as part of the SWACDA leadership team and participating in the vibrant community of National ACDA, I’ve been fortunate to give back to the organizations that have shaped me as a musician, educator, and leader. These roles have deepened my connections with colleagues and inspired me to grow alongside a communityofpassionateprofessionalswhosharemydedicationtochoralexcellence.
MySpringBreakwasfilledwithincrediblemusic,andIcan’twaittoshareitwithyou!Ihadtheprivilege of experiencing two amazing opportunities, both focused on music in part for middle school and junior voices
For those interested in exploring these selections further, I’ve included a QR code for listening and research.
WeReach–EmilyCrocker/JohnJacobson
SATB,HalLeonard,HL00219851
Although we performed the SAB version, the SATB arrangement is just as accessible Initially, this piece had a gentle start but developed beautifully in rehearsal and became one of the choir’s favorites With exceptionalchoralwritingbyaremarkablecomposerandlyricsbythemulti-talentedpoet,thispiecetruly shines
TheKeelRow–Arr.byCristiCaryMiller
SAB,HalLeonard,HL01312744
This arrangement is for SAB, which is the version we performed. It is also available in SATB and SSA voicings. To help your singers capture the energy of this lively Scottish folk song, have them imagine bouncingabasketballastheylearnthepiece it’sagreatwaytoaddtherightrhythmicbounce!
Vincent(Starry,StarryNight)–Arr.byMacHuff
SAB,HalLeonard,HL01475575
This SAB arrangement was created specifically for this concert a world premiere! While many students were unfamiliar with the song at first (hard to believe, right?), it quickly became their favorite, with requeststosingitagainandagain.ThispieceisalsoavailableinSATBandSSAvoicings.
WithCynthiaErivo’srisingpopularityfromthemovieWicked,thisselectioncouldn’thavecomeatabetter time.Co-writtenbyErivo,thesongwasfeaturedinthefilmHarriet,whereshenotonlyplayedtheleadrole but also recorded the track for the movie. I showcased two of my talented 8th-grade students as soloists, whileasmallgroupaddedstompandbodypercussiontoamplifythesong’spowerfulmessage Thisoneis adefinitewinner!
Audreychosethispieceformyconcertoverayearago,intendingtowriteastringquartetaccompaniment for it. However, as her health declined in December, she realized she wouldn’t be able to complete it and reached out to Mac Huff, who graciously finished the project. His contribution was incredible, and the string parts are available for purchase. Her passing in January left a profound void in the choral community.Inherhonor,IdedicatedmyCarnegieHallconcerttohermemory.
Another world premiere Roger crafted this fantastic finale for our concert! While we didn’t have a full rhythm section, we were fortunate to have an outstanding jazz pianist, whom I featured with a 16-bar improvised solo in the middle of the piece. It was an absolute showstopper! This arrangement is also availableina2-Partversion
The second choral opportunity I had over Spring Break was to attend the ACDA National Conference in Dallas IhavecomebacksoinspiredbytheperformancesIheard
Pedersontakethistraditionalspiritualandaddsspokenphrasesthatencouragethelistenertocommittoa better world of inclusion, radical kindness, compassion, love and grace. This was an emotional presentation.
This piece was commissioned for this concert. Although there is not a recording available (that I could find),beonthelookoutforthisone!It’sabeauty!
Contemporary A Cappella Leia Browning
ContemporaryACappellahasbecomemynicheandpassioninthepast10yearsofteaching.Istartedwith acoupleofPTXarrangementsIgatheredfromtheinternetandaskedmystudentstoletmeknowifthey liked this style (after learning the arrangements with my long-term sub while I was on maternity leave). They overwhelmingly voted to switch to ONLY this style of pop music and then begged to start participating in competitions, festivals, and recording contests. A lot has changed since 2015, but I can honestly say that it’s the most fun (and most challenging) repertoire I’ve ever taught. However, once you get the hang of it and your students learn how to navigate the nuances of pop rhythms, vocal percussion integration, and some tricky bass lines here and there, they’re hooked. They’re also far better readers and extremelyquicklearners Herearesometriedandtruecontemporaryacappellasongsforyoutoconsider:
Arranged for Pitch Black (Harker Heights HS) in 2021, this arrangement is so powerful and impressive! Students will love performing this song as they explore the difficult things we all feel but find hard to express: our weaknesses, ignorance, guilt, failures, hypocrisy and troubles. I remember hearing this arrangementforthefirsttimeatacompetitioninTexasandwasincrediblymovedbytheirdeliveryofsuch animpactfultext.
ArrangedforRockwallHighSchool’streblegroup,“Sting”,thisarrangementisoneofmyalltimefavorites for treble groups! The catchy Katy Perry melody is so much fun, but the rhythmic intricacies that Kat creates, especially on the bridge, are challenging in the best way!Your treble singers will love performing thispiece!
BenBramhitthisoneoutoftheparkfortheACappellaAcademyChoir.OriginallybyJacobCollierfromhis mostrecentalbum,featuringBrandiCarlile,thissongisadelicateacousticballadthatexploresthemesof love, nostalgia, and longing. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy, painting a pictureofcherishedmemoriesandadeepemotionalconnectionbetweentwopeople.
This would be a great piece to try with your larger ensemble to get them acquainted with the a cappella style.
OriginallyperformedbyJoJo,thisarrangementfeaturesasopranosoloist.Thesongdelvesintothepainof being trapped in a cycle of self-destruction and dependency If you ’ re looking for a mature text for older studentsaboutdifficultlifesituations,thisonehitsthemark Mygrouprecordedthisin2018,andit’sstill one of my favorites! Here’s a demo link: https://openspotifycom/track/3HtohmBikMN6m7KMtlxucR? si=v8ywJIXtSeyGFr4y99VVrw
Melisanincrediblearranger,producer,performer,andvocalpercussionistbasedintheAustinarea.Sheisa memberofbothMusaeandSixAppealandtravelsallovertheUSteaching,singing,andproducingalbums for contemporary groups.We have worked with her for 10 years and she is an absolute joy to be around! Thisarrangementisgreatforcontemporaryacappellafemalevoices,designedasaveryeasyintroduction to a cappella pop music. It has one moment in the bridge that will be rhythmically challenging, but otherwise,veryrepetitive.SuperfunforHalloween! https://www.viridianmusic.com/
One more suggestion for an a cappella chorus with no solo! This is an arrangement of one of the most famousBillieEilishsongsandisabsolutelybeautifulandchilling AsperformedbyLegacy,thiswouldbea goodfitforintermediatehighschoolensembles!
Caturog na, nonoy is a popular cradle song in the Bicol region in the Philippines, the midsection of the PhilippineIsland,surroundedbyseasandgolfcourseswiththePacificOceanontheEast.Sleepnowlittle one,andIwillgentlycradleyou Closelittleoneyourtwolittleeyes Earliermylittleone,whenIwasnot around,youlookedforme,sothatIcouldrockyoutosleep.
Oycomamosybebamos(Let’seatanddrinktoday!)isoneofthemostwell-knownandcelebratedvillancicos, withaclearstrophicstructurecoplas-refrain.Itis,literally,afuneatinganddrinkingsong.JuandelEncina is revered not only as a prolific early Renaissance Spanish composer but also as a poet, playwright and oftenconsideredasthepatriarchofSpanishtheatre.
The second is Triste España sin ventura (Sad Spain without happiness/suerte). Also another strophic villancicobyJuandelEncina,thistimewrittenforthedeathof19-year-oldPrinceJuan,sonandheirof theCatholicMonarchs,whenSpainfellintotheuncertaintyofroyalsuccessionandmournedhisdeath for40days
Known mostly as a dance, in truth, tango music has three facets: tango-dance, tango-song, and tangoconcert. Though not originally a choral genre, tango music has been translated to choirs with different degrees of success VivianTabbush, a very prolific Argentinian arranger and conductor, ably captures the essence of the style with excellent voice-leading, convincing harmonic progressions, stylish rhythmic approach,andaneffectiveending.Vocalrangesarefriendly,particularlyfortenors.Itiswrittenacappella but it would be very appropriate to explore the possibility of adding instrumental accompaniment, if necessary.
Asthearrangerskindlypointoutintheprintededition,BeidhAonachAmárachisconsideredoneofthe first songs Irish children learn in Irish-Gaelic. This fact alone brings a very important link to the Irish cultureandmakesthesongworthyofourattention.Thetextofthissongwillresonatewellwithyoung girls:
WhatsetMr.Arnoldapartwasn’tjusthismusicianship(thoughitwasextraordinary);itwasthewayheled withbothexcellenceandheart Hemodeledwhatitmeanstobeamusician,ateacher,andamentor not justconductinganensemble,butshapinglivesthroughmusic.Tim'sbeliefinmegavemetheconfidenceto stepintothiscareer,andhisexamplecontinuestoguidemeinhowIlead,howIteach,andhowIservemy singers
Butlet’sbehonest hewasalsosuchaturd(atermthathefrequentlydirectedtowardshisstudents).The manhadanunmatchedabilitytoroasthisstudentsinawaythatsomehowmadeusfeelbothdeeplyloved and deeply ridiculous at the same time And yet, every jab, every perfectly timed eye-roll, and every exaggeratedsighofdisappointmentonlymadeuslovehimmore,becauseweknewitallcamefromaplace ofabsolute,unwaveringcare.
Dr Conan Castle, former Director of Choral Activities at Central Missouri State University, now the UniversityofCentralMissouri,passedawaySaturdaymorning,April12,2025,atage97,twomonthsshyof his98thbirthday.Hepassedpeacefullyafterspendingjustoveraweekinthehospitalfromtheflu,which ledtofurthercomplications.Hisasheswillbeinterredwithhiswife’s,Patricia,atherfamily’sgravesitein Abilene,Texas.
ForthirtyyearsDr CastletaughtatCMSU,leadinghischoirsonnationalandinternationaltoursaswellas performingatseveralMCDAandMENCconferences ManywillfondlyremembertheyearsthatDr Castle introduced the choirs at theWorld's of Fun Choir Festivals. His influence on the choral field in Missouri wasevidencedbythehundredsofhisstudentswhobecamechoralmusiceducatorleaders.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Warrensburg, Missouri,onFriday,July18,2025
In the coming months, we will be adding a new feature titled, “It Takes AVillage”.While the SWACDA board has been working on and planning the conference in Albuquerque for several months, we cannot completethetaskwithoutagreatdealofhelpfromalargegroupofpeople.
We’ll be introducing you to the incredible people who’ve made this event possible. From the visionaries who shaped the agenda to the behind-the-scenes heroes managing logistics, tech, and hospitality each personplaysavitalroleincreatinganexperiencethat’sbothinspiringandunforgettable
