TimeCapsule
SWACDA Board (2024-2026)
Jonathan Owen, President
Joshua Oppenheim, President-elect
Jeffrey Murdock, Past President
Jeff Wall, Treasurer
Margie Camp, Conference Chair
Children’s and Community Youth - Nathan Wubbena
Junior High/Middle School - Cristi Miller
Senior High School - Spencer Wiley
4-Year College and University - Rayvon TJ Moore
2-Year College and University - Tatiana Taylor
Student Activity - Jennifer Sengin
Community Choirs - Andy Waggoner
Music in Worship - Bryan Taylor
Vocal Jazz - Beth Enloe Fritz
Contemporary A Cappella - Leia Browning
Show Choir - Michael Shimp
World Music & Cultures - Eduardo Garcia-Novelli
Tenor/Bass Choirs - Reginal Wright
Soprano/Alto Choirs - Tanner Oglesby
FromthePresident’sPen
Anewyearbringsasenseofrenewal ablankcanvasfilledwithendlesspossibilities.It’satimetoreflect on the past, embrace the present, and step into the future with hope and purpose It offers a perfect opportunity to reassess our lives and set intentions not just for personal growth, but also for how we impactthosearoundus.
Onepowerfulwaytoapproachtheyearaheadistofocusonbeingalightintheworld Tobealightmeans to radiate kindness, inspire hope, and share positivity wherever you go. In a world that can often feel weighed down by challenges, even small acts of compassion can brighten someone ’ s day and create a rippleeffectofgoodness
Startbybeingalighttoyourself.Prioritizeself-care,setrealisticgoals,andcelebrateyourownmilestones. When you nurture your own well-being, you ’ re better equipped to extend that light to others. Then, look outward Kindwords,alisteningear,orsimplegesturesofgenerositycanhaveprofoundimpacts Whether it’ssupportingafriend,volunteeringinyourcommunity,orupliftingastrangerwithasmile,youractions cancreateasenseofconnectionandbelonging.
Thebeautyofbeingalightisthatitdoesn’trequiregrandgestures;it’saboutconsistency Everykindword, thoughtfulact,andmomentofpatiencecontributestoabrighter,morehopefulworld.
Astheyearunfolds,rememberthatyourlightmatters Letitshinebrightly notjustforyourowngrowth butasabeaconofhopeandinspirationforothers Together,ourcollectivelightcantransformtheworldin meaningfulandlastingways.
Here’stoayearofbeingalightandspreadingwarmthwhereverwego!
Best,
SWACDAPresident
PastPresident’sCorner BrentBallwig
BrentBallwig YearofConference-2014 LocationofConverence-LittleRock,AR CurrentlylivinginOklahomaCity
I conducted/taught higher education for 37 years, my last two positions being DCA at SouthernNazareneUniversityandOklahoma BaptistUniversity.Uponretiringfromhigher education, I joined the staff at ACDA as an AssociateDirectorandConferenceLiaison.In this position, I worked with ACDA's volunteer leadership on site selection for regional conferences and then helped with various aspects of those conferences, including contracts, budget, registration, etc Afterapproximatelyfiveyears,Iretiredfrom ACDAinMarch2024.
I have been blessed to serve ACDA in a varietyofpositionsatthestate,region,and national levels. This enabled me to work withaplethoraofwonderfulpeopleandit's that "team" spirit which is unforgettable. I oftentimes began meetings thanking peopleforsaying"yes"
ALL of us are busy, but ACDA is indebted tothosewhoarebusyandstillsay"yes"in offering their time and talents to create a stronger and more inspirational ACDA for all of us. If you haven't already, I hope sometimeinthefutureyouwillsay"Yes!"
IfyouwouldliketoconnectwithBrent,he canbereachedat:
dbrentballweg@gmail.com
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 participatingincompetitions,festivals,andrecordingcontests.
Alothaschangedsince2015,butIcanhonestlysaythatit’sthemostfun(andmostchallenging)repertoire I’veevertaught.However,onceyougetthehangofitandyourstudentslearnhowtonavigatethenuances of pop rhythms, vocal percussion integration, and some tricky bass lines here and there, they’re hooked. They’realsofarbetterreadersandextremelyquicklearners.Herearesometriedandtruecontemporarya cappellasongsforyoutoconsider:
PureImagination-BenBram-SATBAdvanced
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/pure-imagination-21822578.html
FromWillyWonkaandtheChocolateFactorymovie,thistimelessclassicisreimaginedforadvanced acappellagroupswithnosoloandminimalvocalpercussion.TheoriginalSoCalVocalsmusicvideoofthis went viral and reintroduced the song to thousands of young people. A vocal jazz group wanting to transitionor“diptheirtoe”intocontemporarywouldabsolutelylovethispiece.
Jolene-RobDietz-SMATBB+TrioMediumAdvanced
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/jolene-20421055.html
Contemporary a cappella has recently been venturing into more genres, especially country. This Top 100 countrysongofalltimebyDollyPartoniscleverlyarrangedforgroupswhowanttofeatureastrongtrio. Weleteachvoiceparttakeaverse.Fairwarning,thevocalpercussionforthissongissimple,butdriving andfastwhichcanbetrickytomaintainfortheentiresong.Mykidslovethisonesomuch!
Fun.Medley-DekeSharon-SATBwithdivisi+SoloMedium https://www.jwpepper.com/fun.-Medley-from-The-Sing-Off/10425279.item
The “Godfather of A Cappella”, Deke Sharon, arranged this for the hit TV Show “The Sing Off” and it was alsoahitforusearlyonouracappellajourney.Weuseditasa“traditionsong”broughtbackattheendof every year because they loved singing it so much. From the band, Fun., it includes the songs Carry On, SomeNights,andWeAreYoung.
OceanEyes-BKRiha-SSAA+SoloMedium
https://wwwsheetmusicpluscom/en/product/ocean-eyes-20923054html
From multi-platinum artist, Billie Eilish, this arrangement of Ocean Eyes would be perfect for a talented beginning group of trebles but also beloved by an advanced group Its simplicity lends itself to a delivery that is effortless and heartfelt I highly recommend all of BK Riha’s beginner and intermediate arrangementsespeciallyforyoungergroups!
https://bkmakesmusiccom/collections/arrangements
Stitches-BKRiha-SSAorSATB=SoloMediumEasy
OrSATB+SoloMediumEasy
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Stitches/10606823item
Another great beginner arrangement from BK, and winner of the Noteflight A Cappella Arranging Competition, this Shawn Mendes song is great for younger or beginning groups! Up tempo and recognizable,youraudiencewillbesingingalongwiththisoneforsure!
TheSoundofSilence-RobDietz-TTBB(withdivisi)=Medium
https://wwwsheetmusicpluscom/en/product/the-sound-of-silence-20422828html
I’ve never directed a TB group in the contemporary a cappella style, so I elicited a suggestion from one of theverybest!Robhasanincrediblyvastcatalogofacappellaarrangementsandaccompanyingparttracks HeisalsoourACDAACappellaChair!TakealookatthisclassicSimonandGarfunkeltuneforyourtenor bassensembles FortherestofRob’sarrangements,visit:https://wwwrobdietzmusiccom/arranger
FastCar-J.D.Frizzell-SSAATBB+Solo=Advanced https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/fast-car-20942897.html
This arrangement of “Fast Car” originally by Tracy Chapman, but recently made popular again by Luke Combs, is stunningly beautiful. Originally arranged for a professional group called June (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwfV0v98N2o) , the slower tempo and lush harmonies accompany the haunting and sensitive tenor solo. This piece, along with the above mentioned “Jolene” and “Pure Imagination”wereselectedpiecesonthe2024SWACDAPresident’sPrograminDenver.
ACappella
Repertoire
Two-Year College
Tatiana Taylor
WolcumYole!”fromCeremonyofCarolsbyBenjaminBritten
Voicing:SATBorSSA
Instrumentation:Harporpiano
What I appreciate about this piece is its flexibility you can break it down and perform individual movements. If a harp isn’t available, a piano works just as well. This particular movement serves as an excellent opening for a concert. Additionally, small projects can be designed for assessment, focusing on theoriginalMiddleEnglishlyrics,theLatinplainsong,ortracingthepoetry’sorigins.
https://wwwjwpeppercom/A-Ceremony-of-Carols/171454item
ISawThreeShipsarr.byJerryEstes
Voicing:SATB
Instrumentation:Piano(optionalpercussion,violin)
Thisarrangementfeatureshandclapsandallowsfortheadditionofviolinandpercussion,bringingalively energytoawell-knownEnglishcarol.Theascendingkeychangesgraduallybuildexcitement,makingthe piecedynamicandengaging.Ourgroupfoundthearrangementbothenjoyableandhighlyaccessible.
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/i-saw-three-ships-satb-with-opt-violin-and-percussion20044260.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqqy9IkwkX2ud-5MKSouo0jtG06aa 8OtYiSS1ItqOtQwHOK37I
Riu,RiuChiuarr.byMarkBurrows
Voicing:SATB
Instrumentation:Tambourine,handdrum
Incorporating a Spanish villancico into our Christmas program was initially challenging due to the language. However, my students were captivated by the inclusion of tambourine, hand drum, and the rhythmic lines. They also appreciated the solo passages layered over block chords, which added an enjoyabledimensiontothearrangement.
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Riu%2C-Riu-Chiu/11196278item
Two year college continued
ANewYearCarolbyBenjaminBritten Voicing:Unison Instrumentation:Piano
When the ensemble's voice balance is uneven, a unison piece can be an effective solution This particular text emphasizes the arrival of the new year, making it a fitting choice to transition into the upcoming semester
https://www.jwpepper.com/New-YearCarol/6008213.item? srsltid=AfmBOoosRUw6IBTRUYuRahE3Xkf5xVVWywxxqXMj6MDAPk-yYF7yDKBQ
“BrightStars”arr.AliceParker Voicing:SATB+soloist Instrumentation:Acapella
Thispieceisanexcellentchoiceifyouhaveastrongsoloist Thesupportingharmoniesarerich,warm,and inviting ItworkswellforaspringconcertbutcouldalsobefeaturedinanAmericana-themedprogram
https://www.jwpepper.com/Bright-Morning-Stars/10994189.item
MyChoralHero
JazzRucker
Missouri
For many of us, heroes come in unexpected forms sometimes from a fleeting, transformative encounter For me, that hero is Dr Jeffrey Redding, a conductor whose passion for music and humanity altered the courseofmylife.
ItallbeganinLosAngeles,whereIhadthehonorofsingingintheAmericanChoralDirectorsAssociation (ACDA) National Honor Choir under Dr. Redding's baton. Growing up, my understanding of choir leadership was shaped by my church experience. Seeing Dr. Redding the first Black conductor I’d encountered outside of that setting command the stage with such grace and musicality opened doors of opportunity.Forthefirsttime,Irealizedthatchoraleducationcouldbeacareerchoiceforme,evenme!
ThatweekofrehearsalsinLAremainsetchedinmymind Dr Reddingdidn'tjustteachmusic;heinstilled lifelessons Hisrehearsalswererichwithmeaning,demonstratinghowmusictranscendsnotesonapage and enters the human spirit. Witnessing his ability to unite a room full of strangers and inspire them to createsomethingextraordinaryshiftedmyownambitions.IimmediatelyknewthatIwantedtofollowin hisfootstepsandbecomeachoraldirector.
Years later, I had the incredible privilege of meeting Dr. Redding again, this time in Missouri, when he came to conduct a summer honor choir for ninth and tenth graders. As part of the hosting team, I got to spendtimewithhimoffthepodium.Tomydelight,hewasthesamegenerousandinspiringpersonIhad encountered years earlier Watching him work with young singers reaffirmed everything I admired about him:hisunshakableworkethic,hisprofoundmusicianship,andhisabilitytolifteveryonearoundhim
Dr.Redding'sinfluenceonmylifeisfarfromover.Icontinuetofollowhiscareer,fromhisgroundbreaking work at the high school level to his broadening impact at the collegiate level. I constantly search for recordingsandvideosofperformancesheleads.
Asachoirdirectormyselfnow,IstrivetoemulatethesamesenseofmusicalityandhumanityDr.Redding broughttothoserehearsalsinLA.Heshowedmethatchoralmusicisn'tjustanartform;it'sawaytobuild bridges,fosterempathy,andelevatelives.Andforthat,I’llforeverbegrateful.
