TheSouthwestern connection
What’s Inside
From the President’s Pen State of the State
R&R
SWACDA Performances
1974 - 1988
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
Show Choir - Michael Shimp
World Music & Cultures - Eduardo Garcia-Novelli
Tenor/Bass Choirs - Reginal Wright
Soprano/Alto Choirs - Tanner Oglesby
FromthePresident’sPen
My term is winding down, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of the Southwestern Region of ACDA. As I reflect on these years, so many wonderful memories come to mind.
First and foremost, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to assemble such an outstanding team of people. Several of them were individuals I did not know personally before inviting them to serve, but I trusted the recommendations and encouragement of friends and colleagues I admire greatly. Every one of the Repertoire & Resources chairs stepped in enthusiastically and exceeded every expectation I had for them. They wrote articles, shared repertoire, organized conference sessions, presided over events, and contributed in countless other ways. Along the way, they became not only valued colleagues, but dear friends as well
Some of my favorite memories also came through attending our state ACDA conferences during the summers. In July 2024, I had the opportunity to attend TCDA and make many meaningful connections I am especially thankful to Sally Schott and Janice Bradshaw for helping introduce me to so many wonderful Texas colleagues. I also attended the Missouri conference (my home state) which gave me the chance to reconnect with many long-time friends.
During the summer of 2025, I was able to attend three state conferences: Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. It was inspiring to see the incredible work happening in each of those states and to meet so many dedicated educators who care deeply about choral music and about providing their singers with the very best opportunities and highest level of musical education and performance experiences. The leadership throughout our region is truly exceptional.
I still have two more magazine issues to serve as editor, and I look forward to sharing additional memories and reflections in the months ahead.
Best, Jonathan D. Owen SWACDA President
- for a little longer
StateoftheState Colorado
JuliaDale,President
ThisspringmarkedanexcitingmilestoneforColoradoACDAaswehostedourinauguralCoACDA SpringChoralFestivalatMontviewBoulevardPresbyterianChurch Thirtyoutstandingchoirsfrom across the region shared their music in this beautiful space, receiving adjudicated ratings and professionalrecordingsoftheirperformances.Itwasaninspiringcelebrationofchoralartistryanda meaningfulnewopportunityforoursingersanddirectorsalike.
We are thrilled to continue this momentum into the summer with our 2026 conference, The Connected Leader, taking place July 20–22, 2026, once again at Montview. This year ’ s conference will feature headliners Dr. Derrick Fox and Roger David, alongside a dynamic lineup of presenters including Dr Nathan Payant, Dr Coreen Duffy, Dr Seth Pendergast,Westin Sorrel, Faith Kirkland, Sophia Miller, and Rosie O'Conner. With seven headliner sessions, eight reading sessions, ten interest sessions and roundtables, there will be abundant opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. We look forward to filling our hearts and minds together in a spirit of connection this summer.
We'dlovetoconnectwithdirectorsfromallareas-youareallwelcometojoinus!Registertodayat coloradoacda.org.
R&R Resource
Youth and Student Activities
Jennifer Sengin, R&R Chair
FillingYourCup: PracticesThatRestoreEnergyandJoyfortheChoralMusician
Aschoralmusicians,ourschoolingandourworklifeoftenexistattheintersectionofourpassion,butwe can still benefit from taking the time to restore our joy and renew our energy to prepare for the next upcomingseason Bythetimemanyofusreachtheendoftheschoolyear(asastudentorteacher),church calendar year, community choir season, etc we are often ready for an opportunity to rest In the role of R&R chair of Youth and Student Activities, I especially think about the college students who are just beginningtheirjourneysintothiswonderfulprofession Studentsareinundatedwithtremendouslearning opportunitiesthatrequiretheirtime, attention,talents, andenergy Whetheryouareapre-serviceteacher or a veteran choral musician, changes in our musical seasons offer us an opportunity to rejuvenate ourselvesbeforethenextseasonbegins.
Ascreatives,wegivesofullyofourselvestoourschoolandwork.Asleaders,thepeopleweworkwithrely on us to present our best selves.While this outpouring helps us be effective and dedicated teachers and music directors, it can also be exhausting. Our roles require us to consider ways that we can fill our own cups. While many of us already have self-care strategies that support our lives, exploring professional developmentopportunities,engaginginmovementpractices,orexploringotherareasofinterestoutsideof ourownfieldscanprovideopportunitiestoenrichandbringnewlifetoourownpractice.
ProfessionalDevelopment
Engaginginprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesisacommonwaytoreenergizefortheupcomingmusical season Asummerlearningopportunitycanbeajoyfultimethatenrichesyouprofessionallyandnotfora grade or certificate (although those can certainly be good options as well!) While many opportunities are academic-based,othersexistspecificallyforfunoraredesignedfortopushyouinareasyoumightliketo grow.Someoftheseopportunitiesinclude:
AttendingStateACDA/MEAConferences:Theseconferencesnotonlyprovideexcellentprofessional contentbutalsocreateopportunitiestonetworkandconnectwithotherconductorsinthefield.They oftenofferstudentrates,newteacherrates,ordiscountsforfirst-timeattendeestolowerbarriersfor registrationandattendance.
AttendingaWorkshopSponsoredbyOtherMusicOrganizations:Conferencesandworkshopsarenot limitedtothemajormusicorganizations.Colleges/universities,churchmusicianassociations, communitychoirs,children’sandyouthchoirs,andindependentteachershostworkshopsthroughout thecountryeachyear.TheACDAChoralJournalovidesagreatlistofsomeofthesesummer opportunities.Forthecompletelistof2026summerworkshops,checkout:https://acdapublications.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/CJ/MarchApril2026/FestivalListingsMarchApril26.pdf
SinginginaSummerEnsemble:Manycommunitychoirs,churchchoirs,andcolleges/universitiesoffer “Summer Sing” events for choristers to participate in for a finite period of time. These experiences oftenhaveaculminatingconcertattheendoftheirrehearsalprocessandofferpeopleachancetosing withoutthecommitmentofanensembleduringtheirhighlyactivemusicalseasons
Creating Your Own Professional Development: With YouTube and other internet-based learning options,therearesomanypossibilitiesofwaystoenrichourlearningexperiencesatnocost Consider identifyingafewtopicsthatyouwouldliketolearnabout,eitherindependentlyorwithacommunity of your peers Perhaps you are interested in exploring systems for rhythm reading in ensemble rehearsals: if you might start by watching lectures and tutorials online to look for inspiration before you invest in attending a workshop or conference.This can be an especially effective and accessible strategyforpre-serviceteachersasyoubegintheprocessofengagingwithandsharingresources.
Reading a Book Alone or with Friends: The summer is a great time to explore resources that you already ownormightnototherwisehavetimetoexploreinthethroesofademandingmusicalseason.Forstudents who have significant reading demands during the academic year, finding time to explore their own academicpursuitsintheoff-seasonmightallowthemtoidentifynewtopicsthatmotivateandinspire.If youareunsureofwheretobegin,herearesomebooksthatI’vefoundparticularlyusefulinsparkingnew ideas:
oDaretoLeadbyDr.BrenéBrown
oTheGiftsofImperfectionbyDr.BrenéBrown
oLearnFaster,PerformBetterbyDr.MollyGebrian
oBurnout:TheSecrettoUnlockingtheStressCyclebyDrs.EmilyNagoskiandAmeliaNagoski oTheCouragetoTeachbyDr.ParkerJ.Palmer
oArt&ScienceintheChoralRehearsalbyDr.SharonJ.Paul
MovementPractices
One of the best ways to help our bodies seek relaxation and recovery after times of stress is engaging in somesortofmovementpractice.Asweknowfromthebook,TheBodyKeepstheScorebyBesselvander Kolk,stressandtraumalivewithinourbodies Wecanhelptoprocesstimesofhighproductivityandstress byseekingrenewalinamovementpractice Thesemovementpracticesdonotneedtobefancy,exhaustive, or expensive Taking a walk, taking a yoga class (in-person or online at no cost), stretching, dancing, swimming, or anything that moves our bodies helps us to process stress In Burnout: The Secret to UnlockingtheStress
Cycle, Drs Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski offer great research and strategies to help complete the stresscycle Whileitcanbetemptingtojustrelaxinstillnessattheendoftheseason,mindfullyengaging inmovementeachdaysetsusonapathtorenewalfortheseasonahead.
ExploringOutsideofYourField
In looking for ways to unwind and refresh for the upcoming year, we might also find opportunities to pursue our interests outside of our chosen fields of work and study. Consider exploring a new hobby or craft, taking a class, investing time in improving the space where you live, traveling, visiting family and friends, or engaging in anything else that brings you joy.You can do any of these activities alone or with others. Community is such an important component of living a meaningful life and it is important to rememberthatourchosenfieldsrepresentonlyaportionofourpersonhood.Engaginginareasoutsideof ourschoolandworkcanremindusoftherichnessofourliveswithoutonlyidentifyingwithourworkand studyareas.
Whetheryouareastudentoraveteranchoralmusician,takingthetimetonurtureourownminds,bodies, andspiritsrenewsusandpreparesusfortheworkahead.
R&R Resource Jr. High / Middle School
Cristi Miller, R&R Chair
ResourcestoEngageYourThinking
As the school year winds down, many of us start to feel like we ’ re running out of fresh ideas and need somethingtokeepstudentsengagedandlearningrightuptothefinaldays.It’salsoagreattimetobreak awayfromtheusualroutineandbringanewenergyintothechoralclassroom.
At the same time, summer reading season is just around the corner Along with those can’t-put-down novels,it’salwaysrefreshingtoexplorebooksthatsparknewideasandinspirationfortheyearahead
Hereareafewresourcesthatcansupportbothgoals
Choir-Tivities(KristaHart,Alfred)
This resource is packed with a wide range of useful ideas.The instructions are clear and easy to follow withoutbeingoverlydetailed,andthere’sastrongfocusongamesandskilldevelopment.
TheChoralPlaybook(AnnaWentlent,Alfred)
There are over 80 exercises presented used to teach ensemble skills.You will find many warm-up ideas thatyou’veneverheard.
ChoralCharisma(TomCarter,GIA)
Themessageofthebookfocussesonincreasingtheexpressivenessofsingers,somethingwecanallwork onwithourstudents.
Teaching Music Through Performance in the Middle School Choir (edFrank Abrahams and Paul D Head, GIA)
This resource has been around a while but is one of the most comprehensive resources published for middleschoolchoirs Therearemanycontributorsthatmakethathappen
Sing6-7-8(RogerEmerson,HalLeonard)
There are not enough good things I can say about what information this book holds.Topics in the book rangefromrecruitingtodisciplinetochangingvoicestorepertoire.
QuickStartsforYoungChoirs(CristiCaryMiller/AngieMcKenna,HalLeonard)
I can’t leave this one out! Hopefully, you’ll find some new ideas in this resource written by two middle schoolteachers.
Show Choir Songs for the Upcoming Season
As directors begin planning for theupcoming showchoir season, song selection becomes one of the biggest creative decisions of the year. The right arrangement has to do more than sound exciting. It needs to fit the ensemble, support the show concept, create visual opportunities, and give students music that feels both challenging and achievable.
I would like to highlight options from several arrangers whose work is familiar to the show choir community. The selections below include ideas for mixed ensembles, treble ensembles, and tenor-bass ensembles, along with links to catalog pages and available recordings or sample previews.
Voicing note: Many catalogs list treble voicings as SSA rather than SA For this article, SSA is treated as the closest published treble option. Directors should confirm voicings, permissions, and licensing directly with each arranger or publisher before programming a title
Brock Keiper, BMK Arrangements
BMK Arrangements offers practical show choir charts with searchable voicings, show functions, and style categories. These titles are especially useful for directors who want clear pop energy and a chart that can sit comfortably in either an opener or closer position.
● Everybody - Voicing: SATB, TTB
Best use: Opener or closer
Catalog: BMK title page | Listen: BMK audio sample
● Learn To Fly - Voicing: SATB, SSA
Best use: Opener, closer, or growth-themed second half moment
Catalog: BMK title page | Listen: BMK audio sample
● Larger Than Life - Voicing: SATB, TTB
Best use: Flashy opener, transition, or closer
Catalog: BMK title page | Listen: BMK audio sample
Cooper Baldwin
Cooper Baldwin's arranging work often feels cinematic, colorful, and highly shaped around concept. These options are especially useful for programs looking for a distinct sound world, a stylized section, or a custom direction built around storytelling.
● Electro Swing Medley - Best fit: Custom SATB, SA/SSA, or TB/TTB request
Best use: Vintage, cabaret, 1920s, speakeasy, circus, or high-fashion concept
Recording: Cooper Baldwin SoundCloud page | Arrangements: Cooper Baldwin arrangements page
● Scarborough Fair - Best fit: Mixed or treble feature
Best use: Mysterious, folk-inspired, classical, or cinematic moment
Why it works: This arrangement can create contrast in the middle of a show and gives the ensemble a chance to lean into color, blend, and atmosphere.
Recording: Scarborough Fair on SoundCloud
● VisitingHours
Best use:
Recording: - Best fit: Ballad or intimate ensemble moment
Reflective ballad for memory, family, healing, or connection
Cooper Baldwin SoundCloud page | Arrangements: Cooper Baldwin arrangements page
Garrett Breeze, Breeze Tunes
Garrett Breeze's Breeze Tunes catalog is built for directors who need practical show choir options with clear voicing information and preview access. These two titles are especially helpful because they cover mixed, treble, and tenor-bass ensembles.
● Catch Us If You Can - Voicing: SATB, SSA, TTB
Best use: Bold opener
Catalog and preview: Breeze Tunes title page
● Dead Man's Party - Voicing: SATB, SSA, TTB, Unison or Two-Part
Best use: Spooky, villain, Halloween, haunted, or underworld concept
Catalog and preview: Breeze Tunes title page
Anita Cracauer, ShowChoirStock.com
Anita Cracauer's ShowChoirStock catalog is director-friendly and often includes multiple published voicings with sample recordings. These titles are especially useful for programs wanting accessible, ready-to-use show choir music with strong theatrical purpose.
Sound Off
● - Voicing: SATB, SSA, SAB Opener or closer
Bestuse:
Catalog andsamples: Tomorrow Is ABlankPage
ShowChoirStock title page
● - Voicing: SATB, SSA, SAB
Best use: Closer
Catalog and samples:
● Courage To ShineBest use: Ballad
ShowChoirStock title page
Catalog and samples: Voicing:SATB, SSA, SAB
ShowChoirStock title page
Nick Brockamp
Nick Brockamp's available arrangements include approachable, pop-forward options that could support show choir programming, especially for directors looking for clear style and immediate student buy-in. The titles below are useful starting points for SATB and treble ensembles.
● Sunday Best - Voicing: SATB
Best use: Feel-good opener, transition, or audience-friendly pop number
Catalog and listen preview: Sheet Music Plus title page
● Five In The Morning - Voicing: SSA
Best use: Treble funk, R&B, or pop feature
Catalog and listen preview: Sheet Music Plus title page
● Heartbreaker
Best use:
- Voicing: SSA
Treble rock feature
Catalog andlistenpreview:
Sheet Music Plus title page
Kevin Duggan, Duggan Arrangements
Kevin Duggan's catalog includes show choir arrangements, original titles, and MP3 links for many selections. Because some catalog titles are available in multiple voicings, directors should contact Duggan Arrangements to confirm the exact voicing needed for mixed, treble, or tenor-bass ensembles.
● - Voicing: Confirm with arranger
On My Cellphone
Best use:
Novelty, technology, phone, communication, or social media concept
Catalog with MP3 link:
Duggan prearranged catalog
● - Voicing: Confirm with arranger
As It Burns
Best use:
Dramatic opener or closer
Catalogwith MP3link:
● Like Fireworks -
Duggan prearranged catalog
Voicing:Confirm with arranger
Best use: Ballad
Catalog with MP3 link:
Duggan prearranged catalog
Final Thoughts
The strongest show choir programming gives every ensemble a clear identity. Mixed groups need full-ensemble power and vocal color. Treble groups need charts that celebrate brilliance, clarity, and confidence without forcing the sound. Tenor-bass groups need arrangements that feel full, energetic, and vocally supported.
These arrangers offer a wide range of starting points for the upcoming season. Whether a director is looking for a high-energy opener, a stylized feature, a meaningful ballad, or a closer that brings the audience to its feet, this collection gives programs a strong place to begin. Before finalizing a title, directors should confirm voicing, licensing, arrangement rights, and recording availability directly with the arranger or publisher.
R&R Resource
Show Choir Michael Shimp, R&R Chair
