Eveninmyforgetfulness,Iamtrulythankfulformanythings.IcouldstartlistingpeopleandthingsthatIi am grateful for, but it would just be a list for you to read through and it probably wouldn’t have deep meaningforyou
I wanted to write something that was creative or clever, but as I started to write, I realized that I wasn’t feelingparticularlycreativeorclever SoIfoundan acrosticforThanksgivingonline Ithinkitsharessome importantremindersofpracticingthankfulness
I hope as we move into the next season of singing, which can be overwhelming at times, you are able to rememberthepeopleandthingsforwhichyouarethankful!!
Best,
JonathanD.Owen SWACDAPresident/Editor
State of the State
Julia Dale Colorado President
ColoradoACDAhadawonderfulsummerconferenceatournewvenue,MontviewPresbyterianChurchin Denver! Nearly 90 choir directors gathered to learn from the always-inspiring Dr. Julie Yu, and we left energizedandfullofideas.
A highlight of the conference was a new collaborative experience: singing together under the direction of fiveofourtalentedcollegiatedirectors Itwassuchajoytomakemusictogether,explorefreshrepertoire, and experience the unique artistry each conductor brought to the podium what an incredible wealth of talentwehaverighthereinColorado!
Another standout session was Dr. Morgan Luttig’s engaging presentation, “Make Serious Music Unseriously: Cultivating Intuitive Singers.” Attendees left feeling refreshed, motivated, and eager to bring newideasbacktotheirrehearsalrooms
We’re also excited to announce a new initiative monthly online sessions featuring guest clinicians from across the country! Join us on the first Thursday evening of each month from 7-8pm Mountain time to learn, connect, and grow with colleagues. Details are available on our social media (@coloradoacda) and website(coloradoacda.org).
Mark your calendars now for next summer we ’ re thrilled to welcome Dr Derrick Fox and Roger David to our2026SummerConference July20–22!
Over 20 diverse Interest Sessions
11 R&R sessions on Wednesday
Music in Worship Immersion Day on Thursday, with an afternoon ecumenical service
7 Honor Choir and each conductor will share a session on Wednesday
19 traditional auditioned choirs and 4 nontraditional, including show choir, jazz choir and contemporary a cappella
All-Conference Sings conducted by some of our esteemed past presidents
An exciting Welcome to Albuquerque opening night concert
SWACDA’s first ever High School Jazz honor choir
Our headliner, Apollo5- from the UK and part of the Voces8 Foundation
Incredible food and cultures to experience
Early Wednesday morning hot air balloon ride opportunity
All-Conference receptions (including the President’s Reception)
R&R Repertoire
Bryan Taylor Music in Worship
TriedandTrue&NewtoMe
Repertoire lists of suggested anthems and choral works have been my favorite way to find choral gems throughoutmychurchmusicandteachingcareer’s.EverytimeIcreatealistlikethis,Ipicturethebuoyant and cheerful face of master teacher and choral influencer, Bill Grace – the grand choral poohbah of Missouri Billisstirringheaven’sangelchoirsnow,buthisripplesofexcellencethathesharedwithsomany ofuscontinuetoflowoutward,capturingourheartsfortheloveofinspiringchoralsinging Herearesome of my favorite anthems that areTried andTrue and New or New to Me that stir the hearts of my singers, church congregation, and concert audience Check them out, connect with me if you have questions, and keepaddingandsharingyourlistswithothers
Aschoirdirectors,wedothesamewithourrepertoire.We’realwayssearchingforthatnext excitingpiece… something fresh, unique, and inspiring. Yet, it’s important not to overlook the treasures already in our chorallibraries:thosetimelessworksthatcontinuetoresonatewith singersandaudiencesalike.
(Side bar: For newer directors, some of these “classics” might be unfamiliar If that’s you, take note! These are outstanding middle school and junior high selections that truly stand the test of time They work beautifully, yearafteryear,andneverseemtogrowold)
