Hello, friends! Can you feel it? October is here, the leaves are turning here in Missouri, and there’s something in the air. It’s crisp, colorful, and just a little bit magical. And inside SWACDA? We’re buzzing with the same kind of energy! Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes, making sureMarchinAlbuquerqueisgoingtobesomethingreallyspecial
This issue of The Southwestern Connection is full of all the updates you’ll want. We’re especially excited about our scholarship programs for young teachers and honor choir singers. These programs are all about giving the next generation of choral leaders a boost, whether that’s performing, learning, or just getting the encouragement they need to shine. Honestly, nothing makes us smile morethanseeingthesetalentedfolkstakethestage!
You’ll also find wisdom from our past presidents in the “Past Presidents’ Corner,” plus tips, ideas, and inspiration from our amazing R&R Chairs. And the “State of the State” section? Packed with highlights, trends, and cool developments from around the Southwestern Region. It’s a little bit of everything that makes SWACDA such a special community; supporting each other, sharing ideas, and celebrating the joy of music together There is much more information about Albuquerque withinthesepages,anddon’tforgetthe“TimeCapsule”
And yes we ’ re already dreaming about Albuquerque! From the beautiful Sandia Mountains to the diverse cultures to the incredible food, the city is ready to welcome us, and we can’t wait to see you there. Performances, sessions, catching up with friends every little detail is being planned so that youleavetheconferenceinspired,energized,andfullofideasforyourchoirs
Fall is a season of change, and isn’t it fun to watch all the pieces come together? Just like the leaves turning, our plans are coming to life, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the creativity, dedication, and pure joy that make our SWACDA community so special. So pour yourself a cup of something warm, enjoythisissue,andgetready,becausewecan’twaittoseeyouinAlbuquerque!
Albuquerqueisjustaplanerideaway!!
Best,
JonathanOwen,SWACDAPresident
PastPresident’sCorner
TonyGonzalez 2016-2018 OklahomaCity
ALastingTribute
My contribution this month is dedicated to my former teachers.They made it possible for me to attain a happy and fulfilling career It was their encouragement and support that helped me live my life with passion Myreflectionswillnodoubtringafamiliartone
Robert Buchanan further encouraged me with many conducting opportunities and introduced me to the Texas All-Sate Choir. (My threeyoungerbrotherswerealsoAll-Statetenors.)
Ron Shirey at Del Mar College had a vibrant choralprogramwhereweallthrivedandmade lifelong friendships. The impact of his choir trips was a lasting influence in my years of teachingwithmyyearlychoirtrips.
Bruce Govich was an enormous influence on my vocal teaching through his pedagogical approach that was based on the latest scientific information. Voice pedagogy continues to stimulate and inspiremyvocalinstruction.
B. R. Henson had the strongest influence on my conducting, score study, and the discipline to the choral art. He was a no-nonsense teacher with demanding standards. Hisincrediblemusicalinstinctswereaninspirationtoall.Thestudyandperformanceof manymajorchoralworkscontinuestolivewithme.
There were other individuals that deserve mention. Ruth Summers Whitlock was a kind and compassionateteacherandapioneerinmusiceducationwhileatTCU.BillandDeeAnnGorham’s(Texas A&M@Commerce)musicianshipandfriendshipwasmeaningfultosomany.Inthoseyearswewere influenced by the writings, workshops, and recordings of Robert Shaw, Paul Salamunovich, Howard Swan,andWestonNoble.
StateoftheState Arkansas
Dr. Nick Farr,
WarmgreetingsfromtheNaturalState!
President
My name is Dr Nick Farr, and it is both a tremendous honor and a distinct privilege to serve as the President of ACDA Arkansas I’m grateful for this opportunity to reflect on the progress we ’ ve made as a stateandtosharetheexcitingpathahead
Inadditiontothisrole,IserveastheFoundingArtisticDirectorofUnaVoceatWildwood,athrivingyouth community chorus, and have recently accepted the position of Director of Choral Activities at Shorter CollegeinNorthLittleRock Alongsidetheseroles,Iamproudtoservefull-timeasahighschoolprincipal, apositionthatdeepensmyunderstandingofthebroadereducationallandscape Ineverycapacity,Iremain steadfast in my mission to champion choral music in Arkansas and to serve our community of educators andstudentswithenergy,purpose,andvision
I’m delighted to report that ACDA Arkansas is flourishing, thanks to the tireless efforts of our board and dedicated membership Our recent leadership transition was remarkably smooth, a testament to the professionalismandcollaborationwithinourorganization Aspartofthistransition,Iintroducedtwonew leadershippositions:DirectorofConferencesandDiversityChair Theseadditionswillallowustoenhance organizationalefficiency,strengthenouroutreach,andfurtherenrichthevalueweprovidetoourmembers Wearecommittedtoreclaimingformermembersandexpandingourreachinmeaningfulandlastingways I’malsopleasedtosharetwosignificantupdatestoourstatechapter’sidentity,anewnameandanewlogo Effective August, 2025, we are no longer referred to as Arkansas ACDA or AR-ACDA; our official name is now ACDA Arkansas This change was made to reduce ongoing confusion with similarly named organizationsinthestateandtoestablishaclearer,moredistinctiveidentity Alongsidethisupdate,we’re proudtounveilournewlogo,whichisattachedtothisemail Thisrefreshedbrandingwillcontinuetohelp uspromoteandpraisetheprofessionalism,creativity,andforward-thinkingspiritofchoraleducatorsacross Arkansas IbelievethismarksanimportantsteptowardamoredefinedandrefinedpresenceforACDAin ourstate
This November, we will once again host our specialized symposium for high school students preparing to audition for the 2026 Arkansas All-State Honor Choirs The event offers focused, skill-building sessions designed to support both students and directors through the audition process By equipping participants withprovenstrategiesandpracticaltools,weaimtoelevatetheirconfidenceandperformancereadiness
literature selection, assessment strategies, and program development Our goal is to provide a robust and structured framework that empowers directors to highlight the unique strengths of their ensembles and makeinformedpedagogicaldecisions.
These initiatives complement our established offerings, such as the Arkansas Intercollegiate Choir clinic and concert, held during the Arkansas All-State Music Conference. This event brings together collegiate students and directors from across the state in a collaborative honor choir experience that continues to strengthenourprofessionalnetwork.
We are encouraged by our state’s growing membership and are actively working to expand services and engagement opportunities. Arkansas is poised to be a strong and visible presence in the regional and nationalchoralcommunity.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce the dates for our upcoming Summer 2026 Conference, which willtakeplaceJuly21–24,2026 Fullconferencedetails,includingregistrationinformation,willbeavailable onourwebsite(wwwarkansasacdaorg)beginningDecember1
As we chart our course forward, ACDA Arkansas remains deeply committed to evolving alongside the educationallandscape.Weareintentionalincreatingdiverse,inclusive,andforward-thinkingopportunities that not only serve our membership, but also strengthen the foundation of choral music across the state. Ourmissionisclear:tocultivateresilient,high-impactprogramsthatuplifteducatorsandinspirethenext generationofArkansaschoralmusicians.
We all remember that one teacher: the one whose classroom felt different. It was a place of inspiration, safety,andmutualrespect.Formanyofus,thatteacheristhereasonweenterededucation.Butwhatwas their secret? More often than not, it wasn't a complex curriculum or a rigid set of rules; it was their profoundabilitytobuildrapport.
Rapport is defined as " a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understandeachother'sfeelingsorideasandcommunicatewell."Intheclassroom,thisisn'tasoftskill,it's yourmostpowerfulmanagementstrategy.
WhyRapportisaNon-NegotiableinEducation
A classroom built on rapport transforms the learning environment When students feel a genuine connectionwiththeirteacher,thedynamicshiftsfromcompliancetocollaboration Thebenefitsare clearandcompelling:
Opens Students to Learning: Students are more receptive to new ideas and more willing to take intellectualrisks
Makes Feedback Stick: Constructive criticism is received more openly and acted upon more effectivelywhenitcomesfromatrustedmentor.
Models Positive Interaction: You provide a living example of empathy, respect, and healthy communication.
Simplifies Management: Ultimately, a classroom where students feel known and respected is a classroomthatmanagesitself.
ThePracticalToolkit:HowtoBuildAuthenticRapport
Building this connection is an intentional practice Here are actionable strategies drawn from the presentationtohelpyoucultivateitinyourownclassroom
1.SpeakTheir"Language"
An innovative approach is to adapt the concept of the "Five Love Languages" to a classroom context Rapportincreaseswhenyouconnectwithstudentsinwaystheyvaluemost.
Asoneofmyformerstudents,Maura,shared:"Youneverbelittledourstress Youlookedusintheeyes You cheered with us and celebrated our accomplishments in and out of Choir" Another, Caitlin, noted: "You greetedeverybodyliketheywereaclosefriend...itwasdisarminginaclassroomwithahighlevelofrigor."
Asconductors,weareoftenencouragedtorecordourrehearsalsinordertoevalua quality, and efficiency. While this practice can be useful, I discovered an equally hearing a talk by Vinh Giang on communication and public speaking. He suggests watching yourself withoutsound.Byshiftingmyfocusawayfrommyownconductingandtowardthebodylanguageofmy singers, I noticed their engagement was not as strong as I had imagined. This realization prompted a fundamentalquestion:whatdoesarehearsalfeellikeforthesinger,andwhatdoIultimatelywantthemto gainfromtheexperience?
The rehearsal models I had inherited as a student were rooted in perfectionism, timed tasks, and long stretches of silence punctuated only by conductor instruction. Early in my own teaching career, I attempted to replicate this top-down approach, only to discover after several years that such rigidity did not always foster artistry or community Through reflection, research, and experimentation, I gradually began developing an approach informed by leadership strategies from other fields of study In studying effectiveteamleaders,Inoticedconsistentthemes:peoplethrivedwhentheyfeltsafe,whencollaboration wasencouraged,andwhentheyhadownershipintheprocess.Thechallenge,then,wastotranslatethese principlesintochoralrehearsalculturewhilemaintainingthedisciplineandmasteryIvalued.
Myfirstchangesweresmallbutdeliberate Iencouragedsingerstosuggestwarm-upsthatsupportedboth individualandsectionalneeds,whichgavethemasenseofownershipwhiledeepeningtheirawarenessof vocalfunction.Icontinuedstudent-ledsectional.However,duringthosesectionalsweincorporatedaspace forthemtoidentifyandaddresschallengestheycameacrossalongsidemyownobservations.Ialsoadded reflective practice, asking singers to share in writing one or two thoughts after rehearsal about what had gone well and what could improve for next time. Over time, these practices reshaped rehearsals from somethingbeingdonetostudentsintosomethingtheyactivelyhelpedtocreate
Rehearsalpacingwasanotherareaoftransformation.Beginningwithquietgroundingmoments,whethera fewsecondsorcollectivehumming,helpedestablishacalmandfocusedatmosphere.Apredictablewarmup routine offered stability, while short breaks between pieces allowed singers to reset both mentally and physically. After particularly demanding passages, I encouraged stretching or light movement to release tension and restore focus Far from wasting time, these pauses made the subsequent work more efficient andsustainable
Collaboration became an equally powerful tool for engagement. Allowing singers to shape phrasing decisionsorparticipateinopendiscussionaboutmusicaleffectivenessencouragedthemtothinkcritically andcreatively.Evenbriefimprovisatoryactivitiesprovidedvaluableopportunitiesforimaginationandrisktaking. What once might have seemed like digressions instead enriched the ensemble’s artistry and strengthenedtheirinvestmentinthemusic
Ultimately, building a sustainable rehearsal culture requires us to view singers not merely as vessels for musical instruction, but as whole people who bring unique perspectives, needs, and creative potential to the ensemble. By intentionally incorporating student ownership, thoughtful pacing, and collaborative opportunities,wecreaterehearsalsthatarenotonlymoreengagingbutalsomorehumane.Thisshiftdoes notdiminishthepursuitofmusicalexcellence;rather,itstrengthensitbyfosteringartistrythatgrowsout of trust, investment, and joy As conductors, we have the opportunity, and responsibility to shape environmentswheresingerscanthrivemusically,andpersonally.
