A Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

What a busy spring! I hope everyone is nearing a kind of 'finish line' in their work, whether it is adjudication, concerts, community events, festivals, worship services, and so much more.

The spring 2023 issue of Tactus features some familiar columns: awards and grants, DEI article, president's address, and a tribute. Each piece of content demonstrates choral music's ability to connect diverse communities through visions of empowerment, equity, and inclusion. What's new: a composer spotlight, conference recap, and WACDA events! Thank you for all the pictures and reflections you submitted.

Readers, how did I do? Please drop a line and send me some feedback! I am excited to continue being your fearless editor and give a platform to voices and the joyous and meaningful work we do in the Western region. If you would like to contribute to future issues, here are some ideas:

Composer spotlight featuring new works

Your stories of choral connection and collaboration

Community vocal music initiative

Outreach efforts

Choral crossword puzzle (or other puzzle)

Student ACDA chapter news

Readers, I hope that you are inspired by our fantastic colleagues featured in this issue as much as I am. If I might suggest a takeaway from this issue, it would be to encourage readers to express gratitude for one another. We all have a someone to thank: an accompanist, our choirsters, a colleague, maintenance and security personnel, or supportive administrators. By taking some time to acknowledge one another's work, we build stronger, lasting relationships.

Personally, I am grateful for those who lead by example for our students. I admire the positive impact teachers can make on a student's perspective of humanity. Thank you for all you do!

You can email me at tactuseditor@acdawestern.org.

Aloha, Olivia Arnold Tactus Editor

Hawai'i-ACDA R&R Middle School Chair Hawai'i Music Educators Association Secretary