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AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION WESTERN CONFERENCE PROGRAM WINTER 2024

ARIZONA • CALIFORNIA • HAWAI'I • NEVADA • UTAH

First United Methodist Church of Pasadena 500 E Colorado Boulevard Pasadena Convention Center 300 E Green Street

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, MARCH 8

6 ACDA In the Beginning

31 Concert Session #5

In Memoriam

All Conference Sing Rehearsals

Advocacy Resolution

Advancing the Arts #4

7 Message from the President, Michael Short Message from the Executive Director, Robyn Hilger

32 Advancing the Arts #4 (continued) We Are One - Songs of Unity and Service 33 Advancing the Arts #5

9 National Officers & Standing Committees

Concert Session #6

10 ACDA Western Region Board & Committees

34 All Conference Sing

11 WACDA State Boards & Committees 12 ACDA National Conferences ACDA Western Region Conferences Western Region Conference Honorees Western Region Past Presidents 15 Conference Honoree Joseph Huszti 18 Featured Ensembles: Choral Arts Initiative, säje 21 Honor Choir Schedule Conference Sponsor Acknowledgement

22 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Concert Session #1: Conference Kick-Off

23 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Concert Session #2 Advancing the Arts #1 25 Advancing the Arts #1 (continued) Advancing the Arts #2 26 Advancing the Arts #2 (continued) Advancing the Arts #3 27 Advancing the Arts #3 (continued) Concert Session #3 28 Concert Session #3 (continued) Concert Session #4 29 Western ACDA Poster Sessions

Concert Session #7

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, MARCH 9 35 Advancing the Arts #6 Concert Session #8 36 Advancing the Arts #6 (continued) Advancing the Arts #7 37 Concert Session #9: Honor Choirs 40 Presenter Biographies 47 Performing Ensembles and Director Biographies 56 Honor Choir Conductor Biographies 57 Exhibitors and Program Advertisers 59 Map

ADVOCACY RESOLUTION Whereas the Human spirit is elevated to a broader understanding of itself through the study and performance in the aesthetic arts; and Whereas serious cutbacks in funding and support have steadily eroded state institutions and their programs throughout our country; Be it resolved that all citizens of the United States actively voice their affirmative and collective support for necessary funding at the local, state, and national levels of education and government, to ensure the survival of arts programs.

ACDA IN THE BEGINNING On February 4, 1959, thirty-five choral directors met in Kansas City, MO, for the purpose of establishing a national organization of choral music directors. The meeting, held in conjunction with the National Conference of the Music Teachers National Association, produced ACDA’s first constitution and bylaws as well as the structural framework that would allow the monumental growth of our organization. While it was originally designated the American Choirmasters Association, Elwood Keister proposed that the organization be named the American Choral Directors Association. The eighty-one officially designated charter members launched what was to become a significant and internationally recognized choral organization. The following year, President Archie Jones guided the activities that focused on preparation for the first national conference, which was held on March 16-17, 1960 in Atlantic City, NJ. This meeting was held in conjunction with the National Conference of the Music Educators National Conference. The late Harry R. Wilson and R. Wayne Hugoboom were responsible for the conference program, which proved to be very informative and successful. This early success and that of subsequent conferences proved to be major factors in the early growth of ACDA. The initial activities of ACDA included the structuring of geographic divisions paralleling MENC’s regional designations. The first Western Region ACDA meeting was a one-day conference at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA in October 1968. Gene Simmonds was president and Howard Swan, Jester Hairston, Charles Hirt, and Maurice Allard were guest speakers. Since that time, the Western Region has contributed to the growth and influence of ACDA in the choral art.

IN MEMORIAM Donald Baggett Glenn Bennett Alvin Brightbill Harry Carter Judith Cloud Jenise Coon

Harold Daugherty William Hall Dan Hoggatt Art Huff William Iveson John Lindsay

Sean Mahoney Anne-Marie Katemopoulos Albert McNeil Edward Moore Keith Morton Leanne Weatherly Rzepiela

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, Michael Short The WACDA 2024 Conference “Many Voices, One Song” is ready to go! Many thanks to Lou DeLa Rosa for leading an amazing conference in 2022. This year will continue to create music that stirs the heart and mind; as many people with different beliefs and lifestyles, uniting through a shared love of music! For our seasoned teachers and conductors, this is a time to recharge. Revisit the excitement of hearing new choirs. Discover new music and techniques that make us more informed musicians and teachers. Reconnect with colleagues and recenter our collective choral world. For our teachers and conductors beginning a journey in the choral profession, this conference will be eye opening! You may ask yourself - How did they get to be so good? Can my choir sound like their choir? We all grow and can be inspired through the many concerts, “Advancing the Arts” Sessions, Master Classes, Tool Box Sessions, Reading Sessions, and opportunities to meet composers attending the conference. I know you will find new and exciting repertoire for your ensembles. It has taken village to create this amazing conference! Led by Conference Chair Cari Earnhart and Conference Vice Chair Scot Hanna-Weir, over 30 committee leaders planned this conference! I encourage you to thank the volunteers at this event. With their leadership and commitment, this conference is made possible! We are so fortunate to work in a field with loving and magnanimous people who help us grow our craft. I have always felt that our job is to grow kind and thoughtful people who can feel, think, express and have compassion for others. We give our students and singers beautiful ways to express themselves through all types of music. There will always be many voices in this world, yet we have one song of love, kindness and respect for all the people of the world. Enjoy and celebrate every moment of the conference! I look forward to seeing you in Pasadena.

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Robyn Hilger With a jubilant heart, I extend to you a resounding welcome to the 2024 Western Region Conference, where voices unite in an extraordinary celebration of choral artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned conductor, a passionate singer, a curious educator, or a student just diving into this world, this conference is your playground—a place to soak up knowledge, get inspired, and delve deeply into the wonders of choral artistry. The workshops, masterclasses, performances, and discussions are led by some of the brightest minds and most passionate voices in our field. Expect to explore everything from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge innovations and everything in between. It’s not just about the notes; it’s about the stories and emotions woven into each melody. Our collective journey will traverse classical opuses, modern innovations, folk traditions, and experimental realms, creating dialogue that fosters growth, innovation, and profound connections. This conference isn’t just about learning; it’s about forging friendships and collaborations that’ll resonate long after the final note. Get ready for a musical journey that’ll stir your soul and inspire your creativity. And, don’t forget to say THANK YOU to the wonderful team of conference organizers who have worked tirelessly for two years to create this amazing experience for all of us. We truly couldn’t do it without their incredible commitment. May this gathering ignite a symphony of creativity within us, fostering collaborations and friendships that resonate long after the final chord fades.

CONFERENCE HONOREE, Joseph Huszti Joseph Huszti, Professor Emeritus, retired from UC Irvine in 2014 after a 54-year teaching career, 37 at UCI. Joining ACDA in 1960 as the 214th member, he continues to be active as a singer and conductor of the Men in Blaque. His first position was in 1959 at Bakersfield College and he subsequently headed choral programs at the University of Delaware and Boston University. His mentors included Howard Swan, William Vennard, Todd Duncan, Robert Fountain and Otto Werner-Mueller. In 1965, the Bakersfield College Choir became the first American choir to win the International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen, Wales. The BC Choir held command performances for

Pope Paul VI and Lyndon B. Johnson.

President

During his tenure at UC Irvine, twenty-seven international concert tours included prize-winning performances at the International Musical Eistedfod, the Bela Bartok International Choral Competition, the Koorfest and the World Choir Games. Huszti headed the Young Vocalists Program at the Tanglewood Festival from 19721977 where he collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Norman Dello Joio, among others. Huszti has held leadership positions in ACDA in Delaware and Boston. He served as Western Division President from 1980-82. Huszti was honored by CCDA with the Howard Swan Award in 2020.

ACDA NATIONAL CONFERENCES 1971 Kansas City, MO 1973 Kansas City, MO 1975 St. Louis, MO 1977 Dallas, TX 1979 Kansas City, MO 1981 New Orleans, LA 1983 Nashville, TN 1985 Salt Lake City, UT 1987 San Antonio, TX 1989 Louisville, KY 1991 Phoenix, AZ 1993 San Antonio, TX 1995 Washington, D.C. 1997 San Diego, CA

1999 Chicago, IL 2001 San Antonio, TX 2003 New York, NY 2005 Los Angeles, CA 2007 Miami, FL 2009 Oklahoma City, OK 2011 Chicago, IL 2013 Dallas, TX 2015 Salt Lake City, UT 2017 Minneapolis, MN 2019 Kansas City, Missouri 2021 Virtual Conference 2023 Cincinnati, OH 2025 Dallas, TX

WESTERN REGION PAST PRESIDENTS 1964-67 Howard Swan * ⱡ 1971–73 Gene Simmonds * ⱡ 1973–75 Jane Hardester * ⱡ 1975–77 Ginger Covert Colla ⱡ 1977–79 David Thorsen ⱡ 1979–81 Douglas McEwen ⱡ 1981–83 Joseph Huszti 1983–85 Linda Allen Anderson 1985–87 Sharon Breden, CSJ ⱡ 1987–89 William Hatcher 1989–91 Sharon Breden, CSJ ⱡ 1991–93 Gary Unruh 1993–95 Jo-Michael Scheibe 1995–97 Mary Breden 1997–99 James O. Foxx ⱡ

ACDA WESTERN REGION CONFERENCES 1973 Coronado, CA 1976 Palo Alto, CA 1978 Tempe, AZ 1980 San Diego, CA 1982 Pasadena, CA 1984 Los Angeles, CA 1986 San José, CA 1988 Los Angeles, CA 1990 Fresno, CA 1992 Honolulu, HI 1994 Sacramento, CA 1996 Pasadena, CA

1998 Reno, NV 2000 Los Angeles, CA 2002 Honolulu, HI 2004 Las Vegas, NV 2006 Salt Lake City, UT 2008 Anaheim, CA 2010 Tucson, AZ 2012 Reno, NV 2014 Santa Barbara, CA 2016 Pasadena, CA 2018 Pasadena, CA 2020 Salt Lake City, UT 2022 Long Beach, CA

WESTERN REGION CONFERENCE HONOREES 1990 Roger Wagner 1992 Ralph Woodward, Sr. 1994 David Thorsen 1996 Charles Hirt 1998 Rodney Eichenberger 2000 Paul Salamunovich 2002 Jane Hardester 2004 Albert McNeil 2006 Frank Pooler

2008 Sr. Sharon Breden, CSJ 2010 William Hatcher 2012 Dean Semple 2014 Morten Lauridsen 2016 John Alexander 2018 Polly Vasché 2020 Donald Brinegar 2022 Charlene Archibeque 2024 Joseph Huszti

1999–2001 Thomas Davies 2001–03 Ron Kean 2003–05 Steve Hodson 2005--07 Edith A. Copley 2005–07 Elizabeth Kamerin 2007–09 Dean Semple ⱡ 2009–11 Cheryl Anderson 2011–13 Kathryn Smith 2013–15 Steve Hodson 2015–17 Anna Hamre 2017-19 Travis Rogers 2019-20 Kim Ritzer 2020-22 Lou De La Rosa

*Member of the original 81 Charter Members ⱡ Deceased Member

National Officers

National Standing Committees

ACDA National Executive Committee

Choral Repertoire and Resources

Composition Initiatives

Gretchen Harrison Committee Chair Damion Womack Youth Choirs Coordinator Joy Hirokawa Children’s and Community Youth Chair Clinton Hardy Junior High/Middle School Choirs Chair Philip Brown Senior High School Choirs Chair Caron Daley 4-year College & University Choirs Co-Chair Brandon Elliott 2-year College Choirs Co-Chair Elizabeth Swanson Student Activities Co-Chair (Programming) Ryan Beeken Student Activities Co-Chair (Chapter Development) Jack Cleghorn Lifelong Choirs Coordinator Matt Hill Community Choirs Chair Jennaya Robison Music in Worship Chair Gretchen Harrison Repertoire Specific Coordinator Kelsey Burkett Contemporary/Commercial Co-Chair (Show Choir) Rob Dietz Contemporary/Commercial Co-Chair (Contemporary A Cappella) Madlen Batchvarova World Musics and Cultures Chair Dustin Cates Men’s/TTBB Choirs Chair John Stafford Vocal Jazz Chair Erin Plisco Women’s/SSAA Choirs Chair

Dan Forrest Chair Brandon Boyd Robert Bode Katie Houts Joni Jensen

David Fryling President Edith Copley Vice President Pearl Shangkuan President-elect André Thomas Past President Tom Merrill Treasurer/Secretary Robyn Hilger Executive Director (Ex Officio)

National Board of Directors Christopher Kiver Eastern Region President David Puderbaugh Midwestern Region President Steven Zielke Northwestern Region President Stanley Roberts Southern Region President Jeffrey Murdock Southwestern Region President Michael Short Western Region President Gretchen Harrison National R&R Chair Oliver Scofield Industry Representative

Advocacy and Collaboration

Diversity Initiatives Arreon Harley-Emerson Chair Ahmed Anzaldúa Noël Archambeault André de Quadros Mari Esabel Valverde

Education and Communication Jamila McWhirter Chair John McDonald Chair-elect Mark Lawley Grant Farmer Robert Sinclair

International Activities Joshua Habermann Chair Nicolás Dosman Jeremy Jones Wendy Moy Giselle Wyers

Research and Publications Jessica Napoles Chair Elisa Dekaney Patrick Freer Elizabeth Parker

Emily Williams Burch Chair Jeffrey Benson Alex Gartner Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey Tim Westerhaus

ACDA Western Region Board & Committees Executive Committee Michael Short President Lou De La Rosa Past President Julie Dana President-Elect David Sonnichsen Treasurer Joan Steinmann Recording Secretary

State Presidents Katie Gerrich Arizona President Arlie Langager California President Christopher Serrano Hawai‘i President Jennifer Lowry Nevada President Emily Mercado Utah President

Western ACDA Board Advisory Committee

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

John Tebay, CA & Shawna Stewart, CA WACDA Membership Co-Chairs Jennifer Tibben, NV Lifelong R&R Coordinator Alan Petker, CA Community Chair Scott Lehmkuhl, CA Worship Chair Tim Westerhaus, AZ Repertoire R&R Coordinator Ángel Vásquez Ramos, CA World Musics and Cultures Chair Ryan Holder, AZ Contemporary / Commercial Chair Rodger Guerrero, CA Collegiate R & R Coordinator Desirée La Vertu, CA College and University Chair Michelle Jensen, CA Student Activities Christina Swanson Hall, AZ Youth R & R Coordinator Aimee Stewart, AZ Community & Children R&R Chair Athena Mertes, NV Jr. High/Middle School Choir Chair Dan Jackson, CA Senior High School Choir Chair Emily Burkhardt, CA Elementary School Choir Chair

Jace Saplan DEI Committee Chair Kristina Nakagawa Yu-Feng Huang Tiffany O'Neill Ernest Harrison Emily Mercado

Communications Committee Elizabeth Baker, HI Social Media Anna Caplan, CA Webmaster Olivia Arnold Tactus Editor

Western ACDA 2024 Conference Committee Cari Earnhart, CA Conference Committee Chair Scot Hanna-Weir, CA Conference Committee Vice Chair Kim Ritzer, NV Registration Chair Ryan Duff, NV Registration Committee Joan Steinmann, UT Recording Secretary David Topping, AZ Conference App Olivia Arnold Conference Program Editor

Angelina Fitzhugh, CA & Emily Mercado, UT Interest Session Co-Chairs Corie Brown, CA Interest Session Committee Kristina Nakagawa, CA Site Liason, Interest Sessions Carolyn Teraoka-Brady, CA Site Liaison, Performing Choirs Molly Peters, CA, Camille Killpack, UT Performing Choir Co-Chairs Jennifer Heder, CA Performing Choir Committee Marc McGhee, CA & Vivian Santos, CA Honor Choir Co-Chairs Tammi Alderman, CA & Jennifer Tibben, NV Reading Session Co-Chairs Lou De La Rosa, CA & Jennifer Lucy Cook, CA Composer Track Coordinator Co-Chairs

Tim Westerhaus, AZ Conducting Master Class David Hensley, CA All-Conference Sing Coordinator Heather Scobie, NV Hospitality Chair Jodi Reed, CA & Ryan Holder, AZ Exhibits Co-Coordinators Scott Glysson, CA & Alec Schumacker, HI College Fair Co-Chairs Christina Hall, AZ Toolbox Sessions Scott Lehmkuhl, CA Worship Event

State Boards & Committees Arizona ACDA Board of Directors Katie Gerrich David Topping President Website Manager Ted Gibson W. Aaron Rice Past-President Antiphon Editor Deltrina Grimes Allie FardelosPresident-Elect Cheatham Chris Granger Communications/ Treasurer Social Media Aimee Stewart Nicky Manlove Secretary Diversity, Equity Cami Clausen and Inclusion Membership Chair Chair

Albert Lee & Benny Dominguez Cantaremos Honor Choir Chairs Ryan Holder Ex-Officio Lindsay Decoste Conference Chair Next Direction Haylee Otero Hospitality

AZ Repertoire & Resources Committees Joey Johnston Lifelong Coordinator Sharon Hansen Community Chair David Stertzbach Music in Worship

Greg Hebert Coordinator: Repertoire Specific Dbacks Liaison Smith Graham TTB R&R Chair Andie Chung Graham Soprano/Alto R&R Chair

Courtney Evans ShowChoir/ Contemporary Commercial Chair Christina Hall Vocal Jazz Chair Sinamar Pascua Respicio World Music and Culture Chair

Hawai‘i ACDA Board of Directors Christopher Serrano President Alec Schumacker Co-Vice President Jace Saplan Co-Vice President

Wanda Gereben Treasurer Aaron Scholtz Secretary

Nevada ACDA Board of Directors Jennifer Lowry President Michael Polutnik Past President Jennifer Tibben President Elect Kimberly Ritzer Secretary

David Sonnichsen Treasurer Heather Scobie Membership Anne Stephen Youth & Student Activities

California Choral Directors Association

NV Repertoire & Resources Committees

Executive Committee Chris Peterson Arlie Langager Vice President President Kristina Nakagawa Genevieve Tep Treasurer President-elect

Evan Billings Elementary Claudine Robinson Middle School Matthew Ostile HS SATB Joe Svendsen College

Officers Kathleen Preston Secretary Genevieve Tep Treasurer Molly Peters Membership Chair

Daniel Afonso Development Chair Bill Zinn Northern Rep Corie Brown Bay Area Rep

Yewon Lee Far South Rep Scott Glysson Central Coast Rep Cari Earnhart Central Rep Kellori Dower Southern Rep

CA Conference Committee Chairs Angelina Fitzhugh Ángel VázquezJeffe Huls & Susie Martone Ramos Summer All-State Honor CASMEC Chair Conference Chair John Sorber Choir Chairs Choral Leadership Academy Chair CA Communications Chair Eliza Rubenstein, Cantate Magazine Editor

Ryan Duff TB Choirs Steph Council Treble Choirs Rossana Cota Multicultural Barry Isbell Music in Worship & Community

Lamont Russell Show Choir/ Jazz/A Capella Kimberly Li & Brandon Pierce Nevada ACDA Newsletter

Utah ACDA Board of Directors Emily Mercado President Cherilyn Worthen Past-president Roger Hale President-elect

Shannon Sowby Logan Bingham Treasurer Social Media Patrick Tatman Marketing Chair Conference Site Evan Moss Manager Website Brent Wells Membership Chair

CA Repertoire & Resources Committees Susanna Peeples Albert Mabeza Zanaida Robles UT Repertoire & Resources Committees HS Chair TTBB Chair Choral Composition Andrew Briggs Emily Merrell Juan Pereira Anthony Arnold Andreas Preponis Scot Hanna-Weir Collegiate Choirs Jazz Choirs Chair Multicultural JH/MS Chair Vocal Jazz & College & Maren Hansen Yu-Feng Huang Chair Alan Garcia A Cappella Pop University HS Chair Community Melissa Thorne Student Karen Miskell Buddy James Emily Voorhees Leanna Crockett SSAA Chair Activities Two-year College Community & JH Chair Children’s Choirs Russell Oliphant Iris Levine Kent Jue Professional Choirs TTBB Chair SSAA Chair Children & Stevie Hirner Community Youth DEI Guidance Committee

Featured Ensembles Choral Arts Initiative Widely recognized as a champion of new music, Choral Arts Initiative has been praised as "gracefully lyrical" (Tim Mangan, Voice of OC), hailed as one of Orange County’s "Best Choirs" (CBS News, Los Angeles), and noted for its "sublime" and "triumphant" performances (Ron Schepper, Textura). Winner of the American Prize in Choral Performance, recipient of the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming, and Winner of the San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards for Best New Music Performance, Choral Arts Initiative continues its commitment to musical innovation. Their passion for new music has led to the commission of twentyfive compositions, the premiere of over one hundred works, and the release of two Billboard-charting albums.

säje When a jazz ensemble earns a GRAMMY Award® nomination with its very first song, something unusual is in the works. An unprecedented collaboration that brings together four women creators who are all composer/arrangers, vocalists, and entrepreneurs with impressive individual careers, säje has emerged as a singular communion unlike any other group on the scene.

Erin Bentlage has been featured on albums by Jacob Collier, Kiefer, Kate McGarry, and Amber Navran. On faculty at California State University, Northridge, she teaches classes on voice, musicianship, jazz, improvisation, and composition. As a studio vocalist she has contributed to a wide variety of projects, from film scores to singing (and often writing) background vocals for artists such as Pomplamoose and Moonchild.

Dr. Brandon Elliott enjoys an expansive career as a conductor-educator, musician, arts leader, and consultant. He is the Founder & Artistic Director of Choral Arts Initiative and the Choral and Vocal Studies Director at Saddleback College. He has received the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America and was recognized by the Recording Academy as a 2022 GRAMMY® Music Educator Award Semifinalist. He currently serves as the ACDA National Repertoire & Resources Co-Chair for Two-Year Colleges. He earned degrees and certificates from California State University, Fullerton, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Southern California. Learn more at brandon-elliott.com.

A Grammy-nominated arranger known for her work with leading vocal ensembles, including Groove for Thought, The Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, and Kings Return, Amanda Taylor is an in-demand teacher and clinician at schools around the country. Known for writing accessible and inventive arrangements for young jazz ensembles via her vocal arranging company Wicked Pigeon, she is an active composer/arranger and studio singer. A graduate of the elite Thelonious Monk Institute, Johnaye Kendrick has honed a deep repertoire of originals and inventively arranged standards, jazz tunes and contemporary pop songs. Kendrick is a music professor at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts. She is a certified Sound Therapy practitioner and Energy Healer with a blossoming practice, johnygirl sound therapy & healing arts studio. A two-time Grammy nominee for her solo albums, Sara Gazarek She has collaborated with heavyweights such as Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, and Larry Goldings. Recently appointed Associate Professor in the Eastman School of Music’s developing Vocal Jazz Program, Gazarek is widely considered one of her generation’s definitive jazz vocalists.

Honor Choir Schedule Wednesday

Friday

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Honor Choir Registration / Part-checks

Honor Choir Rehearsal

[CC Lower Level]

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal [CC Lower Level]

Thank you to our sponsors!

[CC Lower Level]

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM College Fair [CC Lower Level]

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal

Thursday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal [CC Lower Level]

[CC Lower Level]

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal [CC Lower Level]

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal

Saturday

[CC Lower Level]

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Honor Choir Rehearsal [CC Lower Level]

Honor Choir Concert [Exhibit Hall C] Marc McGhee, presiding WACDA Honor Choir Co-Chair Vivian Santos, presiding WACDA Honor Choir Co-Chair Polly Vasché, presiding 2018 WACDA Conference Honoree Christopher Serrano, presiding Hawai‘i ACDA President

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Conference Registration Open 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Entflieht auf leichten Kähnen Anton Webern Like as the Culver on the Bared Bough Halsey Stevens Nonsense II. C’era un vecchio musicale Goffredo Petrassi

$320

$125

$225

$175

$99

Conference Kick-off Concert Session #1 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Sterling Ensemble LA Mater Dei High School Chamber Singers CSU Fullerton University Singers First United Methodist Church Pasadena Michael Short, presiding Western Region ACDA President

The Sterling Ensemble LA Michelle Jensen (bio on p. 52)

Fyer, fyer Brian Sidders Nos autem gloriari Manuel Cardoso Abendfeier in Venedig Clara Schumann

When the Violin Reena Esmail Na Trí Captaení Loinge Aloys Fleischmann

Mater Dei High School Chamber Singers Jodi Reed (bio on p. 49)

Through Love to Light Elaine Hagenberg Elaine Hagenberg Music G-EH1002 Regina Caeli Laetare a 8 Tomás Luis de Victoria CPDL Modimo (Traditional) arr. by Soweto Gospel Choir unpublished Hope Is the Thing with Feathers Christopher Tin Boosey & Hawkes 00304146

Soon I Will Be Done Stacey V. Gibbs Gentry Publications JG2439 Only Light Darita Seth Commission piece, unpublished Lean On Me Words and Music by Bill Withers Original arrangement by Adam Anders and Tim Davis Adapted for publication Roger Emerson Hal Leonard 08202514

CSU Fullerton University Singers Robert Istad (bio on p. 54) Premiere of the Western Region ACDA Emerging Composer Competition and piece commissioned for the 2024 WACDA Regional Conference “Many Voices, One Song" I am the World Lauren Biggs Self-Published Calling Paul Fowler Verum Corpus Saunder Choi Self-Published Love Michael Engelhardt GIA/Walton Music WW1829

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Concert Session #2 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

from Privilege: We Cannot Leave Ted Hearne Unsettlement Music 10748376

Hope Lingers Here Lissa Schneckenburger arr. Andrea Ramsey MusicSpoke 11174126

Crystal Children’s Choir Karl Chang, bio on p. 48

Tesoro High School Vocal Ensemble The Sunday Night Singers

Advancing the Arts #1

First United Methodist Church Pasadena Travis Rogers, presiding Western Region ACDA Past President

Tesoro High School Vocal Ensemble

The Sunday Night Singers

Keith Hancock (bio on p. 53)

Michael McCullough (bio on p. 53)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Conducting Masterclass Iris Levine, Clinician The Sterling Ensemble LA, Clinic Ensemble Ballroom C Conference Attendees, including graduate students.

Samba-lelê arr. Daniel R. Afonso, Jr. Earthsongs S-184

Ayudame! Carlos Cordero MusicSpoke 11516542

Come esser puote Amore Maddalena Casulana Musica Secreta

Adiós bien amado Julio César Morales Pineda La Voz Music Publishing 11535665

The Sun Never Says Dan Forrest Beckenhorst DF1005 Tshela Moya/Ke nna yo Morena arr. Michael Barrett Walton WW1875 Stabat Mater Daniel Brinsmead manuscript Kruhay Benny Castillon manuscript

Border Rich Campbell Pay the Band Music 11175702 from American DREAMers #UnitedWeDream Melissa Dunphy Mormolyke Press 11377603 Sin Una Despedida Brian Quan Manuscript

Composer Masterclass CC 211

Exhibitor Session: Secrets to Successful Auditions Schmidt Vocal Arts CC 207

Reading Session: Advanced Choirs: HS, College, Community Ballroom F Repertoire with SSAA, TTBB, and SATB with divisi voicings.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Advancing the Arts #1

Advancing the Arts #2

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Many Voices, Many Centers: 6 Steps for Multicentric Choral Programming

Flexible Fach: Gender-Affirming Vocal Pedagogy through Science-Informed Practices

Jennifer Hansen Heder (p. 43) Ballroom A

Stevie J. Hirner (p. 43) Ballroom H

When we label our concert programs as “multicultural,” we begin with good intentions; however, celebrating diversity sometimes tokenizes the historically excluded cultures we are attempting to recognize and honor. Using multicentrism, which argues for “the marginalized moving from the margins to the centre, and not simply being grafted into the existing order,” this session will outline a culturally conscious six-step process for choral programming: acknowledge privilege, decide what you value, choosing repertoire, do your due diligence, identify who holds the power, and contextualize. Attendees will receive multicentric programming suggestions and ways to respectfully study less-familiar repertoire with your ensembles.

In this interactive session, attendees will be invited to sing and discuss vocal exercises from a new protocol developed by the presenter that focuses on helping transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) singers produce an aural aesthetic that better aligns with their gender identity. Created through an understanding of the gendered associations and vocal characteristics of common Fach categories and voice classifications, this protocol synthesizes practices from gender-affirming speech-language pathology (SLP) with source-filter theory and science-informed vocal pedagogy to present a healthy gender-affirming practice routine for TGE singers who are seeking to masculinize or feminize their voices.

(she/her/ella) Unlocking the Music of Latina Choral Composers

Real talk: Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable about race in choral music

Corie Brown (p. 41) and Juan Manuel Hernández-Morales (p. 43) Ballroom H

Arreon A. Harley-Emerson (p. 42) and Joshua Palkki (p. 44) Ballroom A

Dive into the music and backgrounds of female-identified composers from across Latin America through singing, moving, and unlocking the rhythms of works which rarely, if ever, have been performed in the States. Composers such as Modesta Bor of Venezuela, Eliza Schmelkes of Mexico, Diana Sáez of Puerto Rico, and María Olga Piñeros of Colombia are composers whose works our singers need to sing. Conductors will leave with deeper appreciation and confidence to teach this important repertoire from an informed and joyful place. Resources and scores to be shared are appropriate for all levels/voicings.

Considering the current socio-political climate, the rise in violence against AAPI communities, and a reignited Black Lives Matter movement, we as choral conductor-teachers are faced with some uncomfortable truths about choral music. We as artist-citizens can, and must, leverage coalitions to dismantle systems of oppression. Utilizing Intercultural Dialogue and Whiteness as Property as frameworks, the presenters will equip attendees with tools and language needed to become comfortable engaging in uncomfortable conversations surrounding race and contemporary choral culture. This uncomfortability may be seen as growing pains for a choral community grappling with difficult and long-overdue conversations about equity, “inclusion,” and access.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Advancing the Arts #2

Advancing the Arts #3

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Unlocking the Power of the Vagus Nerve: The Key to Vocal Freedom Natasha Valdes (p. 45) Ballroom F

Choirs for Change: Programming with Purpose Elizabeth Schauer (p. 55) Ballroom H

The presentation will explore the mind, body, and voice through neuroscience and pedagogical application. There will be discussion on the function of the vagus nerve, our body's neurological response to fight or flight, and how to recognize students triggered by various neurological reactions. Participants will learn how to align the four systems of the voice using Vocal Toning, a method used to release trauma in the mind, body, and voice. The presentation will take a collaborative approach, including participation from the audience to explore vagal toning exercises that can be used in the classroom to create the optimal learning experience.

Choirs can be connectional and welcoming spaces for diverse groups of people who come together through their love of singing. The same sense of belonging and compassion that often exists in choral groups can be extended outward into both local and global communities to create bridges of understanding and positive change. In this session Dr. Schauer will discuss creative, moving and impactful programming approaches that can increase awareness, engagement and even philanthropy in choirs and their audiences. Recent effective concert programs related to homelessness, Syrian and Afghani war refugees, and domestic violence will serve as models for consideration and discussion.

Conducting Masterclass

Mosaics from the Middle East

Marcela Molina, Clinician Mater Dei HS Chamber Singers, Clinic Ensemble Ballroom C

Iris Levine (p. 43) and Cari Earnhart (p. 42) Ballroom C

New Teachers & Emerging Conductors

Toolbox Session: Junior High Innovative Concert Programs Melanie Brown, Allie Fardelos, Taryn Tidwell CC 211

Live Workshop with Composer & Choir Saunder Choi & Jennifer Lucy Cook, composers Tesoro HS Vocal Ensemble, Clinic Ensemble Exhibit Hall C

There is a wealth of beautiful and significant choral music from the Middle East in both the Arabic and Jewish traditions, yet many choral directors find it intimidating to approach this music. This interactive session will present treble music from both traditions, providing helpful guides in how to successfully approach this music, pronunciation, and stylistic considerations. We will present contemporary settings of traditional musical material, appropriate for various levels of treble ensembles. We will provide opportunities for experience in singing representative selections, as well as hearing selected pieces performed by VOX Femina Los Angeles.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Advancing the Arts #3

Concert Session #3

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Reading Session - Young Choirs, grades 5-9 Ballroom F Repertoire with 2-part, SA, TB and SAB voicings.

Toolbox Session: Choral Warm Ups Haylee Otero CC 211 Interactive, all attendees sing

Toolbox Session: Composer Idea Fest Jennifer Lucy Cook Exhibit Hall C Brainstorming ideas for programming by connecting composers and conductors.

Understanding the Unique Voice of the Gospel Musician: Sound, Harmony, and Culture Matt Falker (p. 42) and Jamond McCoy (p. 44) Ballroom A It can be quite a challenge understanding the perspective of a student that walks into your choral classroom armed with only experience in contemporary gospel, and little to no music reading exposure. Through recorded examples, demonstrations, and the experiences of the clinicians, we will explore the unique voice of the Black gospel musician, by seeking to understand the core of the gospel vocal sound, common gospel harmonic devices, and the cultural heartbeat that seeps through this special musical art. Participants will learn about how to better connect with, honor, and educate these students.

Chandler Children's Choir Ad Astra Riverside Community College Chamber Singers First United Methodist Church Pasadena Edith Copley, presiding WACDA Past President, National ACDA Vice President

Chandler Children's Choir Ad Astra Aimee Stewart (bio on p. 48) Gloria Patri Palestrina arr. Ralph Woodward Manuscript from the arranger Cantate Domino Rupert Lang Boosey & Hawkes 48004303 Hébé from Sept melodies, op. 2 (no. 6) Ernest Chausson arr. Mari Esabel Valverde Walton Music Corporation WLG151 Herbstlied (Autumn Song) Felix Mendelssohn National Music Publishers NMP145 Ma Navu (How Beautiful Upon the Mountains) J. Spivak arr. Barbara Wolfman Boosey & Hawkes 48004635

The Moon Bridge Florence Price Wise Music Classical GSP61530OCT JAM! (Jom-Ayuh-Mari!) Tracy Wong Graphite Publishing TW001 I Live for Joy Kira Zeeman Rugen Premiere www.kirarugen.com

Riverside Community College Chamber Singers John Byun (bio on p. 51) Sei, lieber Tag, Willkommen Johann Michael Bach cpdl.org when earth was made Octavia McAloon www.octaviamcaloon.com Iuppiter Michael Ostrzyga Helbling

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Concert Session #3

Concert Session #4

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

8:30 PM - 10:00PM

Becoming the Ocean Jake Runestad

Recognition of 2024 Conference Honoree Joseph Huszti

Fire from Afro American Fragments William Averitt E.C. Schirmer Music

Recognition of 2024 WACDA Conference Team Recognition of WACDA Past President Lou De La Rosa

All Seems Beautiful to Me Eric Whitacre Shadow Water Music Hal Leonard

Choral Arts Initiative Brandon Elliott (bio on p. 18) First United Methodist Church Pasadena Cari Earnhart, presiding Western Region ACDA Conference Chair

All Conference Social Hour Ballrooms D/E

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Poster Session Ballrooms D/E

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

CCDA Reception Ballroom G

6:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Student Speed Dating Ballroom B

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Western ACDA Poster Session Thursday, March 7, 2024 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Ballrooms D/E

Poster Session Mentors Lynn Brinckmeyer Corie Brown Emily Mercado Natasha Valdes

Affirming Trans & Gender Expansive Voices in the Choral Rehearsal

Fabián Rodríguez Castro

Catalyzing our Choral Communities: Queer Joy as the Liberatory Path Forward

Colin Cossi, Iese Wilson, and Tiffany O’Neill

A Look Into The Syncretism Choral Music of Central and South America

Adan Fernandez

Building Peace Internationally through Song: the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir

Erica Glenn

Using Warm Ups to Teach Repertoire

Meghan Hatfield

Se Enkhbayar: Two Pieces by an Inner Mongolian Composer

Mengda Jiang

Keeping It Personal: The Power of Personal Contacting in Recruiting, Teaching, and Advertising in Choir

CJ Madsen

Perceptions of School-University Partnerships in Music Education: A Multiple Case Study

Emily Mercado

A Conductor’s Analysis of Balintawak: Misang Pilipino by Bonifacio Abdon (1876-1944)

Sinamar Pascua Respicio

Optimizing the Musical Mind: A Philosophical Exploration of Sports Psychology in Secondary Choral Music Classrooms

Jordan Shomper

Got Solfège? - Music Should Belong to Everyone

Niké St. Clair

Juntos: Embracing Mariachi for a Choir Collaboration

Aimee Stewart and Issa Johnson

A Taste of Southeast Asian Choral Music

Yu Hang Tan and Emily Sung

Diversifying Repertoire: Choral Literature from Latin America

Patricia Terceros

The Art of Gathering (In Our Classrooms)

Allison Zema

Friday, March 8, 2024 Concert Session #5 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Cal Poly SLO Cantabile Scott Glysson (bio on p. 47)

She Weeps David Childs World Premiere Les Sirens Lili Boulanger Treble Clef Music 80300115

Thurman White Academy Advanced Choir Resounding Achord Cal Poly SLO Cantabile

O Antiqui Sancti Hildegard von Bingen arr. Michael Engelhardt Walton Music WW1632

Pure Imagination arr. Matthew W. Nielsen Santa Barbara SBMP 1214

First United Methodist Church Pasadena Kim Ritzer, presiding WACDA Past President

Its Motion Keeps Caroline Shaw Caroline Shaw Editions

Charity Begins Today Meredith Brammeier World Premiere

All Conference Sing Rehearsals

Thurman White Academy Advanced Choir

Resounding Achord

Athena Mertes (bio on p. 54)

Kristina Nakagawa (bio on p. 50)

Nda Wana arr. Michael Barrett Santa Barbara Dominus Vobiscum Jacob Narverud Carl Fischer LLC Awake, My Soul Elaine Hagenberg Beckenhorst Press

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

A este sol peregrino Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco Border CrosSing distributed by Graphite O wüsst’ ich doch den Weg zurück Johannes Brahms arr. James McCullough Galaxy Music

Does the World Say? Kyle Pederson Walton Music

I Came to Your Shore as a Wayfaring Stranger Saunder Choi MusicSpoke

Ner Ner Jake Runestad JR Music

Journey Home Abbie Betinis Santa Barbara

Shout Glory! Byron Smith Fred Bock Music

Ffe Mwe, Mwe Ffe Joan Szymko Joan Szymko Music distributed by Graphite

Iris Levine, Ballroom A Joseph Huszti, Ballroom C Marcela Molina, Ballroom F

WACDA Retiree Lunch Bunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lyric Restaurant, Hotel Dena

Advancing the Arts #4 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Conducting Masterclass Undergraduate Students Cal Poly SLO Cantabile, Masterclass Ensemble Joesph Huszti Ballroom C

Documentary Screening: Choral Singing In America with Q&A Emily Ellsworth (p. 56) and Matthew Workman CC 211

Friday, March 8, 2024 Advancing the Arts #4 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

We Are One Songs of Unity and Service 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Building a Repertoire of Gestures: Laban Movement for Choral Conductors Jenny Bent (p. 40) Ballroom H Receive a crash course in the fundamentals of Laban Movement Theory, a holistic and efficient gestural approach to choral conducting. Learn a variety of gestures, movements, and rehearsal strategies that are sure to enhance your ensemble’s engagement, improve memory retention, develop a stronger conductor/ensemble connection, and provide musicians a deeper understanding of the music that will lead to a more impactful and inclusive performance experience.

Reading Session - WACDA Composers Ballroom F

You Are the Voice Teacher: Teaching Technique and Authenticity of Vocal Production in Choral Singing Amy Johnston Blosser (p. 40) and C. Andrew Blosser (p. 40) CC 207

“Blend. Drop your jaw. Straight tone. Darker.” Most have likely heard one of these phrases before, but do they really help inexperienced singers? Choral Directors are the primary voice teachers for our singers - are we teaching them the pedagogy behind their instrument in terms that are clear and concrete? What terminology can we use to provide clarity? This session will provide practical applications of how to teach singers to find and use their authentic voices by sharing suggestions from various vocal pedagogy approaches, including Estill Voice. It is applicable to directors working with high school, college and older community singers.

First United Methodist Church Pasadena Prelude We Are Marching in the Light of God arr. Aaron Shows Welcome Message Scott Lehmkuhl Congregation Umoja Tunaimba Victor C. Johnson Hope Publishing - C6355 Invocation First United Methodist Church, Pasadena Clergy Dreams Offer Solace Stephen Chatman Galaxy Music Corporation, 7.0605 Street Symphony Chamber Singers Congregation Hiney Ma Tov arr. Iris Levine Mark Foster - MF3025 The Time In Between composed by participants in Women's Voices at the Downtown Women's Center Street Symphony Chamber Singers

Reflection Zanaida Robles Congregation Still, Small Voice Karen Marrolli Morning Star Music MSM-50-8124 When the Violin Reena Esmail Street Symphony Chamber Singers Vijay Gupta, violin Keynote Address Vijay Gupta, Founder, Artistic Director and CEO of Street Symphony Take What You Need Reena Esmail Street Symphony Chamber Singers Congregation We Are One Brian Tate Alliance Music - AMP0735 Benediction First United Methodist Church, Pasadena Clergy Postlude Songs of Unity Improvisation Aaron Shows

Friday, March 8, 2024 Advancing the Arts #5 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM Creating an Adaptive Choir Program Brandi Dignum (p. 41) Ballroom H This session will describe the administrative and pedagogical tools required to start and run an adaptive needs choir at your school or in your community. Participants will learn the profound benefits of universallydesigned rehearsals for all students, and the particular importance of providing meaningful artistic experiences for students with disabilities. Participants will leave this session equipped with concrete rehearsal strategies and activities to support an adaptive needs program.

Middle School Choral Students How Do You Motivate Them? Lynn Brinckmeyer (p. 41) CC 211 When middle school students are motivated, they are unstoppable. How do you channel their energy so that you can guide them on a musical journey? Explore tips and ideas of various master choral music educators who teach young adolescents. Be ready to sing and move!

DEI Reading Session: All Ages, Voicings, and Levels Ballroom F

Live Workshop with Composer & Choir Matthew Lyon Hazzard & Ariel Quintana, composers Resounding Achord, Clinic Ensemble Ballroom C

Toolbox Session: Student Leadership Greg Herbert CC 207

Concert Session #6 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM Ragazzi Boys Chorus Biola University Chorale All-Conference Sing First United Methodist Church Pasadena Lou De La Rosa, presiding, WACDA Past President

Ragazzi Boys Chorus Kent Jue (bio on p. 50) Magnificent Horses (Fantasy on a Mongolian Folk Tune) arr. Yang Hong Nien, adapted and arranged Jing Ling Tam Alliance Music AMP 0324 A Jelly-Fish Eric Tuan Eric Tuan Music Silicon Valley Commission

Biola University Chorale Shawna Stewart (bio on p. 47) Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission In Time of Silver Rain André Thomas Gentry Publications JG2691 Ecce Vicit Leo Peter Philips CPDL #07196 Gloria Patri Budi Susanto Self-Published

Laudamus Te from “Gloria” Francis Poulenc Salabert Editions 50600012

Crucem Tuam Adoramus Domine from Two Lenten Motets Paweł Łukaszewski Chester Music CH75185

L’dor Vador Meir Finkelstein arr. Rebecca Thompson Hal Leonard 08754103

There is a Balm in Gilead arr. Raymond Wise Hindon Publications/Hinshaw HPC7106

My Light Katerina Gimon MusicSpoke Sacred Stepping Stones Lisa Young Lisa Young Music 10-1975

You Do Not Walk Alone Dominic DiOrio G Schirmer 50600396 Ma Bohème from Chansons de la Vigne Joshua Shank B&F Music Joshua Shank Tuttarana Reena Esmail My Score #MSRE00-7

Friday, March 8, 2024 All Conference Sing Marcela Molina, conductor Amanda Ku, pianist Holding the Light B.E. Boykin JWP:11409548 Lead With Love Melanie DeMore JWP:11317834 Iris Levine, conductor Heather Bishop, pianist Sure on the Shining Night Morten Lauridsen JWP: 3303314 To Sit and Dream Rosephanye Powell JWP: 10091834 Joseph Huszti, conductor Scot Hanna-Weir, pianist Dona Nobis Pacem (from Mass in B Minor) J.S. Bach JWP: 10052470 The Promise of Living (from “The Tender Land”) Aaron Copland (4 hand piano) JWP: 982462 with Tim Westerhaus, pianist Alleluia Randall Thompson JWP: 337147 Michael Short, conductor Heather Bishop, pianist I Am The World Lauren Biggs*

*Winner of the Western Region ACDA Emerging Composer Competition and piece commissioned for the 2024 WACDA Regional Conference “Many Voices, One Song"

Concert Session #7 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saugus High School Blue Notes California State University, Long Beach Jazz & Tonic säje Exhibit Hall C Julie Dana, presiding WACDA President-elect

Saugus High School Blue Notes

CSULB Jazz & Tonic

Kaitlin Holt (bio on p. 52)

Jonny Arenas (bio on p. 49)

Twisted Wardell Grey, Annie Ross arr. Keith Power

On A Clear Day arr. Darmon Meader Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Music by Burton Lane

Corcovado Antônio Carlos Jobim arr. Kerry Marsh Casualty/Animal Spirits Lawrence, Vulfpeck arr. Steven James Schmidt Commissioned Arrangement A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square Manning Sherwin arr. Gene Puerling ed. Phil Mattson Hal Leonard I'm With You The Real Group House That Never Falls Kaytie Holt arr. Jeremy Fox Original composition and commissioned arrangement

Evermore arr. Rosana Eckert Lyrics and music by Rosana Eckert Tell Him arr. Gregory Fletcher Originally performed by Moonchild, Lalah Hathaway Painted On Canvas arr. Kerry Marsh Words and music by Gregory Porter Teach Me Tonight arr. Kelly Kunz Lyrics by Sammy Cahn Music by Gene De Paul

Saturday, March 9, 2024 Concert Session #8 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM San Juan Hills High School Chamber Singers University of Arizona Symphonic Choir First United Methodist Church Pasadena Scot Hanna-Weir, presiding WACDA Conference Vice Chair

San Juan Hills High School Chamber Singers Michael Ushino (bio on p. 51)

Gaur Akelarre Music & Lyrics by Josu Elberdin Walton Music WJMS1158 The Cooling Shadow Music by Charlene Archibeque Text from the poem “Contemplations” by Anne Bradstreet Santa Barbara SBMP 27 O Schöne Nacht, Op. 92, No. 1 Music by Johannes Brahms Text by Georg Friederich Daumer CPDL Senja di Pelabuhan Kecil Music by Ken Steven Text by Chairil Anwar Self-Published

Sure On This Shining Night, Op. 13, No. 3 Music by Samuel Barber Text by James Agee G. Schirmer, Inc. Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine Music by Eric Whitacre Text by Charles Silvestri Walton Music WJMS1032

University of Arizona Symphonic Choir Elizabeth Schauer (bio on p. 55) Odecha Salamone Rossi (ed. Joshua Jacobson) E.C. Schirmer 5743 Silence My Soul Francisco F. Feliciano Self-published Kyrie (from Messa a 4) Chiara Margarita Cozzolani Artemisia Editions NLO 08/a

Take My Hand, Precious Lord Thomas A. Dorsey United Methodist Publishing House May It Be Eithne Nii Bhraonáin (Enya), Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan, arr. Mark Brymer Hal Leonard Corporation 08711359

We Shall Walk Through the Valley arr. Undine Smith Moore Augsburg Publishing 9781506492506 Nina Cried Power Andrew Hozier-Byrne Arr. CJ Madsen Manuscript

Advancing the Arts #6 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Tactus Call for Articles & Writer’s Workshop Olivia Arnold (bio on p. 40) Ballroom H Writing prose, like translating a musical idea into notes and rhythms, begins with an inspiration: an emotion, an experience, a memory. While we may not consider ourselves ‘writers,’ we carry valuable knowledge and stories that are worthy of being communicated. A goal of this session is to encourage writers to share their unique perspectives with a greater audience of readers. Participants of the workshop will be offered the opportunity to be paired with a mentor who will guide them through the writing and editing process. A writing mentor can help shape an idea into a piece that reflects the writer’s voice. These mentors are representative of the diverse communities of the region and offer guidance to writers of any experience. Once their piece is crafted, the writer may submit to Tactus and work with the editor towards publication. This initiative aims to publish new voices from the western region.

Toolbox Session: Choir Fun & Games! Christina Hall & Jordan Rakita CC 211

Saturday, March 9, 2024 Advancing the Arts #6 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Toolbox Session: Vocal Jazz CC 207

Composer Masterclass

Show Me the Rhythm!

Ballroom C

Pamela McDermott (p. 44) CC 211

säje Workshop "the sound of säje"

This interactive session offers a kinesthetic system for building and assessing rhythmic literacy for all ages. Like hand signs, Rhythm Gestures are a physical manifestation of pulse, pulse division, and meter. The instructor can visually assess individual comprehension within a group setting. Students are able to self-correct within the context of group practice. Rhythm Gestures reinforce precision and make music literacy accessible to all. They work with any counting system, combined with solfege, or in multipart score reading. Rhythm Gestures offer an alternative (kinesthetic) mode of learning while calling upon and strengthening our sense of underlying pulse and rhythmic flow.

Ballroom F

Advancing the Arts #7 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Practice Your Pitch: Advocacy Is Everybody’s Business Alex Gartner (p. 42) Ballroom H The culture that music creates is magnetic, but how is it perceived outside the rehearsal space? How can we build bridges between our ensembles and the diverse values and expertise found in the larger community? While it’s easy to talk about the importance of music among colleagues, translating that conversation to those outside our sphere can be challenging. Equipped with a new vocabulary, this session will help you step confidently into public spaces to communicate your program’s value to attract new supporters. By reframing your “elevator pitch,” you’ll be able to build a network that empowers you to thrive.

Reading Session - Developing Choirs (Grades 7-12) Ballroom F

Yes, You Can Compose & Arrange for Your Choir: Why & How Every Educator Should Try Writing for Their Own Ensemble Dale Trumbore (p. 45) and Saunder Choi (p. 41) Ballroom C Composer/conductor Saunder Choi and composer Dale Trumbore lead this interest session for conductors who want to learn how to write and arrange for their own ensemble. Choi and Trumbore will highlight how you know your choir better than anyone; how writing for your singers can challenge their weaknesses, leading them to become stronger musicians; and how to fill gaps in the repertoire for your singers by creating that music yourself. Conductors will gain hands-on experience arranging an 8bar melody and will leave this session empowered to continue composing, with resources on what to expect and where to begin.

Saturday, March 9, 2024 Concert Session #9 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Children's Honor Choir Judy Bowers, conductor Kevin Phan, pianist Youth SATB Honor Choir Emily Ellsworth, conductor Twyla Meyer, pianist High School SSAA Honor Choir Julie Yu, conductor Kevin Tison, pianist Gospel Honor Choir Rollo Dilworth, conductor Jonté Moore, pianist Marc McGhee, presiding, WACDA Honor Choir Co-Chair Vivian Santos, presiding, WACDA Honor Choir Co-Chair Polly Vasché, presiding, 2018 WACDA Conference Honoree Christopher Serrano, presiding, Hawai‘i ACDA President Exhibit Hall C

Alleluia Round William Boyce arr. Richard Proulx Simple Gifts Traditional American tune arr. John Leavitt Dona Nobis Pacem Giulio Caccini arr. James Moore

Emily Ellsworth (bio on p. 56)

Nevolia (Captivity) Sergei Rachmaninoff Sigue Ivette Herryman

Opening Chorus to The Bartered Bride arr. Emily Ellsworth

Gospel Honor Choir Rollo Dilworth (bio on p. 56)

Dominus Vobiscum Jacob Narverud I Want to Die While You Love Me Rosephanye Powell

Spirit Rawn Harbo adapted and arranged by Barbara W. Baker

Courage, My Soul Rollo Dilworth

Invocation Rollo Dilworth

Julie Yu (bio on p. 56) O Sing Out With Pleasure George F. Handel arr. Patrick M. Liebergen

We’re Goin’ Around (from Treemonisha) arr. Nick Page

In the Beginning Imant Raminsh

High School SSAA Honor Choir

Children’s Honor Choir Judy Bowers (bio on p. 56)

Youth SATB Honor Choir

I Am Possibility David von Kampen

Al Shlosha D’Varim Allan E. Naplan

Justus ut Palma (from Psalm 92) Johann Michael Haydn

If I Knew You Cynthia Gray

Poor Wayfaring Stranger arr. Victor C. Johnson

Sahayta Ben Allaway

Canticum Novum Kenney Potter

Clap Praise Diane White Clayton Melodies from Heaven Kirk Franklin Lord, Make Me an Instrument M. Roger Holland II Sign Me Up arr. Brandon A. Boyd

Presenter Biographies Olivia Arnold is a director of choirs at Junction City High School in Junction City, Kansas. She leads two treble ensembles, co-teaches the Chamber and Concert Choirs, and teaches piano classes. JCHS choirs regularly receive super ratings at solo and ensemble festivals and work with Kansas composers and clinicians. Olivia serves as the editor of Tactus, the Western Region ACDA newsletter. Tactus aims to amplify voices and highlight resources from the western states and include diverse perspectives from around the world. In Hawai‘i, she served on the state boards for HI-ACDA and HMEA, coordinating the middle school choral festival, Nā Leo Pili Mai, and presenting at state conferences. Olivia holds a M.A. in Music Education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a B.A. in Music Education from Washington and Lee University. Dr. Jenny Bent is Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA. She is also Choral Director of the Santa Rosa Symphony and manages Chanticleer’s summer program, Chanticleer in Sonoma. Dr. Bent earned degrees from Boston University (BM & MM Voice Performance, MM Choral Conducting) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (DMA Choral Conducting & Choral Literature). Recipient of the 2023 CMEA Pearson/Scott Foresman/Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award and the 2019 CMEA Bay Section Outstanding Choral Educator Award, Dr. Bent taught high school for ten years, most recently at Marin School of the Arts. Dr. Bent is an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician and currently serves as Treasurer for the California Choral Directors Association. From 2007-2014, Dr. Bent enjoyed hosting The Choir Loft on Sonoma County NPR affiliate, KRCB-FM. Amy Johnston Blosser was the Auditioned Choirs Chair for the 2023 ACDA National conference and for nine years was on the National Board as the Repertoire and Resources Committee Chairperson. Since 2013 she has served on the National Conference Planning Committees. Under her direction, Bexley H.S. Vocal Ensemble has performed at NAfME and ACDA state conferences, including Central region performances in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Her choirs tour extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Blosser is the Associate Director of Music at First Community Church and the Artistic Director of the Bexley Choral Society. She was named Educator of the Year for Bexley City Schools in 2011. Blosser was selected to serve as one of 14 Conducting Fellows for the 2015 ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program to Sweden. In Spring 2017, Blosser won second place in the Youth and High School Conducting category for The American Prize competition. C. Andrew Blosser, DMA, currently serves on the voice faculty at The Ohio State University, and is the Director of Music at First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio. He has presented master classes, performed roles, and given recitals throughout the United States and Europe. Blosser has been a featured soloist with orchestras and ensembles throughout the Midwest. Highlights include Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge (Carpe Diem String Quartet), Handel’s Messiah (Columbus Symphony Orchestra), and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Bach Society of Dayton). He served as cantor for services at the Berlin Cathedral, as well as soloist for Mozart’s Missa Longa at the Salzburg Cathedral. A recent project includes a performance on the recital Singing Our History, the American story told through the works of American composers, at the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Blosser holds degrees from The Ohio State University (DMA & MM) and Capital University (BM).

Presenter Biographies Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer recently retired as Professor of Music, Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and Director of Choral Music Education at Texas State University. During 2006-2008 she served as President for The National Association for Music Education. She published Wander the USA with Warm-Ups!, The Wonder of Music with John Jacobson, Rhythm Rescue!, Wander the World with Warm-ups with Hal Leonard Publishing and Advocate for Music with Oxford University Press. Dr. Brinckmeyer’s degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The University of Kansas. Dr. Brinckmeyer taught graduate and undergraduate courses in choral music education, and directed Aurora Voce and the Hill Country Youth Chorus. Dr. Brinckmeyer has conducted all-state/honor choirs, lectured, presented master classes and performed in 49 states in the United States and more than twenty countries. Corie Brown (she/her) serves as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at San José State University. She leads two choirs, teaches music education courses, and is fueled by the integration of justice and music education. Prior to studies in choral conducting at the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Oregon, Dr. Brown taught in Colombia with the Fundación Nacional Batuta and in the midwest United States. She is active nationally and internationally as a clinician and guest conductor, most recently as guest conductor at the 2023 Festival Coral de Santander in Colombia. Dr. Brown also arranges, and serves as Artistic Director of the Mission Peak Chamber Singers, a joyful community chorus in Fremont, California. Alongside the arts, Dr. Brown is fed by time cuddling with her cat Inu, learning to dance, and exploring the outdoors. Saunder Choi, a Filipino composer and choral artist in Los Angeles, has gained international recognition for his works performed by esteemed groups like Conspirare, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Los Angeles Master Chorale, etc. Saunder has arranged and orchestrated pieces for notable figures such as Lea Salonga, and organizations like the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the San Francisco Symphony. As a choral artist, he actively performs in ensembles like Pacific Chorale, L.A. Choral Lab, and HEX Vocal Ensemble, as well as singing in film scores of Disney's The Lion King, Mulan, Turning Red, Avatar 2: The Way of the Water, etc. Saunder's compositions strongly advocate for DEIJ, focusing on themes such as immigration, racial justice, LGBTQ+ advocacy, climate justice, and his own Filipino-Chinese identity. He is the Director of Music at the UU Church of Santa Monica and teaches as an artist with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. www.saunderchoi.com Brandi Dignum is a native Tucsonan who graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and is certified in Orff-Schulwerk levels I-III. She has taught children of every age over the past 25 years; she worked with infants through Kindergarten as the Music Director for Gymboree Play and Music Programs, taught general music and choir for kindergarten through 6th grade, taught middle school choir and musical, and high school grades 912. At Canyon del Oro High School she taught concert choir, two show choirs, an adaptive choir designed to work with the neurodiverse high school population, and preschool music helping high school students learn to teach music to the onsite pre-school children aged 2 – 5 years old. Brandi currently serves as the Director of Education at the Tucson Girls Chorus.

Presenter Biographies Dr. Cari Earnhart serves as the Director of Choral Activities at California State University, Fresno, where she conducts the top choral ensembles and teaches undergraduate/graduate conducting. In demand as a conductor, clinician and adjudicator, Earnhart has worked with choirs throughout the US and abroad. She served as DCA at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE and as artistic director of Nassim al Saba, an Arabic choral music ensemble. She has been a guest conductor with the Budapesti Vándor Kórus, and the Istanbul International Chamber Choir; she served as Maestro of Ensemble Vocale Tempus Floridum and as Maestro Collaboratore of Coro dell’ Accademia del Diletto and Coro Polofonico del Caricentro in Florence. She frequently presents workshops on Arabic choral music, vocal pedagogy and conducting. She holds BM and MM degrees in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy from Oklahoma State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas. Matt Falker is a jazz and gospel pianist, vocalist, arranger and clinician. Matt distributes his vocal jazz arrangements through his publishing company, Anchor Music Publications (formerly Sound Music Publications founded by Frank DeMiero in 1988), as well as the music of dozens of other vocal jazz arrangers and composers. He is also the executive director of the Vocal Jazz Academy: a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and supporting vocal jazz educators through a series of one-day jazz workshops for teachers and students. As a full-time piano and vocal jazz professor at MiraCosta College, Matt directs the Downbeat award-winning Frequency vocal jazz program, and hosts the Oceanside Jazz Festival. Matt directed the Jazz Immersion Choir at the 2023 ACDA National Conference, and also presented a clinic with Cedric Dent (Take 6). He has directed numerous All State Jazz choirs, most recently in California and North Dakota. Alex Gartner has been at the helm of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus since 2016. As Artistic & Executive Director, he oversees 15 choral ensembles and multidisciplinary arts programs which reach 25,000 youth across Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama. Over time, these programs have found support from a robust network of civic, governmental, and media partners who promote PCC’s mission to a regional audience of over 50,000 individuals each year. He is the coauthor of “The Business of Choir: A Choral Leader’s Guide for Organizational Growth,” published through GIA. A conductor, composer, nonprofit strategist, and equity coach, Arreon A. Harley-Emerson (he/him) is the President and CEO of Equity Sings. Committed to the principles of equity and justice, Equity Sings assists organizations in remaining relevant in the 21st century. HarleyEmerson’s work includes longitudinal studies, strategic planning, board governance, resource and asset development, and board diversification. Mr. Harley-Emerson is a philosophical inquirer with research interests in Black music aesthetics and the intersection of music education and inclusive policy-making and nonprofit governance. Additionally, Mr. Harley-Emerson is a University Fellow at the Boyer School of Music Dance at Temple University where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in music education with a cognate in choral conducting and has completed a graduate certificate in Diversity in Higher Education. Mr. Harley-Emerosn is published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Choral Journal, and The Oxford Handbook for Choral Pedagogy.

Presenter Biographies Juan Manuel Hernández-Morales (he/him) is currently the director of the Youth Choir of La Cuerda Foundation, the Universidad Industrial de Santander University Choir, and teaches choral and instrumental studies at the Universidad Industrial de Santander of Colombia. He is also an avid choral composer and arranger. His works for children's choirs, youth choirs, and mixed choirs have been performed in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, South Korea, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and the United States. He is an active clinician, and has held workshops on rehearsal pedagogy, arranging, conducting, literature, and interpretation throughout Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and the United States. Since 2007, Mr. Hernández-Morales has been the coordinator and organizer of the Santander Choral Festival and the Santander Children's and Youth Choir Encounter. He is also the artistic director of the La Cuerda Metropolitan Choir Festival in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Jennifer Hansen Heder, DMA is the Director of Choral Activities at Fresno City College. Prior to her appointment at FCC, she received her DMA in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. Her doctoral research, “Multicentrism in the Choral Classroom: A Framework and Guide for the Modern-Day Choral Educator,” highlights the ways in which choral educators can decenter Eurocentric music in their classrooms. In March of 2022, Jennifer co-presented the session, “Empowered Leaders Empower Others,” at the Western Region ACDA Conference. Previous to her studies, Dr. Heder was the director of choirs at Spanish Fork High School in Utah. Her choirs at Spanish Fork were invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Utah Conference in 2018 and the Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA) Utah Conference in 2019. She also holds Choral Conducting (MM) and Music Education (BM) degrees from Brigham Young University in Utah. Primarily a choral conductor, Stevie J. Hirner (she/her/hers) is also an active vocalist, composer, and arranger of choral music. As a specialist in transgender inclusivity, she has presented her methodology "Line Recombination" at numerous conferences and universities including the 2023 National ACDA Conference, 2022 Western ACDA Regional Conference, 2022 NCCO National Conference, and 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey. As a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Southern California (USC), she led the USC Thornton Apollo Chorus and the University Chorus in addition to teaching Choral Conducting I/II while also serving as the Artistic Director of the Long Beach Youth Chorus. Hirner is nearing completion of her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music from USC, and she holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University (2012) and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri (2014). Nationally recognized for her excellence in choral conducting, Iris S. Levine is founder and artistic director of VOX Femina Los Angeles, L.A.’s premier women’s chorus. Dr. Levine has charted VOX Femina on an impressive journey, building its prominence in the choral community by way of numerous concerts and appearances at ACDA conventions, Chorus America conferences, and more. Dr. Levine is faculty emerita at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where she served as Director of Choral Activities, Dean, and Interim Provost. She is an active member of ACDA, with former leadership roles as state, regional, and national R&S chair for Women’s Choruses. Dr. Levine authored the chapter on “Working with the Women’s Community Choir” in Conducting Women’s Choirs: Strategies for Success and she is a contributing author in Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers. Dr. Levine is highly sought as guest clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals throughout the country.

Presenter Biographies Jamond McCoy is an improvisational jazz and gospel influenced vocalist, pianist, composer, arranger, session singer, and accompanist, creating music for various venues and other fellow musicians. He is the baritone for the famous a cappella group, m-pact and is also a passionate educator, teaching privately and at various institutions, including California Baptist University, Cerritos College, and Orange County High School of the Arts. He has worked as the Assistant Director at the Monterey Jazz Summer Camp, the famous A Cappella Academy (Ben Bram and Avi Kaplan form PTX) and loves giving back to the church communities that helped shape him as a musical director. Dr. Pamela McDermott is Director of Choral Activities at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia where she directs ensembles and teaches Conducting, Choral Methods, Show Choir Techniques, and Aural Skills. She is also a founding member and Associate Artistic Director of The Piedmont Singers of Central Virginia, a professional vocal octet. McDermott earned her DMA in Choral Conducting at UNC-Greensboro. Her dissertation offers an analysis of Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem through the lens of semiotics in an examination of the work’s relationship to the requiem genre. She earned a Masters in Theory/Composition at James Madison University and a Bachelors of Music Education at East Carolina University. Active as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator, Dr. McDermott enjoys collaborative projects. She continues to seek out best practices for teaching about music, singing, and expressive artistry. She is past president of Virginia ACDA and is active in NAfME and NCCO. Dr. Molina has been affiliated with the Tucson Girls Chorus since 2006, first serving as Artistic Director and taking the helm as Executive Director in 2011. Under Dr. Molina’s guidance, the Tucson Girls Chorus has grown significantly in programming and community engagement. With her leadership, the TGC has transformed into a vibrant and collaborative organization that creates access to inclusive programming for youth, and provides resources to music educators and support to their classroom all year-round. In addition to her work with the TGC, Dr. Molina serves as Director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Marcela Molina holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and the University of Arizona. She has contributed articles to Antiphon, and the books Teaching through Performance in Choir, Volume 2 and Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers. She was named 2019 Choral Director of the Year by Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA), and she often serves as a clinician and guest conductor for choral festivals. Joshua Palkki (he/him) is Assistant Professor of Music Learning and Teaching/Choral Conducting and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Arizona State University and co-author of Honoring Trans and Gender-Expansive Students in Music Education (Oxford University Press, 2021). He holds degrees from Michigan State University (Ph.D. music education), Northern Arizona University (M.M. choral conducting), and Ball State University (B.S. music education). Dr. Palkki has presented at national and international events including the National ACDA Conference, NAfME National Conference, and the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium and is a sought-after guest conductor and scholar on equity and justice topics. Joshua’s writing appears in several choral and music education publications including Choral Journal, Journal of Music Teacher Education, and Journal of Research in Music Education, Engaging Musical Practices: A Sourcebook for Middle School General Music (2nd edition), Routledge Companion of Jazz and Gender, and the Handbook of Music and Art (Bloomsbury).

Presenter Biographies Dale Trumbore is a Los Angeles-based composer and writer whose music has been called "devastatingly beautiful" (The Washington Post) and praised for its "soaring melodies and beguiling harmonies deployed with finesse" (The New York Times). Trumbore's compositions have been performed widely in the U.S. and internationally by the Aeolians of Oakwood University, Chicago Symphony's MusicNOW ensemble, Conspirare and the Miró Quartet, soprano Liv Redpath, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Modesto Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, Phoenix Chorale, Tonality, and VocalEssence. The recipient of ACDA’s inaugural Raymond W. Brock Competition for Professional Composers, an ASCAP Morton Gould Award, and a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant, Trumbore has also served as Composer in Residence for Choral Chameleon. She has written extensively about working through creative blocks and establishing a career in music in essays and in her first book, Staying Composed. Learn more about Trumbore’s music and writing at daletrumbore.com. Natasha Valdes is a certified trauma-informed voice professional through the Voice Study Center in England with an MM in vocal pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory and a BM in vocal performance from California State University Long Beach. Valdes became a trauma voice specialist after struggling to find healing solutions for her own issues with psychogenic dysphonia. Valdes is the founder and CEO of Complete Vocal Wellness, a neuro-centric coaching program for voice users to learn functional-based voice training, increase optimal performance, and heal core trauma wounds. Valdes is known for her therapeutic application of vocal toning and for sharing her research on “Rewiring trauma, anxiety, and depression in the Voice” at conferences like CCDA, ACDA, NATS, CASMEC, and BOCO Vocal Symposium.

Biola University Chorale

Cal Poly SLO Cantabile

The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 37 undergraduate voices from various disciplines on campus. Nationally, the Chorale has enjoyed performances on the Tonight Show, at Disney’s D23 Convention, in Carnegie Hall and with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Regularly touring domestically and internationally, the Chorale’s most recent tours include South Korea, Ireland and Italy. Each spring they join forces with the Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a major choral-orchestral work. Recent performances have included Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Verdi’s Requiem, and J.S. Bach’s Magnificat. The Chorale performed at the American Choral Directors Association Western Region Conventions in 2016 and 2020, and the National Collegiate Choral Organization’s 7th Biennial National Conference in November 2017.

Under the director of Scott Glysson, Cal Poly was Founded in 2018 and is an advanced ensemble specializing in the performance of repertoire for soprano and alto voices. With 60 singers representing nearly every major at Cal Poly, Cantabile is a more than 75% non-music major ensemble. Since its creation Cantabile has commissioned more than 4 new works by contemporary composers and has a mission of creating, celebrating, and performing music of female composers. Glysson holds a DMA and MM in Choral Conducting from The University of Arizona and a BM in Music Education from George Mason University. In 2013 Glysson was honored as a finalist in the ACDA National Choral Conducting Competition.

Dr. Shawna Stewart is the Director of Choral Studies at Biola University in La Mirada, CA where she conducts the Biola University Chorale and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. As associate professor, she teaches courses in conducting and choral methods. Dr. Stewart holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (M.M. Conducting), the University of Southern California (D.M.A. Choral Music), and has served on the faculty at John Brown University and North Dakota State College of Science. She has also held the position of Music Director at several churches in CA and NY. Presently, with an additional interest in early childhood music education, she is the owner of and teacher at Children’s Music Academy in Whittier, CA.

Scott Glysson is the Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California. Dr. Glysson has been recognized for his achievements in conducting in both the choral and orchestral genres. He has led performances on five continents and over ten countries. In 2013 Glysson was honored as a finalist in the ACDA National Choral Conducting Competition. Glysson has previously held the position of Director of Choral Activities at West Liberty University in WV and Artistic Director of the Tucson Masterworks Chorale. Glysson has presented and published in the fields of music education and musicology. Glysson holds a DMA and MM in Choral Conducting from The University of Arizona and a BM in Music Education from George Mason University.

Chandler Children’s Chorus Ad Astra

Crystal Children’s Choir

In its 15th season, the Chandler Children’s Choir created an ensemble of top performers ages 16-18 who demonstrated a desire to excel, naming it Ad Astra (to the stars). Founding members had been singing with CCC since their earliest opportunities, many since ages 6 or 7. Now high school juniors and seniors, Ad Astra enables singers to launch into future musical opportunities after graduation, either as a hobby or academic pursuit. The conductor of Ad Astra, Aimee Stewart, conducts the Chamber Singers at ChandlerGilbert Community College, the Tempe Community Messiah, has served as President of AzACDA and currently serves as Community & Children Youth R&R Chair for WACDA. In 2022, she was awarded AzACDA Choral Director of the Year.

Crystal Children's Choir was founded with the mission: to pursue choral music excellence and to serve as a cultural ambassador harmonizing the finest facets of Eastern and Western cultures. Crystal singers from more than 120 schools, and their performances have graced the stages of numerous globally renowned venues. The choir is under the direction of Dr. Karl Chang. Dr. Chang is the visionary behind a 200 mixed-voice community chorus started at Stanford University in 1981. Over 43 years, he has served as the founding director, consistently igniting musical passion within singers from diverse backgrounds, nurturing their adoration for singing. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership, an MBA, and an M.S. in Engineering.

Aimee Stewart is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Chandler Children’s Choir in Arizona. Since its inception in 2008, CCC has grown from a young choir of 27 singers to a comprehensive choral program with 5 choirs. She also conducts the Chamber Singers at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the Tempe Community Messiah, has served as President of AzACDA and currently serves as Community & Children Youth R&R Chair for WACDA. In 2022, she was awarded AzACDA Choral Director of the Year. Mrs. Stewart is in a Master’s program for Choral Conducting with Dr. Jace Saplan at Arizona State University. She enjoys skiing with her husband, Adam, and their four children. She is incredibly honored to be performing for the Western Region conference.

Dr. Karl Chang has held the positions of co-founder, president, and conductor of Crystal Children’s Choir since 1994. He has led performances and interest sessions at ACDA conferences and is a frequently sought-after guest conductor for youth and collegiate choirs throughout Asia. Dr. Chang is the visionary behind a 200 mixed-voice community chorus started at Stanford University in 1981. Over these 43 years, he has served as the founding director, consistently igniting musical passion within singers from diverse backgrounds, nurturing their adoration for singing. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership, an MBA, and an M.S. in Engineering. Despite these accomplishments, his unwavering dedication to choral music has driven him to pursue his lifelong aspiration in the realm of children’s music education.

CSULB Jazz & Tonic

Mater Dei High School Chamber Singers

Jazz & Tonic is one of two premiere vocal jazz ensembles at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. The group features a diverse educational background, having members who are jazz studies majors, music education majors, composition majors, and other non-music majors. The group is under the direction of Jonny Arenas, who is an educator, vocalist, and arranger based in Los Angeles and is currently a part of the jazz faculty at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach.

Based in Santa Ana, California, the Mater Dei High School Choral and Vocal Program serves a diverse Southern California community. With 11 ensembles and nearly 300 singers participating in athletics, ASB, the arts, campus ministry, and more, the program consistently excels, earning superior ratings at competitions and festivals nationwide. Dr. Jodi Reed, their director, has conducted her choirs on NPR’s From The Top, at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, as well as iconic international venues like La Sagrada Familia and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Jonny Arenas is an educator, vocalist, and arranger based in Los Angeles and is currently a part of the jazz faculty at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. There, he majored in Jazz Studies, was mentored by renowned vocalist and educator, Christine Guter, and graduated with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. As a member of the jazz faculty at CSULB, he directs Jazz & Tonic, one of the two premier vocal jazz ensembles there. Since being hired in Fall 2021, he has helped the group earn two Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards, one of which for being the sole winner of the undergraduate college division.

Dr. Jodi Reed, a conductor and pianist, began her musical journey with competitive piano studies at a young age. Introduced to choral music in high school, she has led university, school, church and community choirs. Notably, she was the first female conductor to win multiple first-place awards in Golden State choral competitions. She has conducted her choirs on NPR’s From The Top, at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, as well as iconic international venues like La Sagrada Familia and St. Peter’s Basilica. She is currently the Director of Choral and Vocal Music at Mater Dei High School and a Musical Director with Millennial® Choirs & Orchestras. Jodi also cherishes family time and enjoys scuba diving and any time spent at the ocean.

Ragazzi Boys Chorus

Resounding Achord

Ragazzi serves over 200 choristers in six tiered levels. Under the leadership of Artistic and Executive Director Kent Jue, Ragazzi shapes the lives of boys from diverse backgrounds, developing tenacious and confident young musicians who pursue choral arts of the highest caliber together. Kent Jue serves as the Artistic Director, and previously conducted youth choruses at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performed with the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus and the Gay Men’s Choruses of San Francisco and Boston.

Resounding Achord is the founding choir of Resounding Achord Productions (RAP), a nonprofit organization based in San José, California. From their beginnings in 2012, the choir has been faithful to creating a positive, family friendly member experience, while maintaining a high performance standard with accessible music for both singers and audiences. Besides being musicians, the choir’s members are teachers, students, engineers, administrative professionals, scientists, lawyers, caretakers, and retirees. Repertoire is selected from all musical periods and a multitude of world cultures. Ms. Nakagawa is the founding artistic director of RA, and she has a degree in Vocal Performance from UC Irvine where she studied conducting with Joseph Huszti, and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from San José State University. While at SJSU, she was honored to study with Dr. Charlene Archibeque and sang with the world-famous Choraliers.

Kent Jue leads the GRAMMY Award-winning Ragazzi Boys Chorus, Silicon Valley, as the Artistic and Executive Director. Known for building high-level musicianship skills through his engaging style and rapport with youth, Kent is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, educator, and mentor. A passionate advocate for collaboration, he has conducted Ragazzi with the San Francisco Symphony and prepared vocalists for Opera San Jose, Symphony Silicon Valley, and West Bay Opera. Kent previously conducted youth choruses at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performed with the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus and the Gay Men’s Choruses of San Francisco and Boston. Kent currently serves as the California Choral Directors Association Children’s and Community Youth Repertoire and Resources Chair.

Kristina Nakagawa is the founding Artistic Director of Resounding Achord Productions, and has been performing in Silicon Valley since 2001. She is also the Executive Artistic Director of Vivace Youth Chorus of San José, and previously directed choirs at San José State University, UC Irvine, Pinewood School, and St. Francis Episcopal Church. Ms. Nakagawa has a degree in Vocal Performance from UC Irvine where she studied conducting with Joseph Huszti, and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from San José State University. While at SJSU, she was honored to study with Dr. Charlene Archibeque and sang with the world-famous Choraliers. Kristina is currently President-Elect for the California Choral Directors Association. She and her husband, Ryan, are the proud stage parents of their son, Russell.

Riverside City College Chamber Singers

San Juan Hills High School Chamber Singers

RCC Chamber Singers are under the direction of John Byun, and often have opportunities to perform with special guest artists such as Don Shelton (member of the Hi-Lo’s), Grammy Award Winner Jon Secada, the TED Talks and NAMM Show with Eric Whitacre, and as chorus for the Star Wars in Concert. John Byun received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He is the director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Riverside City College, where he directs the Chamber Singers and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

The San Juan Hills High School Chamber Singers have built a reputation of singing challenging works from a variety of historical periods of music and cultures from around the world. In February 2023, the Chamber Singers performed at the California All-State Music Educators Conference in Fresno, California. The choir has also been invited to perform at many functions around the Capistrano Unified School District and is proud to be a part of the SJHHS Stallion Family. Michael Ushino serves as the Director of the Choral/Vocal Arts Department and the Vocal Music Conservatory at San Juan Hills High School. He received his Masters in Music from the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University, Long Beach and also studied at University of California, Irvine.

John Byun received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He is the director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Riverside City College, where he directs the Chamber Singers and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He has been the guest conductor for several district honor choirs, SCVA Men’s Honor Choir, Central California Women’s Honor Choir, Texas Honor Choir Region 9, Clark County, NV Honor Choir and at the NWACDA Regional Conference. He has also conducted All State Honor Choirs in North Carolina, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Arizona. Mr. Byun maintains the John Byun Choral Series with Pavane Publishing, O vos omnes and Sitivit anima mea, and Love Song by Richard Burchard, O Nata Lux, Born of Light by Kevin Memley, Witness and Get Away Jordan by Stacey Gibbs, Saeya Saeya by Young-Ah Kim, and Magnus Dominus and Gaudium et Pacem by John Tebay.

Michael Ushino serves as the Director of the Choral/Vocal Arts Department and the Vocal Music Conservatory at San Juan Hills High School. He received his Masters in Music from the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University, Long Beach and also studied at University of California, Irvine. His conducting mentors have included Professor Emeritus Joseph Huszti, Dr. Jonathan Talberg, and Keith Hancock. He currently serves as the President-Elect of the Southern California Vocal Association and previously served as the High School Honor Choir Vice President. Michael also currently serves as the Co-Artistic Director of the Men in Blaque, based in Irvine, California.

Saugus High School Blue Notes

Sterling Ensemble

Blue Notes from Saugus, CA is Saugus High School’s top vocal jazz choir. Under the direction of Kaitlin Holt for the past five years, this award-winning ensemble has sung in various jazz festivals and competitions throughout Southern California. As head of the choral program at Saugus High School in Saugus, California, Kaitlin Holt directs five vocal ensembles and teaches the Music Industry Career Technology Pathway courses. She actively performs with various groups in the Los Angeles area, including her allfemale acapella quartet “Angeles.”

Sterling Ensemble Los Angeles is a semi-professional choir, founded in 2018 by Artistic Director Michelle Jensen. This community of singers specializes in performing historic literature from diverse voices and workshopping new music with local artists. Teachers, military members, business leaders, and entrepreneurs join with professional musicians two hours a week to make excellent choral music. The Sterling Ensemble is under the direction of Michelle Jenson, a Los Angeles-based choral conductor, clinician, and teacher. In addition to directing Sterling Ensemble, she serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Azusa Pacific University, where she is also the Director of Graduate Choral Studies and the Conductor of the university's Chamber Singers.

As head of the choral program at Saugus High School in Saugus, California, Kaitlin Holt directs five award-winning vocal ensembles and teaches the Music Industry Career Technology Pathway courses. She actively performs with various groups in the Los Angeles area, including her all-female acapella quartet “Angeles,” and often taps into her wide network of music colleagues to bring Master Classes to her students. Kaitlin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Choral Studies from CSU Long Beach, an Associate's Degree in Jazz Studies from Cuesta College, and recently completed the coursework for her Masters in Choral Conducting from CSU Los Angeles. Currently serving as the Southern California Vocal Association Vocal Jazz Festival chair, Kaitlin works to mainstream jazz education and incorporate improvisation into choir curriculum.

Michelle Jensen is a Los Angeles-based choral conductor, clinician, and teacher. In addition to directing Sterling Ensemble, she serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Azusa Pacific University, where she is also the Director of Graduate Choral Studies and the Conductor of the university's Chamber Singers. She has studied conducting with Charlene Archibeque, Lucinda Carver, William Dehning, Paul Salamunovich, and Jo-Michael Schiebe; and composition with Morten Lauridsen. Jensen has led choirs to place first in such prestigious international music competitions as Chorwettbewerb Spittal an der Drau and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. She also serves as an adjudicator and honor choir conductor. In 2019, she was invited to conduct the Connecticut All-State Mixed Choir.

Tesoro High School Vocal Ensemble

The Sunday Night Singers

The Tesoro High School Vocal Ensemble has performed and/or recorded with or opened for many performers, including Jason Mraz, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Johnny Mathis, Five for Fighting, Quentin Tarantino, Mark Lindsay, Take 6, Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Gordon Goodwin, and Ruben Studdard. They are multiple winners of the Golden State Choral Competition and they have performed in Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and Staples Center. Keith Hancock, their director, was recently named the Grammy Music Educator Award winner, a top 50 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, one of the 10 CMA National Teachers of Excellence and one of the 100 Most Influential People of Orange County.

The Sunday Night Singers (SNS) founded by Palmdale High alumni and Artistic Director Mike McCullough in 2005, is a 32-voice community ensemble in the Antelope Valley, CA. From inception, SNS celebrates and uplifts diverse communities, mirroring an authentic and organic representation of the diversity found in LA County. Michael McCullough assumed the role of Director of Choral Music at Palmdale High School in 1995. He holds a BM in Voice and an MM in Choral Conducting from California State University, Northridge, studying under the tutelage of John Alexander.

Keith Hancock is in his 22nd year teaching at Tesoro HS. He was recently named the Grammy Music Educator Award winner, a top 50 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, one of the 10 CMA National Teachers of Excellence and one of the 100 Most Influential People of Orange County. Mr. Hancock has frequently collaborated with Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, arranging, conducting and recording for his album, Know, and performing with him on his tour. Mr. Hancock is also a contributor to Careers Through Music, a book/video presented by Alfred Music and the Grammy Museum Foundation. Mr. Hancock holds a M.A. in Education and a B.M. in Music Education and Choral Conducting (Summa cum Laude), and he previously served on the faculty at Chapman University.

Michael McCullough assumed the role of Director of Choral Music at Palmdale High School in 1995. He holds a BM in Voice and an MM in Choral Conducting from California State University, Northridge, studying under the tutelage of John Alexander. He continued his professional certification at Chapman University. With a rich 32-year history as part of the Antelope Valley College faculty, McCullough has conducted the AV Master Chorale and College Singers. He has also taught individual voice, music history, and music theory. McCullough is the Artistic Director of The Sunday Night Singers which was founded to allow former students to continue their pursuit of choral excellence. Notable recordings encompass works by Joshua Shank “The Seasons” and Stacey V. Gibbs "Didn't it Rain".

Thurman White Academy Advanced Choir

CSU Fullerton University Singers

The Thurman White Academy Advanced Choir has been under the direction of Athena Mertes since 2015. Thurman White Academy is a Performing Arts Magnet Middle School program that accepts students through a random lottery system. This 7th/8th grade ensemble consistently receives superior ratings at choral festivals and competitions. This diverse ensemble regularly performs as a guest choir with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society. Their recent virtual choir performance of "Don't Give Up On Me" was selected to be featured at the 2022 Western Region ACDA Conference "Stories of the Pandemic." In 2019, they received numerous awards at the Worldstrides Choral Festival in San Diego, California. These awards included: 1st place, Gold, Adjudicator's Award, Outstanding Choral Group, Outstanding Soloists and Overall Sweepstakes.

California State University, Fullerton's University Singers, led by Dr. Robert Istad, perform all over world and regularly collaborate with Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. They perform with conductors Gustavo Dudamel, Carl St.Clair, David Newman and John Williams; artists Andrea Bocelli, Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster, Skylar Astin, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Juanes, Beck; and are heard on Sony Records’ “John Williams and Steven Spielberg: The Ultimate Collection” and Yarlung Records’ “Nostos: The Homecoming of Music.” GRAMMY Award Winning conductor Dr. Robert Istad who “fashions fluent and sumptuous readings” (Voice of OC) with his “phenomenal” artistry (Los Angeles Times), is Director of Choral Studies at CSU Fullerton, where he was recognized as CSUF’s 2016 Outstanding Professor. He is also Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale.

Athena Mertes is the director at the Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts, where she has approximately 400 students. In 2020, she received the Teacher of the Year Award from Magnet Schools of America. Mrs. Mertes is the Chorus Master of the Opera Las Vegas Youth Chorus and is a regular performer of concert and operatic repertoire. She has performed as a guest soloist with the Burbank Philharmonic, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Henderson Symphony, Opera Las Vegas, Vegas City Opera, Lexington Opera Outreach, Las Vegas Sinfonietta, and the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society. This season, she will perform as Marie in The Daughter of the Regiment with Vegas City Opera, and the world premiere of a new opera, Behold the Man with Opera Las Vegas.

GRAMMY Award Winning conductor Dr. Robert Istad who “fashions fluent and sumptuous readings” (Voice of OC) with his “phenomenal” artistry (Los Angeles Times), is Director of Choral Studies at CSU Fullerton, where he was recognized as CSUF’s 2016 Outstanding Professor. He is also Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale. His artistic impact can be heard on two recent recordings featuring Pacific Chorale: “Mahler’s Eighth Symphony” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gustavo Dudamel on Deutsche Grammophon (2021), for which he prepared the chorus and was awarded the GRAMMY Award for Best Choral Performance, and “Ecstasies Above: The Music of Tarik O’Regan,” which he conducted, on Yarlung Records (2020). He serves on the Executive Board of Chorus America and Dean of Chorus America’s Conducting Academy.

University of Arizona Symphonic Choir Symphonic Choir is the premier choral ensemble at the University of Arizona, carrying on a 72-year tradition of joyful excellence. Members hail from throughout the world and represent a variety of majors. The ensemble also partners with service organizations in the Greater Tucson area to bring awareness and support to vulnerable populations including refugees, asylum seekers, and unhoused people. The choir is under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, Director of Choral Activities at U of A. An award-winning educator, Dr. Schauer conducts Symphonic Choir and teaches graduate conducting and choral literature courses with a student-centered focus to an international population of learners.

The American Choral Directors Association supports choral activities by all musical groups. ACDA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. ACDA reserves the right to approve and edit any applications and materials for publication and distribution. As an ACDA member, I will comply with the copyright laws of the United State of America, including the illegal downloading of music from the Internet. Compliance with these laws is a condition of participation by clinicians and performing ensembles that appear at any ACDA sponsored event or Conference. (ACDA Policies and Procedures Manual Guide, adopted by the National Board of Directors August 2002.)

Elizabeth Schauer serves as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Arizona, where she is recognized for her innovative and inclusive curricular approach. An award-winning educator, Dr. Schauer conducts Symphonic Choir and teaches graduate conducting and choral literature courses with a studentcentered focus to an international population of learners. Former students are active as music educators at public and private schools, churches, colleges and universities throughout the world. Dr. Schauer is in demand nationally as a conductor and presenter, and choirs under her direction have performed on the professional conferences of ACDA, College Music Society, American Guild of Organists and Arizona Music Educators Association.

After more than fifty years of teaching, Judy Bowers was named Professor Emerita in the College of Music at Florida State University upon retirement, and subsequently completed four years as Biedenharn Endowed Chair in Music at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Throughout a career dedicated to preparing music teachers, Bowers has taught undergraduate and graduate music education classes and choirs, and has provided honor choirs in Canada, Africa, and numerous American all- state/honor choirs, regional ACDA honor choirs and a national ACDA middle school honor choir in 2009. A unifying principle in all these settings has been the use of Developmental Teaching strategies. This pedagogical approach allows singers of varying skills to successfully rehearse and perform together. In 2014, Bowers was named a Lowell Mason National Music Education Fellow by NAfME, and in 2023, the Florida Music Educators Association inducted her into the Florida Music Hall of Fame. Nationally recognized as a leader in the field of youth choral conductors, Emily Ellsworth enjoys an active schedule as guest conductor nationally and abroad. She has conducted allstate choirs and festivals in over 30 states, honor choir for ACDA’s 60th anniversary conference (2019) and the national honor choirs for the Organization of Kodaly Educators (2013 and 2023). She is on the conducting roster for Manhattan Concert Productions and will conduct a youth festival there once again in June of 2024. International appearances include festival choirs in Ireland, England, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman Island, Greece, and presentations for the national association of choral directors in Brazil. From 1996-2018, Ms. Ellsworth was Artistic Director of Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus outside of Chicago, earning several national awards for her work. More information can be found at www.emilyellsworth.net.

Dr. Julie Yu (She/Her/Hers) is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University and the Artistic Director of Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma’s premier symphony chorus. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma State University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas. Before joining OCU and Canterbury Voices, she taught at Norman North High School in Oklahoma, San José State University, and Kansas State University. She has given presentations, conducted, and/or her choirs have performed for state and regional conferences of the ACDA, NAfME, and the European MEA. She is the past president of the Southwestern Region and served as an International Conducting Exchange Fellow to Kenya in 2019. Her favorite area of research and performance is working as a guest clinician/conductor for various honor choirs and professional organizations. Dr. Rollo Dilworth is currently Vice Dean and Professor of Choral Music Education in the Department of Music Education Therapy at Temple University’s Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts in Philadelphia, PA. He serves as Conductor for the Temple University Singing Owls Campus/Community Chorus, as Conductor for the School District of Philadelphia High School All-City Chorus, and as Artistic Director of Singing City Choir. Over 200 of Dilworth’s choral compositions and arrangements have been published, and many are part of the Henry Leck Creating Artistry Choral Series with the Hal Leonard Corporation. He is an active clinician and frequent guest conductor of all-state, honors, festival, community, church and professional choirs. He has researched, lectured, and presented extensively on various topics including African American choral music, composing/arranging for choirs, social justice, social emotional learning, cultural appropriation, urban music education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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