All we can say is "WOW!" Great performances all across the NW division this month! Congratulations to you all. We would like to call your attention to two of our marvelous northwest choirs...one 'cause all of you can hear/see them on public television. The other 'cause...well, keep reading! PLU's Choirs presented concerts early this month … Continue reading December 2015 Round-Up
Category: ACDA Leadership
by Brian Mitchell, President-Elect, WA-ACDA When I try to explain the importance of a choral experience, I find my mind fires off like a lightning storm, shooting around from thought to thought. It bounces from all of the amazing new brain research to the encouraging information coming from the National Endowment of the Arts on … Continue reading Why Music? The Importance of Music in America
by Timothy Westerhaus, R & S Chair, College and University Choirs Five universities from across Washington State gathered in Ellensburg for the annual Washington Intercollegiate Choral Festival on April 7, 2014. Over 250 collegiate singers from Central Washington University, Gonzaga University, Walla Walla University, Western Washington University, and Whitworth University participated, conducted by Gary Weidenaar, … Continue reading WA Intercollegiate Choral Festival: Rave Reviews and Repertoire
Ten world music pieces for all levels recommended by Brian Hoskins, our WA ACDA multi-cultural perspectives chair 1. "Adiemus" by Karl Jenkins (SSA, Boosey & Hawkes). "Adiemus" is one of a collection of pieces by Karl Jenkins called Songs of Sanctuary. It was also featured in an airline commercial years ago. The part I enjoy … Continue reading Looking for Multi-Cultural Pieces? 10 Recommendations
by Joel Karn, R&S Chair for Women's Choruses The day I post the list of my choirs for the next school year is a day mixed with both celebration and sadness among my students. Many shed tears of joy because they've made it into the group they've longed to be in, while a few others … Continue reading Auditioning Your Choirs
Timothy Westerhaus, University and 4-year College R & S Chair, Washington State As choral conductors, we strive to create and strengthen bonds of community within our choirs as we pursue musical excellence. Our ensembles thrive when each member identifies with a common cause that resonates deeply with other members. These common causes include aesthetic elements, … Continue reading Bridging the Gap: Connecting Choral Communities
By Joel Karn, R&S Chair for Women’s Choirs Summer is a great time to relax, refresh, and reflect. Most of us don’t need reminders about relaxing or refreshing after a busy school year, but the need for reflection is important as well, for our growth and for the growth of our students. Webster defines reflection … Continue reading The Three R’s of Summer
At the end of each year, the state ACDA president completes an annual report which is shared with the national office. As I reflected on the past year, I was certain that the members of Washington ACDA would enjoy knowing the many activities and membership updates that have taken place this year. I will condense … Continue reading A Year in REVIEW: Lori Wiest reports on the state of Washington ACDA 2012-2013
Our colleague, Joel Ulrich, writes his final letter (for the time being) from his role as R&S Chair for Music in Worship as his term of office expires. Thank you, Joel, for your service and dedication to ACDA! Dear Music in Worship Colleagues, Two articles from the June/July Choral Journal discuss aspects that relate directly … Continue reading Wise Words from Joel Ulrich, R&S Chair for Music in Worship as his term of office expires
Brian has taught choir at Mark Morris High School in Longview, WA since the fall of 1995. He has directed men’s choir, treble choir, jazz choir, and many mixed ensembles ranging in size from 25 to 80. He also was the vocal director for 14 high school musicals and is currently the Music Coordinator for … Continue reading Brian Mitchell, President-Elect-designate, WA ACDA
Washington ACDA 