ACDA Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Steve starts off with an entry of the Composer Challenge from Corbin Montenegro. In “Check in Out in the Choral Journal,” he highlights how to maintain our health through the “Sick Season.” He then interviews Dr. Jessica Nápoles, one of our two candidates for ACDA President-Elect. (Tune in to the December episode to hear an interview with the second candidate). We talk about her leadership experience and what her future vision would be for ACDA. Our R&R Quick Pick comes from our World Music chairs and gives us a wonderful song from Namibia. Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA – including registration for National Conference!!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: Ndji Raisa Ondundu, arr. by Elson V. Hindundu

National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Robert Shaw Choral Award honoree: Dr. Charlene Archibeque

Moveable Do Podcast: MoveableDo.com

This month, Steve gives a brief recap of the Idaho-ACDA Fall Conference. Then, he interviews Erin Plisco about the annual SA Composition Consortium. In “Check in Out in the Choral Journal,” Steve highlights the Advocacy and Collaborations articles and statement. He then interviews Dr. Edie Copley who is planning the National Conference in Dallas in March. We then turn to Children and Youth with our R&R Quick Pick and an interview with Joy Hirokawa, R&R Chair for Children and Community Youth. Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA.

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: Antiphonal Hosanna by G. Alan Smith, arr. by Jack Schrader

National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Robert Shaw Choral Award honoree: Dr. Charlene Archibeque

Advocacy and Collaboration: Website and Statement

Moveable Do Podcast: MoveableDo.com

Episode #2 – September 2024 

This month, Steve starts with “Check It Out in the Choral Journal” where he discusses the featured articles about composer William L Dawson. He visits with the foremost expert on Dawson, Mark Hugh Malone. Steve talks about the Composition/Conducting Challenge to improve upon the ACDA jingle. Next, we have an interview with composer Jake Runestad who talks about his Earth Symphony which will be performed at the National ACDA Conference in Dallas in 2025. We introduce a new segment, “R&R Quick Picks,” with a selection for a concert closer. Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA. 

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠. 

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠ 

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠ 

Website: https://acda.org  

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: 

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal  

Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org 

Jake Runestad’s “Earth Symphony”: https://jakerunestad.com/earth-symphony  

Interview with Jake Runestad on Moveable Do: https://tinyurl.com/3nu98x26  

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire  

R&R Quick Pick: Revolting Children – from Matilda: The Musical 

National Honor Choir Application Information: https://acda.org/conferences/honorchoirs 

Student Master Class Application Information: Click here. 

Evergreen Ensemble: https://evergreenensemble.com  

Episode #1 – August 2024

• In this episode, Steve takes on a coast-to-coast review of summer institutes and symposiums: Washington, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.
• Then, he interviews Dr. Dustin Cates, the ACDA R&R Chair for Tenor/Bass Choirs about three music picks that he wants to recommend (see links below).
• Steve announces a new Composition/Conducting Challenge to improve upon the ACDA jingle.
• Lastly, in the “Did You Know?” section of the show, we get an update on the goings-on of ACDA.

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

R&R Picks for Tenor/Bass Choir: https://acda.org/r-r-quick-picks-tenor-bass-choirs-advancing-choirs

• Ale, Alleluia – Bruce Tippette
• Old Fashioned Song (Don’t You Hate It?) – arr. Christopher Peterson
• These Things Shall Never Die – Brandon Williams

Composer/Conductor Challenge: email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org

National Honor Choir Application Information: https://acda.org/conferences/honorchoirs

Robert Shaw Choral Award nominations: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/robert-shaw-award

Student Master Class Application Information: Click here.

Advocacy and Collaboration Blog Post and Statement: Click here.

Connecting Conductors, Composers, and Clinicians from Coast to Coast.

Welcome to the ACDA Podcast - the home for all things ACDA! Join our new host, Dr. Steve Danielson, as we explore news from all regions of ACDA.

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at sdanielson@acda.org or acdapodcast@acda.org.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Brock Prize for Professional Composers - https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers

Robert Shaw Award - https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/robert-shaw-award

International Journal of Research in Choral Singing - https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/call-for-editorial-board-members-international-journal-of-research-in-choral-singing

In “It All Happens in Dallas,” Steve previews some of the exciting interest sessions that we can look forward to in March. Steve sits down with Director of Development Karen Klegelman and two of our conference sponsors,Stephen Carroll and Vincenzo D’Amore, host of the Daily Choirs Instagram page. The R&R Quick Pick highlightsThe Lantern in You byJocelyn Hagen. We get to listen in to an interview with conductorJoAnn Falletta who will be conducting Verdi’sRequiemin Dallas. After filling you in during the “Did You Know?” segment, Steve wraps up by telling us about one of his greatest musical influences. Would you like a chance to tell the story of one of your influences and thank them? Submit your story toacdapodcast@acda.org. And don’t forget to register for Conference!!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠

Follow us on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠

Website:https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information:https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Choral Journal:https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page:https://acda.org/repertoire

Daily Choirs:https://www.instagram.com/dailychoirs/

Firebird Fine Arts Tours:https://firebird-tours.com/

Claddagh Chamber Choir:https://claddaghchamberchoir.com/

R&R Quick Pick:The Lantern in Your Heart,by Jocelyn Hagen.https://www.jwpepper.com/The+Lantern+of+Your+Heart/11514229.item

ACDA Podcast interview with Jessica Nápoles:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/acda-podcast/episodes/Ep--4---November-2024-ft--Jessica-Npoles-e2qs2gu/a-abkhpnr

NationalACDA interview with JoAnn Falletta:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0GTV3_GdJs

ACDA Career Website:https://acda.careerwebsite.com/

The Research & Publication National StandingCommittee:https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

Welcome to ACDA 2025! In “It All Happens in Dallas,” Steve previews the two insight choir sessions that will be happening at the National Conference. The R&R Quick Pick highlights the New Canon Project, a commission through Rising Tide Music & Arts. After a reminder about our upcoming President-Elect elections, Steve takes a journey of influences. Who has been your greatest musical influence? What made them special? Would you like a chance to tell their story and thank them? Submit your story to acdapodcast@acda.org. And don’t forget to register for Conference!!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: New Canon Project: https://www.risingtidearts.org/ncp-collection

2024 National Call for Committee Members for the Education and Communication National Standing Committee: https://acda.org/resources/education

Steve wraps up the year with a festive sendoff in the December ACDA Podcast! This month, he introduces a new segment, “It All Happens in Dallas,” previewing the exciting events at the upcoming National Conference. In “Check it Out in the Choral Journal,” he highlights the January issue, a must-read for conference details. The episode features an engaging interview with Vincent (Vic) Oakes, candidate for ACDA President-Elect (go back to the November episode to hear the interview with the other candidate). They discuss his career, leadership experience, and vision for ACDA’s future. The R&R Quick Pick shines a light on Music of Life by B.E. Boykin, a stunning piece for treble voices. Steve closes with essential updates in the “Did You Know?” segment, including registration deadlines for the National Conference. Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiration and celebration to close out 2024!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information (including Book Fair and Composer Fair): https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Welcome to Dallas Performers:

               Greater Dallas Choral Society for Children and Youth: https://www.dallaschoralsociety.org/

               St. John’s Music Ministry: https://sjbcfamily.org/ministries/worship-and-arts/

               Vocal Majority: https://www.vocalmajority.com/

               Turtle Creek Chorale: https://www.turtlecreekchorale.com/  

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: Music is Life, by B.E. Boykin - https://www.jwpepper.com/Music-of-Life/11384778.item

2024 National Call for Committee Members for the Education and Communication National Standing Committee: https://acda.org/resources/education

Episode #8 – March 2025

To start out this month, Steve talks about an article that caught his attention in the Choral Journal. Then, he interviews Arreon Harley-Emerson, our ACDA Chair for National Diversity Initiatives about what we need to know about DEI policies. A special R&R Quick Pick includes one of Steve’s compositions. We get an interview with the ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger to get us excited about theNational Conference. Steve gives us a review of the conference app in preparation for next week’s conference. We wrap up with some listener-submitted influence stories.

Would you like a chance to tell the story of one of your musical influences and thank them? Write or record your story and submit it to acdapodcast@acda.org.

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

National Conference Information: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-conference

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: I carried your oxygen, by SteveDanielson. https://youtu.be/azAezsSIyi8

The Research & Publication National StandingCommittee: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee  

Episode #11 - June 2025

This month, Steve explores the vital role of composers in the choral world. He highlights the growing support for composers within ACDA and shares valuable resources available on the ACDA website, including composition contests and online communities. The R&R Quick Pick features Jennifer Lucy Cook’s piece Time. Steve also takes us behind the mic of his sister podcast, Moveable Do, with special clips from past interviews with Saunder Choi, Jocelyn Hagen & Tim Takach, and Rosephanye Powell.

We also hear from Sammy Strent, founder of the Collegiate Choral Composition Community, and get a special treat—two student compositions from Steve’s own choirs, including a surprisingly heartfelt piece inspired by Dad Jokes. In “Did You Know?”, Steve updates us on upcoming regional conferences, the Julius Herford Prize, and the Between the Staves initiative. The episode closes with an influence story from Kent Jue, conductor of the Ragazzi Boys Choir.

Have a summer symposium or event to share? Let Steve know at acdapodcast@acda.org. And if you'd like to thank someone who influenced your musical journey, send in your story!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠

Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Composers Resource page: https://acda.org/composers

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: Time by Jennifer Lucy Cookhttps://www.jwpepper.com/time-11513832-8826/p

Moveable Do Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fC2wcrEu8Ybp3AKRoA0zp

Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/julius-herford-dissertation-prize

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers -https://choralnet.org/archives/798712

Collegiate Choral Composition Community (CCCC): https://www.choralcomposition.com/