ACDA of Minnesota - Chronology of Important Events

 

Prior to 1972, ACDA activities in Minnesota consisted of sponsoring a session at the MMEA Convention.

 

Fall 1972

The organization had 66 members.

 

The first state "board" was developed.  It was a "steering committee" which consisted of six members.
  First "Star of the North" Newsletter.

 

First ACDA column in MMEA "Gopher Music Notes".

1973

The state was divided into six districts, each of which had a representative on the state board, along with the president and one "at large' member (Jon Romer).

 

The F. Melius Christiansen Award was established.

Jan. 1974

The first state convention was held.

 

The first presentation of the FMC Award.

June 1974

The paid, active membership stood at 132, double what it was in 1972.

 

In addition, Minnesota had its first student members (13).

Fall 1974

A church music coordinator was appointed to the state board (Gene Janssen of Albert Lea) as was the newsletter editor and membership chair (both Wayne Kivell at this point).

1975

The first ACDA/MMEA co-commissioned work for the All-State Choir.

Oct. 1976

The "Star of the North" changed from mimeograph to offset press.

1977

The positions of Secretary and President-elect were added to the board.

Feb. 1978

Hosted North Central Division Convention.

 

Total membership (active, student, industry) now stood at about 430.

1979

Diana Leland, Vernon Opheim, & Wayne Kivell wrote constitution and by-laws which alligned with that of the national organization.  These were accepted by the board and passed by the membership early in 1979.  (See Feb. '79 newsletter).

 

The positions of Newsletter Advertising Chair and Newsletter Circulation Chair were added as  non-voting members of the board.  The position of Circulation Chair was discontinued in 1988.

Oct. 1979

"Star of the North" had its first photographs and magazine format.  In the next issue of Dec.

Dec. 1979

1979 the blue background masthead appeared which remains in some form to the present day.

Mar. 1984

The idea for "Dialogue" was conceived by a group of Minnesotans at a cafe in Sioux Falls at the

 

NC Convention.

July 1985

The first Dialogue was held at St. John's University.

1986

The positions of Treasurer and Historian were added as non-voting members of the board.

Nov. 1986

The first Male Chorus Project was held as part of the annual Fall State Convention.  It continued in succeeding years independent of the convention.

Feb. 1988

Hosted North Central Division Convention.

Fall 1989

The first Treble Choir Project was held as part of the annual Fall State Convention.

 

Total membership now at 607.

Fall 1990

The first combined Male/Treble Choir Project.

1991

The summer Dialogue time and location was moved to coincide with the MMEA

 

All-State Choir camp.

 

The Metro District is divided into Metro East and Metro West, making 7 total.

 

The "Star of the North", Ken Hodgson, editor, is one of five state newsletters to receive a national award for excellence.

1995

The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota becomes an independent, affilliated organization.

1995

Redistricting - the states 7 districts are redrawn into 6 districts with more equity in regard to membership in each.

 

Total membership now at 716.

Feb. 1996

Establishment of Federal Income Tax Exemption 501(c) (3) Non-Profit status

1996

Sponsorship of F. Melius Christiansen 125th Anniversary Concert – St. Olaf College

 

College Choirs:  Augsburg • Concordia • Gustavus • Luther • St. Olaf

1997

Launch of the F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Fund and Committee

1997

The "Star of the North," Mark Howarth, editor, wins national award.

 

The position of Executive Secretary was established.  Wayne Kivell hired.

1999

The "Star of the North," Mark Howarth, editor, wins its third national award for excellence, the only award given in the large state category.

 

Total membership now at 823.

Aug 2002

ACDA-MN and the IFCM host the Sixth World Symposium for Choral Music in Minneapolis/ St. Paul.

2003

The "Star of the North," David Scholz, editor, wins its fourth national award for excellence, the only award given in the large state category.

2005

The "Star of the North," Ryan Connolly, editor, wins its fifth national award for excellence, the only award given in the large state category.

2006

Joint sponsorship of F. Melius Christiansen 135th Anniversary Concert – Orchestra Hall College Choirs:  Augsburg • Concordia-Moorhead • Concordia-St. Paul • Gustavus • St. Olaf

2007

The "Star of the North," Kari Douma, editor, wins its sixth national award for excellence, the only award given in the large state category.

2009

The "Star of the North," Kari Douma, editor, wins its seventh national award for excellence, the only award given in the large state category.
  The position of Executive Director was established.  Bruce W. Becker hired

              

State dues initiative of $15 per active, paid, paying, and retired members

    

Joint sponsorship of Minnesota Collegiate Choral Festival – Benson Great Hall, Bethel University College Choirs:  Minnesota State University-Mankato; Northwestern College; St. John’s University; University of Minnesota-Duluth; University of St. Thomas

Feb. 2010

Hosted North Central Division Conference

2010

 

Bylaws for the F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Fund Committee written by Bruce Becker. Mary Kay Geston, Diana Leland and Carl Lipke approved by ACDA-MN Board of Directors.

Fall 2010

"Star of the North" converts to interactive on-line publication