ACDA of Minnesota strives to offer many varied activities for members and their singers.
Below are descriptions of all of the major events ACDA of Minnesota sponsors.
All-State Summer Dialogue
Summer Dialogue is held each August in conjunction with the MMEA All-State Choir. It serves as an opportunity to discuss and share with Minnesota choral directors such topics as choral technique, performance practice, conducting skills, vocal production and quality literature. A featured part of this annual event are the daily new music Reading Sessions featuring music from many publishers selected by choral directors as outstanding new music for the coming year. Continuing Education/Graduate credit is available.
Fall State Convention
Fall Convention is traditionally held on the weekend prior to Thanksgiving to present Minnesota’s finest in choral performance of all levels, practical workshops and interest sessions led by noted state and national clinicians. Continuing Education/Graduate credit is available.
Student Conducting Symposium
Student Conducting Symposium is held each fall and organized by a student ACDA chapter with workshops and interest sessions specially designed and formatted for the student conductor or beginning choral director, led by Minnesota choral directors.
Men’s/Women’s Chorus Festival
Men’s/Women’s Chorus Festival is held each fall highlighting and encouraging the finest in Men’s Chorus and Women’s Chorus singing throughout our state. Collegiate choral groups and select high school and community college SSAA/TTBB quartets combine their talents to present one of the largest and most exciting events of its kind in the country.
Honor Choirs
Each year special Honors Choir projects are organized to provide opportunities that feature outstanding choral talent in a variety of levels such as collegiate, community college, junior high school, and children’s choirs.
Annual Choral Awards
The Annual Choral Awards are presented at the Fall State Convention to recognize the outstanding contributions of three choral directors to Minnesota choral music. The yearly awards are the F. Melius Christiansen Award, Minnesota Choral Director of the Year, and the Outstanding Young Choral Director Award.
Choral Composition Commission
ACDA and MMEA jointly commission a new choral work every year to be premiered by one of the Minnesota All-State Choirs.
Workshops and Clinics
Workshops and Clinics are held to demonstrate choral techniques, quality literature selections, and outstanding festival performances in the areas of children’s, junior high and senior high school, jazz/show, chamber/madrigal, and church choirs.
