David Dickau

Past President Memories

David Dickau (1997-1999)

I was very honored and pleased to be elected president of ACDA-MN just four years after moving to Minnesota from California. The result was that I was able to meet so many people that I had not met before. It was a great way to get to know many wonderful choral conductors throughout the state.

I remember that the mid-90’s was a crucial time for our organization. I was responsible for planning the convention surrounding the 125th anniversary F. Melius Christiansen concert in 1996. That event, planned by Bruce Becker and his steering committee, has probably done more to contribute to ACDA-MN’s future than anything else. It was wonderful to see leadership emerge from our rich heritage to form the FMC endowment committee. That endowment continues make a dynamic contribution to choral musicians throughout the state and will continue to do so well into the future.

I was also pleased to see the hiring of Wayne Kivell as the first Executive Secretary in 1997. Wayne has done so much for this organization! Prior to this hiring, the president and board were doing all of the organizing and planning for ACDA-MN. The job had grown well beyond what the president and the board could handle. Wayne made an immediate impact that moved the organization forward.

On a personal note, while president I was commissioned by ACDA of Minnesota and MMEA to compose a piece for the Minnesota All-State choir. I composed “If Music Be the Food of Love” for that occasion. I have always been grateful for that opportunity. Serving as president of this wonderful organization was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.