Ep. #19 - February 2026 (ft. Sarah McMahill, Robyn Hilger, and Peral Shangkuan)

Ep. #22 - May 2026 (ft. Michael Gutierrez and Zach Haas)

🎙️ ACDA Podcast – May 13, 2026 Welcome to the May 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve reflects on the difference between exhaustion and burnout following a massive spring concert featuring nearly 30 pieces and five student-composed world premieres. Building on last month’s conversation with Dr. Peter Steenblik, this episode explores how meaningful musical work can energize us even in seasons of fatigue—and how reconnecting with purpose can reshape the way we experience our profession. 🎤 Why We Sing – Zach Haas As part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with Zach Haas, a senior at Sandusky High School in Ohio, whose experience with physical tics has given him a uniquely personal understanding of music’s impact on the body and mind. 🎵 R&R Quick Pick This month’s selection from the 2025 National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions comes from Philip Brown, R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs. Featured piece: * Tuli Tuli arranged by Alex Gartner 📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal Steve welcomes Michael Gutierrez to discuss his article: “Fostering Connection: Fifteen Social-Emotional Learning Strategies for Building Community in the Choral Classroom” from the May 2026 issue of the Choral Journal. Topics include: * Student Spotlight / “We Are Family” projects * Student-led warm-ups and conducting * Wellness Days in the choir classroom * Affirmation circles * Cultural and family-centered choir events The conversation explores how social-emotional learning can become an integrated part of rehearsal culture rather than an “extra” added onto teaching. 🗂️ Into the Archives – The Origins of ACDA Honor Choirs This month’s archival segment explores the beginnings of ACDA Honor Choirs, which first appeared at ACDA conferences in 1983. Steve traces: * how conferences evolved beyond conductor-centered events, * why Honor Choirs became transformational experiences for young singers, * the growth of children’s, collegiate, and regional honor choirs, * and how these ensembles continue shaping repertoire, pedagogy, and the future of choral music. Plus: a brief tribute to the ancient art of mailing cassette tape auditions. 📢 Did You Know? This month’s updates include: * Applications for the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) with New Zealand * ACDA’s new Music Industry Task Force * A research study on concert choir attire policies and gender diversity * Additional opportunities and announcements from the ACDA weekly newsletter 🎧 Stay Connected Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more. Have thoughts about burnout, connection, or the question “Why do we sing?” Send your reflections or voice memos to acdapodcast@acda.org [acdapodcast@acda.org]. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20] Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20] Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login]   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: ACDA website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal [https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal] Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/ [https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire] Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions [https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions] R&R Quick Pick: Tuli Tulli, arr. Alex Gartner- https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=1477 International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep [https://acda.org/resources/icep] ACDA Music Industry Task Force: Call for Expressionsof Interest: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/acda-music-industry-task-force-call-for-expressions-of-interest [https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/acda-music-industry-task-force-call-for-expressions-of-interest] Concert Choir Attire Policies Research Request: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee [https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee]

Ep. #21 - April 2026 (ft. Peter Steenblik and Jack Curtis Dubowsky)

🎙️ACDA Podcast – April 2026 This month, Steve reflects on the realities of fatigue in the choral profession—especially in the wake of a busy performance season—and opens an honest, thoughtful conversation about burnout, identity, and sustainability in our work. 🧠Burnout & the Choral Director Identity Steve is joined by Dr. Peter Steenblik for a deeper exploration of burnout—not just as a problem to solve, but as a signal worth understanding. Moving beyond practical strategies, this conversation examines how passion, expectations, andprofessional identity intersect, and what it means to pursue sustainable joy in a demanding field. 🎶 Why Do We Sing? – Community & Humanity Continuing the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with composer and author Jack Curtis Dubowsky about singing as a deeply human, embodied, and communal act. Their discussion explores singing as a vehicle for identity, connection, and even social change—broadening the question beyond music into the shared human experience. 🎵R&R Quick Pick This month’s selection comes from the Junior High/Middle School Choirs R&R Chair, featuring Crossroads by Reginal Wright—an engaging and meaningful work for developing ensembles. 📚Into the Archives This segment explores ACDA’s long-standing partnership with Hinshaw Music and the evolution of its publishing efforts—from the practical ACDA Monograph Series to today’s scholarly and historical resources that continue to shape the choral profession. 📢Did You Know? Updates include: * A new "Between the Staves" advice column on managing springtime workload * Final days to apply for performing and insight choirs for the 2027 National Conference * Applications open for the International Conductors Exchange Program (New Zealand) 🎧Stay Connected Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. Have thoughts on burnout or Why Do We Sing? Send your reflections or voice memos to acdapodcast@acda.org [acdapodcast@acda.org]. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20] Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20] Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login]   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: ACDA website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal [https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal] Choral Journal Article from Peter Steenblik: https://acda.org/archives/6586 [https://acda.org/archives/6586] Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/ [https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire] Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions [https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions] R&R Quick Pick: Crossroad by ReginalWright - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/crossroad-9780193433502?cc=us&lang=en& [https://global.oup.com/academic/product/crossroad-9780193433502?cc=us&lang=en&] Jack Curtis Dubowsky: https://www.jackcurtisdubowsky.com/ [https://www.jackcurtisdubowsky.com/] Hinshaw Music Series: https://acda.org/publications/hinshaw-music-series [https://acda.org/publications/hinshaw-music-series] Between the Staves: https://choralnet.org/archives/812170 [https://choralnet.org/archives/812170] Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application forNational Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference [https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference] Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing [https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing] International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep [https://acda.org/resources/icep]

Ep. #20 - March 2026 (ft. Dan Forrest and Raphael Fusco)

In the March 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast, host Steve Danielson reflects on the recent regional conferences and shares insights from across the choral community. As part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with conductor, composer, and researcher Raphael Fusco about the science and psychology behind singing, exploring how empathy, physiology, and human connection shape our musical experiences. This episode also features a conversation with composer Dan Forrest, who recently received ACDA’s Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission—becoming the first composer to have previously won the Brock Prize for Student Composers. Dan reflects on his compositional journey, creative process, and what this full-circle moment means for his work. Plus, Steve travels Into the Archives to explore the origins of ChoralNet and its early predecessor, Choralist, highlighting how early internet technology helped connect choral conductors long before modern social media. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 ⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20]  Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20]  Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org/]   Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login]     LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:  ACDA website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org/]   Raphael Fusco: https://raphaelfusco.com [https://raphaelfusco.com/]    ChoralNet article: https://choralnet.org/archives/471001 [https://choralnet.org/archives/471001]   Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/ [https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire]  Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions [https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions]   R&R Quick Pick: Celebration by Kate Crellin - https://www.katecrellin.com/product-page/celebration-satb [https://www.katecrellin.com/product-page/celebration-satb]   Dan Forrest: https://danforrest.com [https://danforrest.com/]   Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal [https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal]   Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing [https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing]   Insight Choir or Performing Choir Application for National Conference: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference [https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference]

Ep. #19 - February 2026 (ft. Sarah McMahill, Robyn Hilger, and Peral Shangkuan)

ACDA Podcast – February 2026 | Why We Sing Welcome to the February 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! As regional conference season approaches, Steve continues the year-long exploration of Why We Sing with a conversation that examines the connection between body awareness, personality, and choral music-making. The episode also looks ahead to the 2027 ACDA National Conference, revisits ACDA history, highlights meaningful repertoire, and shares important updates for members. 🎶 Why We Sing – Interview with Sarah McMahill Steve continues the Why We Sing series with composer, educator, and clinician Sarah McMahill, whose work connects myofascial awareness, breath, alignment, and the Enneagram to singing and conducting. Their conversation explores how physical awareness and emotional understanding can help singers feel more free, connected, and expressive in rehearsal and performance. 🎤 2027 National Conference Preview Steve is joined by ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger and ACDA Vice President Pearl Shangkuan to preview the 2027 ACDA National Conference — Singing Through the Ages, happening March 7–10, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They discuss the conference theme, planning vision, schedule updates, and what attendees can look forward to at ACDA’s next national gathering. 🎵 R&R Quick Pick From the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Matt Hill (Community Choirs R&R Chair) shares O Nata Lux by Michael John Trotta, a lyrical and expressive work well-suited for community ensembles. 📚 Into the Archives Steve continues exploring ACDA history by looking at the March 1961 issue of the Choral Journal, reflecting on early conference planning, growing membership, and the concept of “choral scenes” as an early example of integrating movement and staging into choral performance. 📢 Did You Know? * Brock Prize for Professional Composers submissions closing soon * Symposium for Research in Choral Singing (April 2026, Chicago) * HerVoice Composers Competition & Mentorship Program * State and regional ACDA elections * Honor Choir Scholarship Fund donations * Regional conference reminders and resources 🎧 Stay Connected Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more. Have feedback or a Why We Sing story to share? Email acdapodcast@acda.org with the subject line Why We Sing. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20] Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20] Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login]   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: ACDA website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/ [https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire] Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions [https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions] R&R Quick Pick: O Nata Lux by Michael JohnTrotta - https://www.mjtrotta.com/music-catalog/sheet-music/satb-unaccompanied/o-nata-lux/ [https://www.mjtrotta.com/music-catalog/sheet-music/satb-unaccompanied/o-nata-lux/] Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal [https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal] Brock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers [https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers] Symposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing [https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singing] HerVoice Composers Competition: https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/ [https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/]

Ep. #18 - January 2026 (ft. Julie Dana and Jonathan Owen)

Welcome to the January 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve kicks off the new year by launching a new recurring segment centered on a timeless and deeply personal question: Why do we sing? Through two vulnerable personal stories—one rooted in artistic renewal and the other in perseverance during the pandemic—Steve reflects on the power of singing to sustain, heal, and connect us. Listeners are invited to share their own stories as this exploration continues throughout the year. 🎶 Why We Sing – New Series Launch Steve introduces a multi-month exploration of the emotional, neurological, spiritual, and communal reasons we sing and invites listeners to contribute personal reflections and stories. 🎤 Regional Conference Previews To wrap up the regional president interview series, Steve speaks with two leaders about their upcoming 2026 conferences: * Julie Dana, President of the Western Region, previews A Tapestry of Voices, happening March 4–7, 2026 in San Jose, California, and shares the vision behind the theme, planning insights, and hopes for attendees. * Jonathan Owen, President of the Southwestern Region, discusses New Horizons, taking place March 4–7, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, highlighting conference-as-experience, first-time attendee support, and regional identity. 🎵 R&R Quick Pick This month’s R&R selection comes from the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions. Jenny Bent, R&R Chair for the Collegiate Choirs Pillar, discusses Felix Mendelssohn’s How Lovely Are the Messengers and its effectiveness with entry-level collegiate ensembles. 📚 Into the Archive – New Segment Steve launches a brand-new segment exploring the ACDA archives, starting with the very first Choral Journal (May 1959). Highlights include the journal’s original structure, early repertoire resources, and ACDA’s founding purposes—many of which continue to guide the organization today. 📢 Did You Know? * January 15 deadline for submitting Summer 2026 symposiums, workshops, and festivals * Early bird registration deadline for regional conferences * Airline travel discounts for ACDA events * Opportunities to support Honor Choir Student Scholarships * Submissions now open for the Brock Prize for Professional Composers ($5,000 award) 🎧 Stay Connected Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more. Have feedback, ideas, or a “Why We Sing” story to share? Email acdapodcast@acda.org with the subject line Why We Sing. Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20] Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20] Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login] LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: * ACDA Website: https://acda.org [https://acda.org] * Join or Log In to ACDA: https://acda.org/login [https://acda.org/login] * Repertoire & Resources: https://acda.org/repertoire [https://acda.org/repertoire] * Virtual R&R Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions [https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions] * R&R Quick Pick – How Lovely Are the Messengers (Mendelssohn): https://www.jwpepper.com/how-lovely-are-the-messengers-1347590-898905/p [https://www.jwpepper.com/how-lovely-are-the-messengers-1347590-898905/p] * Choral Journal Archive: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal [https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal] * Regional Conference Registration: https://acda.org/region-conferences [https://acda.org/region-conferences] * Airline Discounts for Conferences: https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts [https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discounts] * Summer Festival & Workshop Listing Deadline: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/january-15-deadline-for-choral-journal-summer-festival-workshop-listing-information [https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/january-15-deadline-for-choral-journal-summer-festival-workshop-listing-information] * Brock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers [https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composers] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/]