Interest Sessions

Interest sessions are an important way of sharing some of the most recent and expert work in various fields of the choral art. Colleagues from across all areas of ACDA will have the opportunity to learn with and from each other through the Interest Session process.

 2024 Louisville Conference Interest Sessions

“Bridging the Gap: Fostering Productive and Collaborative Relationships Between Teachers and Administration”

Kristin M. Claiborne

“Let Your Numbers Soar!: Recruitment Strategies for Choral Ensembles”

Jennifer Sengin

“The Declaration of Independence: How to Foster Independent Musicianship in Large-Group Choral Rehearsals”

Jill Campbell

“Flexible Fach: Gender-Affirming Vocal Pedagogy through Science-Informed Practices”

Stevie J. Hirner

“Grace Nash: “Today With Music”- Using Music, Speech, and Movement for Children’s Minds and Voices”
Thomas Blue
“‘No Hidin’ Place’ – Music by Black Composers for the Secondary Choral Setting”

Christopher T. Leysath

“Music Matters: A Pedagogical Framework for Literature Selection”

Jabarie Glass

“‘Other Duties as Assigned’: Beating Teacher Burnout”

Christina R. Vehar & Sierra R. Manson

“May the Circle Be Unbroken: Restorative Practices in your Performing Ensemble”

Amanda Goldberg

“The Transcendent Experience: Creating Culture and Meaning in Performance and Worship”
Tim Keeler, Charles Anthony Silvestri, Benedict Sheehan, & Talia Sheehan
“Towards a Holistic Approach for Neurodivergent Learners in the Choral Classroom”

Peter Allen Haley

“Nobody Sits on the Bench: Cultivating Singer Agency in Community Choirs”

Tucker Biddlecombe & Lauren Ramey

“Turning Choral Warm-Ups Upside Down”

Jami Lercher

“Beyond The Wellerman: Engaging and Accessible Classical Repertoire for the Developing Tenor/Bass Choir”
Will Griswold & Derek Meler
“The Song of the Church and Congregational Identity”
Andrew Roby
“Discovering the Basque Country: Composers and Repertoire from Northern Spain”

Beth Gibbs

“Forgotten Gems: Little-Known Works in the Public Domain”
Angelica Dunsavage
“Reverse the Decline: Amplifying and Sustaining Women’s Voices in Conducting”

Kyra Stahr & McKenna Stenson

“Who’s In Charge Here? Personal Leadership Development for the Conductor”

Matthew Abernathy