ACDA stands for the American Choral Directors Association. It is a professional organization that supports and promotes excellence in the field of choral music education and performance. ACDA was founded in 1959 with the aim of advancing choral artistry, creating opportunities for sharing ideas and knowledge, and cultivating a community of choral directors.
The primary role of ACDA is to provide resources, training, and networking opportunities for choral directors at all levels, from K-12 school choirs to university and professional choirs. The association offers various programs and events, including conferences, workshops, and choral festivals, where members can exchange ideas, learn about new trends and techniques, and discover repertoire suggestions.
ACDA also publishes several publications, such as the Choral Journal, which provides practical advice, research studies, and reviews of new choral music. The association also supports the ACDA National Conference, a major event that takes place every two years, gathering thousands of choral directors, composers, and musicians from around the world.
In addition to its educational and networking initiatives, ACDA also advocates for the importance of choral music in education and society. It works closely with policymakers and educational institutions to ensure that choral music programs are valued, supported, and accessible to all.
In summary, the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is a professional organization that supports choral directors and promotes excellence in choral music education and performance through resources, training, conferences, publications, and advocacy efforts.
