Oh the Places You'll Go and the People You'll Meet

The National ACDA Conference is not only a place where music is shared, concerts can be seen, and workshops can be attended, but it's also a place where connections can be made. I've met, talked to, and shared experiences with a variety of different people at this conference, whether they are students, teachers, composers, or performers. Making memories and sharing our knowledge with each other has helped me remember what I love about choral music: the sense of community.

Earlier this morning, I was browsing the various booths selling octavos, trying to figure out the best ones to add to my collection. What I didn't realize was I don't necessarily know what to look for when buying new music. So what did I do? I walked up to two ladies and asked for some help. Both of these women have been teaching for 20+ years and were ready and willing to give me some advice. The woman from South Carolina explained to me that you want to have a variety of music, but you want to make sure that you challenge your students. I couldn't agree more. She then went on to explain that having some music that is sight-readable is beneficial for the ensemble. A balance is key. This advice really helped me as I went from booth to booth (one of those being the Walton Publishing booth because obviously there's a connection). 

Later in the evening, our chapter attended the student reception in the South Foyer. Here, the conference provided us with a lovely spread of sandwiches, desserts, and drinks as we mingled with the other chapters in attendance. I got the chance to talk to some members from a chapter in Florida, Michigan, and from our home state of New York. Creating connections, sharing our music school stories, and laughing together really brought a fantastic close to my fourth day at the conference. 

-Caitlin Walton, Junior, IC ACDA Special Events Coordinator

---