JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Share:
We had moments that inspired us to continue to work for our customers, moments that reconnected us to the joy of music, and moments that brought great food our way.
John Baker (Music Education Consultant) and Pete Weeks (Customer Service Manager) sat down to share their top six moments.
Moment #1: Face-to-face conversations with our customers - especially those from afar!
One of the best things about a National ACDA is the chance to see, face-to-face, our international customers.
Though our international customers are too numerous to name, we were excited to visit with Rachel Stenson from the St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan. Rachel and her husband Randy have been long-time customers since 1987. Their outstanding work with the choral program at the school has been exemplified in performances throughout Asia and the featured choral performers at the National ACDA.
Moment #2: Meeting new friends and faces that are the future of music education.
Whether this includes college music education majors attending their first convention or teachers with years of classroom experience, the opportunity to share in the excitement of the choral arts with a new friend is both a pleasure and a privilege.
It was great meeting Victoria Busby, Jessica Reid and Theo Olson all from Central Washington University. They stopped by our booth to share their thoughts about the dresses purchased by their choir.
It was impressive to see the level of dedication and ownership these future Choral Music Educators have taken in their profession.
Moment #3: Attending concerts and witnessing choral artistry.
The musicianship and dedication to choral artistry by each group was truly amazing.
Some of the highlights included, Bak Middle School of the Arts Girls Chorus (Connie Drosakis, Conductor) and Atlanta Master Chorale (Eric Nelson, Conductor).
St. Olaf Christmas Festival Concert amazed the audience with 1 orchestra, 5 choirs, 5 conductors, and 500 student musicians!
Moment #4: Connecting with the new ACDA App!
The ACDA App was new this year and it was a huge success. The app served as an information hub for all conference attendees. Information was available on the schedule, performing ensembles, honor choir rehearsals, sponsors/exhibitors, and more. There was also an activity feed or social wall where attendees could post comments and pictures.
Thanks to Mark Boyle of ACDA for a job well done!
Moment #5: Getting lost in the experience of the Minneapolis Skyway System (literally).
The Skyway was a lifesaver for those that didn’t want to brave the outdoors. The Minneapolis Skyway is an interlinked collection of enclosed pedestrian footbridges that enables people to walk in climate controlled comfort year-round. It is the longest enclosed pedestrian footbridge in the world, covering 11 miles in downtown Minneapolis.
How many ACDA members got lost in the Skyway? We know of two for sure!
Moment #6: Enjoying local food to wrap up the day.
John Baker has enjoyed a new tradition of having dinner with Sue Moninger and Donna Tallman while at the conference.
Sue and Donna are both a part of the faculty at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. They are both talented and wonderful music educators. More importantly they are very dear friends. Wow! The meal was almost as good as the company.
#ACDA4Life
