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 LaunchSteve 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 PreviewsTo 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 PickThis 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 SegmentSteve 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 festivalsEarly bird registration deadline for regional conferencesAirline travel discounts for ACDA eventsOpportunities to support Honor Choir Student ScholarshipsSubmissions now open for the Brock Prize for Professional Composers ($5,000 award)🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback, ideas, or a “Why We Sing” story to share? Email [email protected] with the subject line Why We Sing.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA Website: https://acda.orgJoin or Log In to ACDA: https://acda.org/loginRepertoire & Resources: https://acda.org/repertoireVirtual R&R Reading Sessions:https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick – How Lovely Are the Messengers (Mendelssohn):https://www.jwpepper.com/how-lovely-are-the-messengers-1347590-898905/pChoral Journal Archive: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRegional Conference Registration: https://acda.org/region-conferencesAirline Discounts for Conferences:https://acda.org/2026-acda-conference-travel-discountsSummer Festival & Workshop Listing Deadline:https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/january-15-deadline-for-choral-journal-summer-festival-workshop-listing-informationBrock Prize for Professional Composers:https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/