Ep. #19 - February 2026 (ft. Sarah McMahill, Robyn Hilger, and Peral Shangkuan)

ACDA Podcast – February 2026 | Why We SingWelcome to the February 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! As regional conference season approaches, Steve continues the year-long exploration of Why We Sing with a conversation that examines the connection between body awareness, personality, and choral music-making. The episode also looks ahead to the 2027 ACDA National Conference, revisits ACDA history, highlights meaningful repertoire, and shares important updates for members.🎶 Why We Sing – Interview with Sarah McMahillSteve continues the Why We Sing series with composer, educator, and clinician Sarah McMahill, whose work connects myofascial awareness, breath, alignment, and the Enneagram to singing and conducting. Their conversation explores how physical awareness and emotional understanding can help singers feel more free, connected, and expressive in rehearsal and performance.🎤 2027 National Conference PreviewSteve is joined by ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger and ACDA Vice President Pearl Shangkuan to preview the 2027 ACDA National Conference — Singing Through the Ages, happening March 7–10, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They discuss the conference theme, planning vision, schedule updates, and what attendees can look forward to at ACDA’s next national gathering.🎵 R&R Quick PickFrom the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions, Matt Hill (Community Choirs R&R Chair) shares O Nata Lux by Michael John Trotta, a lyrical and expressive work well-suited for community ensembles.📚 Into the ArchivesSteve continues exploring ACDA history by looking at the March 1961 issue of the Choral Journal, reflecting on early conference planning, growing membership, and the concept of “choral scenes” as an early example of integrating movement and staging into choral performance.📢 Did You Know?Brock Prize for Professional Composers submissions closing soonSymposium for Research in Choral Singing (April 2026, Chicago)HerVoice Composers Competition & Mentorship ProgramState and regional ACDA electionsHonor Choir Scholarship Fund donationsRegional conference reminders and resources🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback 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.orgRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick: O Nata Lux by Michael JohnTrotta - https://www.mjtrotta.com/music-catalog/sheet-music/satb-unaccompanied/o-nata-lux/Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalBrock Prize for Professional Composers: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/brock-competition-for-professional-composersSymposium for Research in Choral Singing: https://acda.org/conferences/symposium-for-research-in-choral-singingHerVoice Composers Competition: https://www.chicagoacappella.org/announcement/2026-hervoice/