Ep. #24 - July 2026 (ft. Philip Brown and Matt Hill)

Summer may be a quieter season for many choirs, but the joy of singing doesn't take a vacation! In this episode, Steve continues the Why We Sing series by exploring what it means to remain a singer throughout life—from high school graduation to community ensembles and beyond. Along the way, you'll hear practical ideas for keeping singers engaged, recommendations for outstanding repertoire, and the latest ACDA news and opportunities.This month's Why We Sing conversations focus on a simple but profound idea: singing isn't just something we do in school—it can become a lifelong part of who we are.Steve is joined by Philip Brown, ACDA National R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs, to discuss how choir directors can cultivate lifelong singers before students ever graduate.Their conversation explores:Why students need to see singing as a lifelong activity—not just a school classThe growing popularity of pop-up choirs and flexible community singing experiencesHow directors can prepare students to continue singing after high schoolWhy removing barriers to participation mattersPractical ways schools can partner with community ensemblesPhilip's own answer to the question: Why do we sing?Steve also speaks with Matt Hill, ACDA National R&R Chair for Community Choirs, about the unique role community ensembles play in helping adults continue making music throughout every stage of life.Together they discuss:Why community choirs provide more than just music—they create belongingHow community ensembles welcome singers of all backgrounds and experience levelsThe many hats community choir directors wear behind the scenesWhy community choirs should be viewed as a natural continuation of school and collegiate singingHow lifelong singing benefits individuals, communities, and the choral professionMatt's thoughtful reflection on Why We SingThis month's repertoire recommendations come directly from two National R&R Chairs.Philip Brown recommends:Known by Grace BeckerMatt Hill recommends:I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day by Christopher AspaasBoth selections demonstrate meaningful text setting and are excellent additions to your repertoire library.This month's ACDA updates include:State and regional ACDA events happening throughout the summer and fallCongratulations to ACDA's newly elected Regional PresidentsAuditions for the 2027 National Honor Choirs—including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir—open September 1Applications for the 2027 Student Conducting Masterclass open September 1Call for proposals for the 2027 National Conference Research Poster SessionSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected] the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group to continue the conversation.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Archive Collections: https://acda.org/archive-collectionsR&R Quick Pick: Known, by Grace Becker - https://graphitepublishing.com/product/known/and i thank You God for most this amazing day, by Christopher Aspaas - https://www.jwpepper.com/i-thank-you-god-for-most-this-amazing-day-11514213/p?srsltid=AfmBOor_Viimuker1Ml4uANyDH5LONunSxie6VZG2h5-e-wkfh6VkayGCalendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJApply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference