Inside SWACDA 2026 with Jonathan Owen: Leadership, Legacy, and Conference Highlights | Ep 21

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Owen, current President of the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA). Jonathan reflects on his extensive leadership journey—including past roles as MCDA President and MMEA Choral Vice President—and shares his philosophy on why service and leadership matter so deeply in the choral world. We also preview the upcoming SWACDA Conference in March, discuss his legacy of strengthening communication and connection through initiatives like The Southwestern Connection, and explore why directors should consider submitting their choirs for future conference performances. Whether you’re passionate about leadership, curious about what’s ahead for SWACDA, or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your career, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod. We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode. Visit The Choir Guys’ website here: https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected]. Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com Encore Tours: encoretours.com S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701 Class Intercom: classintercom.com GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic/ Haymes Insurance Agency: haymesinsurance.com