Episode #11 - June 2025

This month, Steve explores the vital role of composers in the choral world. He highlights the growing support for composers within ACDA and shares valuable resources available on the ACDA website, including composition contests and online communities. The R&R Quick Pick features Jennifer Lucy Cook’s piece Time. Steve also takes us behind the mic of his sister podcast, Moveable Do, with special clips from past interviews with Saunder Choi, Jocelyn Hagen & Tim Takach, and Rosephanye Powell.

We also hear from Sammy Strent, founder of the Collegiate Choral Composition Community, and get a special treat—two student compositions from Steve’s own choirs, including a surprisingly heartfelt piece inspired by Dad Jokes. In “Did You Know?”, Steve updates us on upcoming regional conferences, the Julius Herford Prize, and the Between the Staves initiative. The episode closes with an influence story from Kent Jue, conductor of the Ragazzi Boys Choir.

Have a summer symposium or event to share? Let Steve know at acdapodcast@acda.org. And if you'd like to thank someone who influenced your musical journey, send in your story!

Do you have news to share from your region? Email Steve at ⁠acdapodcast@acda.org⁠.

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Website: https://acda.org

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

Composers Resource page: https://acda.org/composers

Repertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire

R&R Quick Pick: Time by Jennifer Lucy Cookhttps://www.jwpepper.com/time-11513832-8826/p

Moveable Do Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fC2wcrEu8Ybp3AKRoA0zp

Julius Herford Dissertation Prize: https://acda.org/about-us/awards-competitions/julius-herford-dissertation-prize

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers -https://choralnet.org/archives/798712

Collegiate Choral Composition Community (CCCC): https://www.choralcomposition.com/