October 2025 – Play, Purpose, and Powerful Legacies

We’re in the thick of the choral season, and Steve is right there with you! This month on the ACDA Podcast, we celebrate connection, creativity, and inspiration fromevery corner of the choral world.

Steve starts with one last Summer Institute recap from right in his home state of Idaho and an open invitation to host your state’s event next year.

🎶 R&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel, a luminous piece featured in the National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions and introduced by Caron Daley.

🗣 Guest Interview: Amanda Hanzlik, President of Eastern ACDA, previews the 2026 Eastern Regional Conference in Providence, RI. She shares the meaning behind this year’stheme, Envision, and what attendees can expect from this inspiring gathering.
📚 Check It Out in the Choral Journal: Steve spotlights Saleel Adarkar Menon’s article “From Groans toGrins: A Play-Based Approach to Teaching Music Literacy.” Discover how gamification and play-based strategies can bring joy and engagement back into your music literacy instruction.

📢 Did You Know? Find out how to join the Tenor-Bass Commission Consortium, renew your ACDA membership, and register for upcoming regional conferences and the Children & Community Youth Choir Retreat.

❤️ Influence Story: Andrew Last of Luther College honors his mentor, the legendary Weston Noble, whose servant-leadership and inclusive vision continue to inspire generations of choral musicians.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to join the ACDA Podcast Listeners group on Facebook to connect, share ideas, and celebrate our choral community.

📬 Got a story, event, or influence toshare? Email Steve at acdapodcast@acda.org

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Website: https://acda.org

Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

ACDA website: https://acda.org

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

Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessions

R&R Quick Pick: Ripple Effect by Sarah Quartel;  https://www.jwpepper.com/ripple-effect-11407909/p?srsltid=AfmBOookCHEDACpNf-e4Fb3fhGuWCv9w45Fp7gHCLniFGhzowFHumczi 

YouTube video of Ripple Effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cEM-S0XKmM

Choral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal

Regional Conference REGISTRATION: https://acda.org/region-conferences

Children and Community Youth Retreat: https://acda.org/conferences/childrens-community-youth-choir-conductors-retreat

Tenor-Bass Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs