I just got back from the 2025 ACDA National Conference, and wow—what a journey it’s been. Serving as Chair of the Diversity Initiatives Committee since May 2020, I’ve had a front-row seat to some of the most transformative years in ACDA’s history. When I stepped into this role, we were navigating the pandemic and a global reawakening to racial injustice. It was a heavy moment, but also a clarifying one.
Since then, I’ve seen our organization wrestle—honestly and imperfectly—with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. We’re still growing. Still learning. Still stumbling forward. And while we’re far from perfect, I am genuinely proud of the progress we’ve made.
A huge shoutout is due to Dr. David Fryling and Ms. Penelope Cruz, whose leadership of the 2023 Cincinnati conference marked a turning point for us. That event helped shift the direction of all future national gatherings. This year in Dallas? It was also an inclusive and diverse national conference. That matters. A lot. We’re heading in a new direction, and we aren’t turning back.
Bent But Not Broken 3.5
One of the biggest highlights for me was Bent But Not Broken 3.5. Hundreds of colleagues showed up early to the official ACDA pre-conference to focus on music from the Black Diaspora—and that in itself felt like a milestone. The day was full of incredible moments.
We kicked off with a powerful panel featuring Dr. Anton Armstrong, Dr. A. Jan Taylor, Maestra D’Walla Simmons Burke, Dr. André Thomas and moderator Maria Ellis. The conversation about where we’ve been as Black choral leaders, where we are now, and where we’re headed was rich, honest, and deeply inspiring.
The concert that followed was extra special. I had the privilege of conducting my students in Resound from the University of Delaware alongside Voices of Houston, conducted by Christopher Carter. Both choirs sang beautifully. Watching my students experience Voices of Houston for the first time was everything—they were completely captivated.
Dr. B.E. Boykin’s reading session was another standout moment. She shared incredible repertoire—all by Black composers—with a wide range of styles and genres. I definitely walked away with new pieces for next season!
I also led a session on the difference between conducting and directing—a topic rooted in my own background growing up in the Black church. We didn’t have “conductors,” we had “directors”—and the approach is different. It was great to dig into that with colleagues, and to see Maria Ellis’s video from the session making the rounds online. I’m truly humbled by the response.
We wrapped up the day with Dr. Brandon Waddles, who transformed the room into a full-on gospel choir. Watching him work is like watching magic—his ability to lead with clarity, love, and precision is masterful. And let’s be honest, he’s hilarious, too. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
ACDA Conference Performance Highlights
There were so many other moments that left an impact:
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Mariana Farah, gave a jaw-dropping performance of Brazilian music. Truly one of the best programs I’ve experienced at ACDA in a long time.
- Brother in Song, a tenor/bass ensemble of Black men, conducted by Derrick Brookins, sang with such tenderness and power. Their closing piece—Dr. Jeffrey Ames’s Let Everything That Has Breath—was electric, especially with Dr. Ames himself on piano.
- The performance that took social media by storm came from BellArmonia, a treble ensemble from Miami Arts Studio conducted by Cindy Ellis. Their rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water was stunning—virtuosic, heartfelt, and unforgettable. This performance broke ACDA.
- And the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, led by Dr. Joshua Haberman, offered a gorgeous program exploring immigration and the search for home in America. Their storytelling, their sound—it was all deeply moving. One of the finest ensembles we have in this country, full stop.
The Choral Cookout
And of course, The Choral Cookout was once again a HUGE success! Many thanks to everyone who came out and made it so special. The Choral Cookout is an affinity event that celebrates Black/African-American choral conductors—and let me tell you, we had a mighty good time. Dr. Anton Armstrong offered us powerful words of encouragement, Dr. Brandon Waddles led us in singing Andraé Crouch’s “Bless the Lord”, we enjoyed some fantastic food, and yes—there was dancing. Because let’s be honest, it’s not a cookout if there isn’t dancing! It was a beautiful time to hold space with one another and celebrate us. It’s exciting to see The Choral Cookout—and other affinity events—become staple experiences at the ACDA conference. How cool is that?
To everyone who helped bring this conference to life: thank you. This work—this music, this community—is powerful. And I’m so grateful to be part of it.
See you in Minneapolis in 2027!
