From our President: John Wilson

Hello Fellow ACDA Members! 

 

It is an absolute privilege to serve as the president of the New Jersey Chapter of ACDA for the next two years. I’m sending this message to introduce myself and to comment on the year ahead. I am very excited to be working alongside our past-president, Anne Matlack, our president-elect, Libby Gopal, and the rest of our fabulous state board.

 

Next fall will undoubtedly be filled with the joy of singing together. I am so eager to connect with people and to make music again! As we celebrate our return to in-person music making and turning off Zoom, I imagine that we’ll also be taking stock of our programs and diagnosing how the past year impacted our singers. All of us, from the youngest singer to the most experienced conductor, will need support. I want to encourage you to reach out to colleagues, ask for new perspectives, mentor a new teacher, or simply collaborate. Some of the greatest joys I’ve had in my professional life have been in collaborating with my colleagues. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the amazing humans that comprise our state board! Collaboration is a great antidote to exasperation!

 

If you’ve recently graduated and will be starting a new job next fall, congratulations on your appointment! We’d love to help you as you get settled in your new position. We’re developing a roster of master teachers who you can call on to visit your classroom. We know you’ll profit from their experience and from having a friendly face in the room. New teachers, I hope you’ll take advantage of this, and if you’re a veteran looking to connect, you are also most welcome to be involved. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, let me know by filling out this form! Veterans, are you welcoming a new colleague into your district? Please let us know who they are so we can send them a welcome from NJACDA!

 

As you plan for the year ahead, I hope that you’ll consider getting involved in the Voices United Choral Festival, High School Choral Festival, or the Elementary and Junior High Honor Choirs. I know that you and your students will love these experiences.

 

If you are looking for an amazing professional development opportunity, check out “Beyond Song Selection: An Intro to Decolonizing and Antiracist Approaches in the Music Classroom.” This event, led by Brandi Waller-Pace, takes place on Zoom this Tuesday, June 29, from 7-9. This amazing event was organized by Dr. Anne Matlack and the Harmonium Choral Society. Click here to register and for more information! 

 

Thanks for all you do for choral music and for your students. Have an incredible summer!