DUE June 3, 2025 11:59PM CENTRAL TIME
The Eastern Region seeks proposals for the 2026 Conference: ENVISION.
We encourage interest session applicants to intentionally integrate elements of the conference theme, ENVISION, into their proposals.
ENVISION 2026 invites us to visualize and actively engage in creating a world that embraces choral singing as an act of humanity: to ENVISION and shape a society where choral music is fully integrated into culture and daily life, with no barriers to participation, and where every voice has a place. To ENVISION this world requires a persistent commitment to equity and the dissolution of gatekeeping, to ensure that choral singing reflects all of us.
This vision requires and inspires artistic innovation, collaboration, and a collective effort to turn our shared dream into reality—a world where choral music unites, elevates diverse voices, and fosters leadership that is equitably distributed across all communities.
* All sessions must embody the values of DEIAB
(diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging)
* Applicants may submit more than one session proposal; however, if chosen, they may only participate in one session at the conference.
* A maximum of one session may be submitted as a lead presenter. However, you may co-present on another session, participate in a panel, etc.
- Eligibility
Presenters must be current members of ACDA willing to grant ACDA rights to record their presentation and allow ACDA to use such recordings. All accepted presenters are expected to meet all posted dates and deadlines. ACDA Eastern reserves the right to make adjustments to sessions at any point.
Applicants must hold life, paying life, retired, active, or student ACDA membership. Please note that all accepted presenters are expected to meet ALL posted dates and deadlines.
- Registration and Travel
ACDA will not assume financial responsibility for registration, travel, food, or lodging for presenters or interest session/panel participants. This online application implies that the applicant has the funds to travel and present at the conference if accepted.
- Application Process
Applications must be submitted through ACDA application link by June 3, 2025 (see link at bottom of page). Applications will include:
- Session Title – The title will reflect the session’s theme and content and be no longer than 10 words
- Session Abstract: A succinct thesis that clearly addresses: (1) a topic that will be helpful and/or inspire the membership, (2) a clear description of the session, and (3) learning outcomes. Please submit the following:
- No more than a 1800-character description, which will be used in the conference app.
- No more than 900-character description, which will be used in the Choral Journal announcement
- A brief outline in bullet points or a standard outline of your session (limit 2 pages; PDF upload)
- Headshot(s)of presenter(s) in .jpg or .png format
- Headshots must be a separate .jpg or .png file and must not be embedded into another file.
- Biography or biographies of presenter(s) in 900 characters or less
- Please do not include your name or institution in the Session Title, Session Description(s), or Bulleted Outline.
*Applications that contain identifying information in those materials will not be considered.
Indicate the primary and secondary R&R audiences this session would target.
- Children and Community Youth
- Junior High/Middle School
- Senior High School
- Two-Year College
- Four-Year College or University
- Contemporary A Cappella
- Show Choir
- Vocal Jazz
- Community
- Music in Worship (choirs who primarily serve/perform in worship rather than concert settings)
- Professional
Demo Choirs
Indicate if this session would require a demonstration choir. If you choose to bring a demonstration choir, please clearly highlight how the ensemble would support the session goals and pedagogy.
a. If you wish to bring your own demonstration choir, submit the following:
Three audio submissions that include representative examples of the choir’s performances in each of the last three academic years (September through August), and each submitted recording must be conducted by the applicant conductor. Each recording should be complete and no more than 3-5 minutes in length. The file format for uploads is mp3.
1. One selection from the 2024–25 academic year or 2025 calendar year
2. One selection from the 2023–24 academic year or 2024 calendar year
3. One selection from the 2022–23 academic year or 2023 calendar year
b. If you want Eastern leadership to assign a choir to serve as your demonstration choir please indicate that desire here. There is a possibility that we will be unable to provide you with a demonstration choir and if so, you would need to do your session without a choir.
If you are a conductor looking to present an Interest Session using your choir as a demonstration choir, you should apply as an Insight Choir.
IV. Selection Process
Each submission will be evaluated by the ACDA Eastern Region Interest Session Chair, along with a team of choral professionals from across the Eastern Region. All applicants will be sent feedback with a completed rubric between August 25 – August 29. You can find a link to the rubric, here.
If further considerations are necessary, applicants will be asked to provide a 3 minute video that showcases your ability to engage with an audience. We encourage you to be creative!
V. Timeline
April 21, 2025 Online application opens
June 3, 2025 Application closes
July 21-26, 2025 Applicants notified of results
August 25-29, 2025 Applicants receive feedback
Please direct any questions or concerns to:
Nick Sienkiewicz
Interest Session Chair – ACDA Eastern Region
[email protected]