From the Incoming President Dean Jilek, University of North Dakota

F r o m t h e I n c o m i n g P r e s i d e n t

A Year in Review…

Ioffer a heart-felt “thanks” to the all the music teachers and students in the state of North Dakota and commend you for your perseverance and determination to make music under any and all circumstances. This academic year began with many unknowns and circumstances we have never faced before: virtual/online performances, masked rehearsals, hybrid teaching, physical distancing, time limits on singing in rehearsal, and students, faculty and staff in quarantine. Through creativity, flexibility, and hard-work, we have managed to give our students the invaluable experience of connecting through music during a time filled with so much isolation.

I extend my deepest gratitude to President Cheryl McIntyre. Her leadership throughout her tenure has been outstanding, positive, inclusive, poised, and very patient! Cheryl never says “no” but through good dialogue finds a good solution. As she transitions from president to past-president, I wish her well and welcome her continued expertise and wisdom as we move forward during this pandemic to forge the future of choral education in North Dakota.

An invitation to all…

As we reach a well-deserved summer break, the ND ACDA Board will begin the process of planning for next year’s choral events. As in the past, we invite all of you to actively participate in some form. Participation, the act of taking part or sharing in something, is what our organization thrives on! Mere membership is not enough. We need the knowledge and experience of each individual.

The more members we have to concentrate and offer input on specified goals, the more valuable opportunities we can provide for our students and teachers. Please reach out to the board; volunteer, share ideas, and let us know how we can serve the singers of North Dakota more fully. At some point, you may very well be asked to take a more active part with ND ACDA. Please don’t hesitate. If you think

you are not ready for a leadership position or to share your ideas on choral education, let me tell you, as a team, we are ready. You are part of the team because you are part of choral education in the state of North Dakota!

I wish you well on the final days of this school year, and I hope summer brings you much needed rest and renewal!

Musically, Dean Jilek

University of North Dakota NDACDA President-Elect