TCDA Spring 2017 Candidate Newsletter

Texas Sings! Spring 2017 Newsletter bership m e M A D C T r u o Y It’s Time to Renew 801 -2 4 7 4 ) 2 1 (5 t e www.tcda.n

62nd Annual TCDA Convention Thursday-Saturday, July 20-22 • San Antonio, Texas featuring

2017 TCDA MS/JH Honor Choir Saturday, July 22 • 4:30 pm

2017 TCDA Treble Directors Chorus Saturday, July 22 • 9:15 am

Featuring renowned conductor and baritone soloist Dr. Derrick Fox, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Conducted by Dr. Lori Hetzel, the Directors Chorus will perform a premiere commissioned work by composer Kim André Arnesen.

Southeast Texas

Worship Service

Vocal Artists Performing Group Friday, July 21 • 4:30 pm

Friday, July 21 6:00 pm Pre-Concert Performance by CREDO featuring conductor Ryan Jones.

7:00 pm Conducted by artistic director Levi Duncan, these local artists are Lamar University students, past graduates, and southeast Texas community members.

Worship Service featuring the Park Cities Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Carrell.

Stephen Carrell

TCDA presents 3 Candidates for the TCDA Board of Directors High School Vice President Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown is in his 5th year as Director of Choirs at Coppell High School. His choirs at Coppell are consistent Sweepstakes winners at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests and continue to gain a reputation for excellence. Recently his choirs were invited to perform at the 2017 TMEA Convention, the 2016 Southwest ACDA Convention, and the 2014 White House Holiday Tours. In 2007, Josh was selected as one of eight National Graduate Semi-finalists in the Choral Conducting Competition of ACDA. He has studied conducting and choral music with Anton Armstrong, Jeffery Ames, Donald Bailey, Stephen Heyde, Stephen Holcomb, and Eric Wilson. Josh has studied voice with Susan Wyatt and organ with Joyce Jones and Stephen Morris. In addition to teaching experience, he has served as an officer or committee member for TMEA Regions 16, 20 and 31. Josh was named the conductor of the Coppell Community Chorale and is frequently called upon to serve as an adjudicator, clinician, and accompanist throughout the state. Josh holds memberships in ACDA, TCDA, TMEA, and TMAA. He received a BME degree in church music from Dallas Baptist University and a MM degree in choral conducting from Baylor University.

If elected…

What an honor to be nominated to serve on the TCDA Board alongside such strong candidates. We have enjoyed expert leadership in this position for many years, and I have personally benefitted from all that TCDA has offered since I joined as a college member. It would be a great privilege to give back to the organization in this way. My strengths include a passion for Texas choral music, a strong work ethic, as well as organization, problem solving, and collaboration skills. I believe I would be a strong asset to the Board as TCDA looks toward an even brighter future.

In addition, I am a product of Texas choral music, growing up in a small Southeast Texas town with a part-time choral director, then joining TCDA in college. Shortly after that, I began attending the convention as a firstyear teacher, then as a director in West Texas, and now as a director in the DFW Metroplex.

I have benefitted from TCDA not only as a member/director, but also as an accompanist, committee chairperson, session presenter and student conductor. I have seen Texas choral

music from a number of vantage points. I will help TCDA continue to serve directors from all size schools and all areas of the state.

I will work tirelessly to find educators from across the state to present sessions that will be practical and engaging. I will do my best to help TCDA put together the strongest reading sessions possible, as fresh, engaging repertoire can be a core element to the success of any choral program. Those who know me can attest that I have no problem sharing my views or opinions, and I always have ideas to make anything I am working on even better.

If elected, I commit to sharing these insights as a member of the Board. TCDA has many strong connections (former board members, past clinicians, directors/conductors, and partner organizations like TMEA, ACDA, etc.) and I will call upon them if elected. I am excited for the future of Texas choral music and look forward to being a part of the future of TCDA!

Jeremy Crozier Jeremy Crozier is currently in his 15th year of teaching and in his 5th year as the Head Choral Director at Haltom High School in Birdville ISD. Prior to his current position, he spent eight years at Trinity High School in HEB ISD and two years at Vines High School in Plano ISD, serving in both as the Associate Choral Director.

Jeremy has served as Treasurer, Chair-Elect, and Vocal Division Chair for TMEA Region V, and is currently the Vocal Division ChairElect for Region XXXI. Additionally, he has served on the facilities committee for multiple TMEA Conventions. Choirs under Jeremy’s direction have consistently earned Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert & SightReading Contests and “Best in Class” awards at festivals across the nation. In 2012, Jeremy had the privilege of assisting and directing as a part of the Trinity High School invited choir to the TMEA convention. He currently holds memberships in ACDA, TCDA, TMEA, TMAA, Phi Mu Alpha, and Lambda Chi Alpha. Jeremy received a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2008 and earned his undergraduate degree in K-12 vocal and instrumental music education in 2002 from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

If elected…

It is both humbling and an honor to be nominated as a candidate to serve on the board of TCDA. TCDA is an incredible resource for collaboration, professional growth, and research in a state known for its exceptional choral music tradition. Moving from a farm in small town Iowa to the big-time DFW region to pursue a career in music education in 2002 was a scary and exciting time.

Organizations like TCDA drew me to Texas and have guided me to become the musician and educator I am today. The resources, publications, networking, mentoring, and workshops provided by TCDA are critical to maintaining the strength and integrity of this great profession. As we move into a more digital world, more economically and socially diverse classrooms, and continue to battle for financial and legal support at both the local and state government levels, it is critical that TCDA evolves with the current needs of its members. I believe TCDA can continue to be an organization on the forefront of music education, and through the addition of more hands-on workshops and clinics, interactive reading sessions, and research-based best practices, TCDA and Texas will remain guiding forces in choral music education. Through these initiatives the choral music educators of Texas will be able to continue to serve the students we teach at the highest level. I promise to work with diligence, an open mind, and integrity on behalf of the membership of TCDA and I would be honored to serve as High School Vice President.

Jason Dove Jason Dove is in his 20th year of teaching and in his 2nd year at Deer Park High School.

Jason previously taught at Marcus High School for nine years where his choirs performed for the 2012 TMEA Convention and the 2013 ACDA National Conference in Dallas. Jason was named Marcus High School “Teacher of the Year” in 2013. He previously taught in Plano ISD for seven years when he first moved to Texas. For nine years, Jason served as rehearsal assistant for the Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas under the direction of Nora Henson. Prior to that he served Region 24 as a TMEA Vocal Division Officer in the positions of Treasurer, Chair– Elect and Chair. He also served as a section

leader to the All State Men’s Choir in 2008 and the All State Mixed Choir in 2011. Jason presented an iPhone/iPad session for the 2012 TCDA convention and presented a session on Kodály in the secondary choral classroom at the 2017 TMEA Convention. Jason is a member of ACDA, TMEA, TCDA and TMAA. He graduated with honors from the University of Louisville in 1996 and is currently working on his MME degree at Southern Methodist University.

If elected…

We are fortunate in Texas to have outstanding organizations actively engaged in our professional development. For over 60 years, TCDA has offered conventions that have nurtured the growth, development and love for singing across the state of Texas. As budget cuts continue to hit education across our state, it is important for TCDA to be an integral part of the professional growth for new and continuing

teachers. The TCDA board has taken a new and exciting approach by offering satellite workshops for students and directors outside of our annual convention. If elected, I will work with the TCDA board to continue the development of these opportunities in addition to the meaningful and pertinent workshops, clinicians and repertoire at our annual convention. As technology continues to advance, it is important to find ways to assist choral directors in an ever-changing climate of incorporation and evaluation. These are just a few of the ways I would contribute to the future of TCDA. I have been lucky to have great mentors and colleagues throughout my career and I feel that much of that is due to the camaraderie that TCDA has instilled in the outstanding choral directors in Texas. I would be honored to serve on the TCDA board as we continue to invest in the future of choral education in our great state.

TCDA presents 3 Candidates for the TCDA Board of Directors Middle School/Junior High Vice President Christina Chapman Christina Chapman is in her 18th year as a choral music educator, and in her 10th year in Lovejoy ISD, currently at Willow Springs Middle School.

Prior to teaching in Lovejoy ISD Christina was the director of choirs at Robinson Middle School in Plano ISD, where her Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir was a 2004 TMEA Selected Performing Choir.

The Sloan Creek Middle School A Cappella Treble Choir performed at the 2013 ACDA National Convention in Dallas, under Christina’s direction. During the 10 years that she has been in Lovejoy ISD, the Middle School choirs have been awarded 30 Sweepstakes awards. The WSMS choir program currently has an enrollment of 180 seventh and eighth grade students, split into seven different ensembles that meet during the day and outside of school. Christina is a PTA Honorary Life Member, an award she received in 2006. She was also awarded the 2009 TCDA Glenda Casey Graduate Scholarship to begin her graduate studies at Texas Tech University. Christina is currently the Fine Arts Team Leader for Willow Springs Middle School, serves Region 25 as the Middle School Vocal Chair and is serving on the UIL-PML Committee for the State. Christina is an active Clinician and Adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble/UIL Contests and a member of TCDA, TMEA, ACDA and Sigma Alpha Iota. She holds a BME from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and prior to becoming a mom, she began work on her Master of Music Education degree at Texas Tech University.

If elected…

TCDA has been a vital part of my enrichment and growth as a music educator, as I have been attending this convention since I was eight years old. This is where all of us, as directors, are able to prepare for starting a new year, refreshed with ideas, new repertoire, and friendships. **Teaching middle school choral music is my passion, and I want to do all I can to continue to help others LOVE teaching middle school, with the right tools, as much as I do. It would be an honor to serve TCDA as the MS/JH VP and be “The Voice” for those who choose to instill the love of MUSIC within adolescent singers. My goals, if elected: • Insightful, Inspiring, & Innovative Clinicians/Conductors – TCDA has always provided the best, and it would be my goal to continue to seek out the BEST of the best in the State and beyond for our enrichment.

• Connection with Colleagues – Bring MS and JH directors closer together and promote awareness of teaching strategies and program ideas that are happening throughout Texas. With such a diverse state it would help to have connection with other choir directors throughout the school year, and not only during the Convention. This connection could be fostered through social media, in the form of Google Hangouts, and/or with face-to-face mini-conferences during the school year.

• Create Specialized Groups for Special Interests – Have you had a question about a certain topic, and found yourself digging around Facebook to find someone who may have an answer about a similar situation? Topics could include: Boys’ or Girls’ Adolescent Developing Voice, 6th Grade Musicals, Pop Shows, Tried & True UIL Contest Pieces… and more!

• Encourage Mentorship – Provide a format for those with five years or less teaching experience to build confidence and find support in their teaching.

Lorelai Cole Lorelai Cole is in her 17th year of public school choir directing, and in her 5th year as Head Choir Director at North Richland Middle School in Birdville ISD. She currently serves as the Region 31 MS/JH Vocal Division Coordinator. Lorelai taught eleven years in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD at Central Junior High and Euless Junior High. She also served as the Assistant Director of the HEB ISD Elementary Honor Choir for two years. She began her choral teaching experience as the Heritage Middle School Assistant Director in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD for one year. While at Central Junior High, Lorelai’s Varsity Treble Choir was selected to perform at the 2012 Southwestern ACDA Convention. Her choirs have consistently received Sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contests as well as “Best in Class” and “Overall Outstanding Choir” awards at music festivals and competitions.

Recognitions received at UTA include the Chamber Singers Award and Vocal Department Student of the Year. Lorelai began her career as a private voice instructor at Bedford Junior High, L. D. Bell High School, and Colleyville Heritage High School. Active as a clinician and adjudicator, Lorelai holds memberships in TMEA, TCDA, ACDA, and TMAA. She received her BA in vocal performance and pedagogy from the University of Texas at Arlington.

If elected…

I will set goals to continue to raise the high standards already in place.

I would provide the MS/JH Division with beneficial, high quality workshops for both new and veteran directors as well as work to find the best new music that will inspire our students. Also, I will make it a priority to provide the highest quality honor choir experience possible for our students by bringing in a Master MS/JH conductor with superior repertoire. I am very passionate about teaching this age, and love collaborating with colleagues through various avenues, including social media, to keep the teaching process fresh. I believe there is no better way to experience that inspiration than by coming together and sharing in outstanding professional development at the TCDA convention! I am certain my passion, high energy, and love for teaching MS/JH will help me fulfill the duties of this office. I am honored to be nominated and would find it a great pleasure to serve TCDA.

Teresa Whatley Pritchard Teresa Whatley Pritchard is enjoying her 12th year as Choir Director at Austin Academy, a Title I magnet school for gifted and talented students in the Garland ISD. Her choirs have consistently earned Sweepstakes ratings at UIL, and superior ratings at the Hawaiian Falls Choral Festival in Garland, where the Austin choirs have been selected as Grand Champions and “Best in Class” numerous times. In 2011 and 2013, the Austin Academy A Cappella Choir was selected to perform at the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education’s Fine Arts Day at the Capitol.

Teresa has enjoyed presenting workshops at TCDA, the New Teacher Academy, in-services for local districts, and serving as a guest clinician

and adjudicator across the state. She was excited to present her research on the boys’ changing voice at TMEA in February. Theresa is active on her campus, serving on the Campus Leadership Committee, a select group of teachers chosen by the principal to facilitate the achievement of campus and district educational goals. Teresa is an active leader in her district and serves as Lead Teacher for Garland ISD and in her region, where she is Chair-Elect for the Region 3 MS Vocal Division. Theresa also enjoys leading worship at Ridgeview Church in Rockwall. She is a member of ACDA, TCDA, TMEA and TMAA, and a cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she earned a BS in music education, and a MM degree with a secondary choral education emphasis.

If elected…

I am passionate about the importance of TCDA because it has been an incredibly important part of my career, providing educational resources, inspiration, and networking opportunities. The importance of TCDA to young educators and seasoned educators alike simply cannot be overstated. I would be honored to serve in any position that would help TCDA continue to provide such enriching conventions and opportunities to its members, including, but not limited to, serving on the board as Middle School/Junior High Vice President. I feel I am uniquely equipped to serve TCDA in this position because I am very organized, creative, energetic, and a reliable, experienced leader. I enjoy listening to and hearing others’ perspectives and incorporating as many people as possible, using their individual skills and strengths to the advantage of the group. When provided with the opportunity, I am eager to provide possible solutions to challenges presented. I believe that a solid work ethic, a great desire to learn, and a great concern for always giving my very best qualifies me as a strong candidate for this position of service.

TCDA presents 3 Candidates for the TCDA Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer Carla Hardy Carla Hardy has been in choral music education for 14 years as a middle school director, accompanist, on-staff vocal coach and high school director. She taught middle school choir in Plainview ISD; she was the lead vocal coach in Frenship ISD for nine years, and she is now the Assistant Director of Choirs at Chisholm Trail High School along with her husband, Jared Hardy. The Hardys moved from West Texas to Fort Worth to open the doors of Chisholm Trail, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s third high school, in Fall 2012. In five years, the program has grown from 72 founding members to over 300 with eight performing ensembles.

Carla’s students have been repeatedly selected as TMEA All-State singers, TCDA Honor Choir members, TSSEC Outstanding Soloists, and UIL Sweepstakes Award Recipients. Carla is a frequent judge and clinician, continuing to laugh with students all across the state! She has proudly served as the TMEA All-State Treble Choir Coordinator alongside some of the most outstanding directors in our state for the past two years. She serves as the Ranch Hand and Renaissance Director on campus, seeking to cultivate positive campus culture through student leadership and initiative. Carla was proud to be named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction in 2016. She is a proud

member of TMEA, TCDA, and ACDA. Carla graduated with a BA in vocal performance in 2002 and a Master’s in Education in 2013, both degrees from Wayland Baptist University.

If elected…

The first choral classroom in which I participated was at Estacado Middle School in Plainview, and I was the teacher. Seriously. I never planned on being in choral music education, but once I was given the opportunity, I couldn’t get enough of it. When I was first given the chance to sing with coordinated instruction and goals, I found a personal connection to music unlike anything I had previously experienced, and now I seek to pass this on to my students. As a young teacher, TCDA met me right where I was: clueless, afraid, and without a bag of tricks! My students are so grateful for TCDA (without even knowing whom to write the thank you note), because of what I have learned and how I have grown as a direct result of my affiliation with this fine organization. Serving students by building relationships with them through choral music is why I am thrilled to have the opportunity to possibly aid TCDA in this capacity. It would be my great honor to serve you as you serve your students. Enjoy your convention!

Carisa Niemeyer

David Landgrebe

Carisa Niemeyer is currently in her 4th year as the Head Director of Choirs at Forest Meadow Junior High in the Richardson ISD after serving previously as Associate Director for five years. In addition to directing choirs at Forest Meadow, Carisa works with colleagues and choirs at Lake Highlands High School and with the area elementary schools. On her campus, she serves as Fine Arts Department Chair, Mentor Teacher, member of the Instructional Leadership Team, and National Junior Honor Society sponsor. She was selected as their Teacher of the Month in 2009 and received FMJH PTA’s Teacher Excellence award for the 2012-2013 school year. In addition, Carisa was humbled and honored to be named one of ten STARS Teacher of the Year for RISD in 2015. In summer 2012, she was awarded Texas Choral Directors Association’s Distinguished Young Director Award. Most recently, Carisa has been a contributing author for the Hal Leonard/McGraw Hill choral textbook, Voices in Concert. She serves as an active clinician and adjudicator and is a member of TMEA, TCDA, and TMAA. Carisa holds a BBA in finance, summa cum laude, and a BA in music, also summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech, she was a member of the University Choir as well as the Madrigal Singers, and she was selected as an Ambassador for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Carisa has completed all four levels of coursework for her Kodály Certification at the West Texas Kodály Institute.

David Landgrebe is in his 13th year at Spring High School and in his 6th year as the Head Choral Director, leading a choral program of over 250 students. Under his direction the Spring High School Chorale, Chorale Women, and Chamber Choirs were named a national or commended winner ten times in the Mark of Excellence Contest; and in 2016 Spring High School was named a GRAMMY Signature School for Music Education by the GRAMMY Foundation. Spring High School choirs consistently earn Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert & SightReading and recently have been invited performers with the University of Houston, Sam Houston State University, Louisiana State University, West Texas A&M University, and the Houston Chamber Choir. David is very active in service to his colleagues, having served as the facilities chair & convention coordinator for the Vocal Division of TMEA in 2008 and 2009, as a facilities and equipment manager for the 2010 TMEA convention, and as a section leader or organizer for multiple region choirs. He served from 2008-2012 as computer tabulations coordinator for Region IX and assisted with registration technology from 2002-2010 during the TCDA conference. David also served three two-year terms as the Area D Vocal Chair for TMEA. In summer 2007 David was named an inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Young Director Award given by the Texas Choral Directors Association. His professional affiliations include ACDA, TCDA, TMEA, Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda. David is a member of TMAA and is an active adjudicator and clinician. He received his BME degree from the University of Houston, and is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Lamar University.

If elected…

I will be thrilled and honored to serve TCDA and its members! As music educators, we wear many hats: musician, part-time parent, mentor, banker, conductor, housekeeper, and cummberbund fitters, among many others. We must navigate the musical, marketing, and business worlds while maintaining the interest of squirrelly adolescents. In short, we manage the practical and creative elements of our beloved profession. My journey to music education took a detour when I pursued and obtained a Finance degree. I’ve had my feet in both business and education which provides me with unique insights and experiences I’ll readily bring to the office of Secretary/Treasurer. I will strive to support TCDA with organized and practical ideas while developing creative implementations and avenues. The winding road to my first love, teaching music, has led me to this place of passion, dedication, and gratitude. TCDA has been such an influential force in my development as an educator, and I will strive to continue and foster the commitment to excellence so clearly established by past and present TCDA boards.

If elected…

TCDA serves our community so well, creating many exciting new opportunities for high school students, college students, first-year teachers, and experienced veteran choral music educators. If elected to the TCDA board, I will work tirelessly to help TCDA continue to innovate and grow. Every summer there are more and more choral positions that go unfilled and the enrollment in choral programs in the state continues to increase. I truly believe that every choral student in the state deserves a highly qualified, passionate choral director and TCDA is such an important resource for Texas choral directors. I would be honored and humbled to serve my colleagues in this capacity.

Interested in serving on the TCDA Board?

Know of a colleague who may be interested?

The TCDA Board is soliciting names of interested members to serve on the Board.

Your expertise and contributions to your association are vital to its future.

The upcoming (open) positions for 2018-19 are President-Elect, College/Community, Elementary and Church. If interested, please submit your name (or the name of a colleague), contact information, and a brief bio to Sharon Lutz, TCDA Executive Director, at Sharon@tcda.net.

We would like your statement of interest no later than April 17th. Thank you!

2017 TCDA Convention • July 20-22 Henry B. Gonzalez Center • San Antonio, Texas Exhibit Hall Hours:

Friday, July 21 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, July 22 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Registration Hours:

Thursday 11:00 am-6:30 pm; Friday 7:30 am-6:00 pm; Saturday 7:30 am-10:00 am 2017 TCDA MS/JH Honor Choir Saturday, July 22, 4:30 pm Featuring renowned conductor Dr. Derrick Fox, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

A baritone soloist, Fox has collaborated with the Arkansas Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the Columbia Chorale, Michigan State University, and others. Dr. Fox will be accompanied by Stephanie Biffle, Assistant Choir Director at the Woodlands High School.

Join Us for the Sing-In Thursday, July 20, 4:15 pm This year’s selection is “Liebeslieder Waltzes” with Nora Henson, conductor.

Don’t Miss the Popular Soiree Thursday, July 20, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

NEW TCDA Closing Convocation Saturday, July 22, 10:15 am

High School Student Leadership Day Saturday, July 22, 8:30 am $15/per student. Back by popular demand, the entertaining and energetic Jeremy Spicer, CEO of SASI (Solutions & Specialized Innovations) will lead students through a morning session of exciting techniques and strategies. Students must be sponsored by a current TCDA member, and accompanied by a chaperone. Register on-line by June 2.

NOTE: TWO ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DAY LOCATIONS will be offered this year: one in Dallas/Fort Worth area (Monday, July 31) and one in Lubbock (Saturday, August 12). Check website for additional information.

New Teacher Academy • Thursday, July 20, 8:30 am Are you a teacher new to Texas? A director beginning your career?

Or just looking to brush up on your skills? This informative, all day workshop offers classroom management, student motivation, communication with administrators, social media, and much, much more. Invaluable!! Remember, first-year teachers joining TCDA receive a 50% convention discount.

TCDA will continue to offer Complimentary Childcare

2017 TCDA Treble Directors Chorus Saturday, July 22, 9:15 am Conducted by Dr. Lori Hetzel, Associate Director of Choirs and Choral Music Education Professor at the University of Kentucky, the choir will be comprised of 160 adult treble choir singers from around the state. The Directors Chorus will perform a premiere commissioned work by composer Kim André Arnesen. Singers with advanced musical skills and vocal technique are invited to participate. First-come, firstserve. Registration $35 per singer due May 15 (includes music packet and certificate). Register at www.tcda.net.

Worship Service - Friday, July 21 Pre-Concert Performance, 6:00-6:45 pm at First Baptist Church.

Performance by CREDO, a non-auditioned, adult vocal ensemble featuring conductor Ryan Jones, Associate Director of Music at St. Luke’s UMC-Houston.

Worship service at 7:00 pm by

Park Cities Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra, Dallas, TX, featuring conductor Stephen Carrell, Director and Associate Pastor of Worship and Music.

Southeast Texas Vocal Artists Performing Group Friday July 21, 4:30 pm Founded by artistic director Levi Duncan, the Southeast Texas Vocal Artists have built a community of musicians dedicated to choral artistry at the highest level. The group’s organizational goal is to enrich the Southeast Texas community with innovative and professional presentations of advanced choral literature from various musical eras and cultures. The artists are a combination of Lamar University students, past Lamar graduates, and talented southeast Texas community members. These vocal artists have become a local attraction for all music lovers! Don’t miss their performance!

TCDA Important Reminders and Dates: • Honor Choir Audition Deadline is now March 25.

• Renew Membership Today to receive the pre-convention issue of “Texas Sings!” (mailed mid-May). After renewing, please remember to vote! On-line voting opens May 1st!

• Housing Deadline is June 23. Book now for your first choice.

• Scholarship Application Deadline is April 15.

• TCDA Award Nominations Deadline is April 15. TCDA members may nominate for the Texas Choral Excellence Award and Young Director of Distinction Award.

(NEW: criteria for this award has been changed to recognize choral directors who have taught for SEVEN years or less, and achieved exceptional success in those years).

In Memoriam. Please let us know of colleagues who have passed on.

Information may be submitted on-line.

2017 TCDA Convention • July 20-22 • Henry B. Gonzalez Center • San Antonio, Texas

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