American Choral Director's Association

"Founded in 1959, the American Choral Directors association (ACDA) is a nonprofit music-education organization whose expressed purposes outline the association's dedication to the advancement of choral music. ... The mission of the ACDA is to inspire excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy." --ACDA.org

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The IUP American Choral Directors Association is a professional organization of future music educators, choral directors, IUP staff, advocates, and lovers of choral music. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds in choral music, and come together to celebrate it. The IUP ACDA also prides itself on offering training and education for its future choral directors that is often "not taught in the regular classes." 

The IUP ACDA is this campus's student satellite group of the larger, national organization. Many of our members have joined the ACDA as student members and receive benefits such as insight into the job market, networking with other choral directors and groups, conference attendance, etc. Being a member of the IUP ACDA alone does not require a paid membership to the parent organization; however, we encourage our members to seek it as the membership benefits could positively impact one's career as a choral director. 

During the 2015-16 school year, the IUP ACDA intends to plan musical events, volunteer to benefit the IUP music community, engage in professional development, invite guest speakers to teach workshops, and more. We invite prospective music educators, directors, and choral music admirers to contribute to our activities and build a strong community through music. 

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The Purposes of ACDA: 

• To foster and promote choral singing, which will provide artistic, cultural, and spiritual experiences for the participants.
• To foster and promote the finest types of choral music to make these experiences possible.
• To foster and encourage rehearsal procedures conducive to attaining the highest possible level of musicianship and artistic performance.
• To foster and promote the organization and development of choral groups of all types in schools and colleges.
• To foster and promote the development of choral music in the church and synagogue. 
• To foster and promote the organization and development of choral societies in cities and communities.
• To foster and promote understanding of choral music as an important medium of contemporary artistic expression.
• To foster and promote significant research in the field of choral music.
• To foster and encourage choral composition of superior quality.
• To cooperate with all organizations dedicated to the development of musical culture in America

(The last two purposes were added in the 1975 Constitution and Bylaws revision.)

• To foster and promote international exchange programs involving performing groups, conductors, and composers.
• To disseminate professional news and information about choral music.