Why Join ND-ACDA?

College and University R&R Chair Melanie Popejoy shares why she believes an ND-ACDA membership is a great choice for any vocal music professional:

I have been a member of ACDA since I was a freshman in college. At my undergraduate school, being a member of professional organizations and going to state, regional, and national conferences was expected. I am sure that my professors were trying to build a culture (or habit) of professional learning and I am so glad that they did. Here are my takeaways and why I encourage our UND students to do it:

1. Membership – The perks of being an ACDA member goes beyond the fact that it allows your students to have various honor choir opportunities. However, that is a great one! I believe that some of my best students deserve the chance to sing with outstanding conductors and select singers from across the state, region and country who love singing as much as they do. It is very impactful as they experience some incredible musical moments which can change lives!

There is also an added bonus. Membership to professional organizations can be included on your resume or CV. It indicates to a future employer that you are connected to a network of other professionals and invested in your growth as a teacher, conductor, and musician. They know that your growth has an impact on the growth of your students.

2. Conferences - I believe it is healthy to get out of our isolated rooms and districts to gather with people who are passionate about music, kids, and the combination of the two. You find people who understand your situation, who have “been there” and learned things they can share. If not, they can connect you to people who can!

I also believe that my students deserve a teacher who is going to stay connected to what is going on in singing & choral music outside of my “education bubble.” You hear diverse perspectives on how to approach some of the same vocal, choral, classroom, and community issues we all face OR trends and issues you didn’t even know existed. Your ears are treated to excellent choral performances and literature that can be inspiring. I have walked away from a performance at a conference and said outloud, “I am so thankful I got to experience that!”

3. Professional Media - The educational magazines, journals and website access that are part of the membership have information that is timely and topical for our growth as choral educators, musicians, or arts advocates in general. Unlike finding something through a simple Gemini search where you have no idea how qualified the person is who is sharing this information on the other side, the articles are crafted by people who have been vetted in some capacity in our choral world. Information is powerful!

4. Collegial Relationships - It may sound rather simplistic, but my life has been made richer by the friendships that have been cultivated with my colleagues across our state, region and nation, through my membership in ACDA. They are some of the finest people I know. Those relationships have grounded me which keeps me at my best for my students, personally and professionally.

Why delay? I encourage you to start developing your professional learning habit today!

Melanie Popejoy, Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Dakota and ND-ACDA's College and University R&R Chair