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Allied Organizations

OCDA News You Can Use!

Dara Gillis, President
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Dr. Dara Gillis, President of the Ohio Choral Directors Association
The Ohio Choral Directors Association had a terrific summer. It began with an outstanding professional development conference at Upper Arlington High School which welcomed 120 choral conductors from around Ohio. We spent three days investing in our musical growth as we learned from some of the finest leaders in our profession. Now, fall is here and I am thrilled to share a multitude of new initiatives as well as some reenvisioned opportunities for OCDA members. If you are not yet a member, I urge you to visit acda.org today so you may take advantage of all we have to offer! Here are just a few things that await:

First-Years Professional Development Workshop

The OCDA First-Years Workshop will take place Saturday, October 3 at Upper Arlington High School from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Multiple professional development sessions will be offered, as well as a complimentary reading session provided by ECS Publishing. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. Contact Professional Development Chair, Peter Haley at pd@ohiocda.org.

High School Commissioned Composer Consortium

Have you considered commissioning a work for your high school singers but have not been sure where to begin? Perhaps you have worried about the cost of such an endeavor. High School Repertoire and Resources Chair, Gretchen Weber, has been hard at work to develop a choral commissioning consortium for all interested high school directors around Ohio. The commission will be the work of The Podd Brothers and will be available for performance in the fall of 2027. Visit ohiodca.org this fall for further information.

Mentorship

Are you new to the teaching field? Do you find yourself asking, “Where do I start?” OCDA offers the ability for you to connect with experienced colleagues who remember what it was like to be in your shoes. Sometimes you may simply need someone to answer a quick question. Other times you may want to talk through a difficult situation, seek advice about planning concerts, discuss classroom management, develop your own philosophy of music literacy, or learn how to navigate the day-to-day realities of teaching. Whatever the question, we want you to know there is someone you can reach out to. Visit ohiocda.org and click interest areas -> mentorship to begin. Our Mentorship Chairpersons, Ann Schertzer and Jeremy Davis will reply with more information.

Mentorship Part 2

Are you a seasoned veteran or retired educator who would like to be a support system for a new teacher? We would love to have you as a leader in our organization! Visit ohiocda.org and click interest areas -> mentorship to start the process of becoming an OCDA Mentor.

OCDA Member Performance Calendar

Let's get out to hear more performances and meet our peers! OCDA now offers a live performance calendar on our website which allows our membership to submit and see detailed performance information for choirs of all types and from all regions of our state. Visit the website to add your performances or to see what is happening in your area.

Beginning Treble Festivals

If you conduct a developing voices treble ensemble, you are encouraged to take part in an OCDA Beginning Trebles Festival. These events offer beginning and intermediate unchanged treble ensembles the opportunity to collaborate with one another, gain feedback from a master clinician, and share in a collective choral experience. If you are interested in participating in or hosting an event, contact Alyson Bates at treblefestival@ohiocda.org.

Ads and Sponsorships

OCDA offers multiple opportunities for businesses and organizations to advertise their services, products, and events. Contact our Exhibits Chair, Scott Rieder, at srieder@ohiocda.org or see the website under News/Info for more details.

Social Events

Even if you aren’t yet a member, we would love to meet you! OCDA will be hosting its first ever “meet and greet” reception this January at the annual OMEA conference in Columbus! Details will be available in the Guidebook app. Hope to see you there!
And finally, Save the Date! The OCDA Summer Conference 2027 entitled “Celebrate 60!” will be held June 14-16, 2027! Our 60th annual conference will feature headlining clinician Marques L.A. Garrett and will include our Middle School and High School Honors Choirs, numerous reading sessions, a director’s chorus conducted by Richard Schnipke, a day of sessions devoted strictly to developing voices headlined by Robyn Lana, and so much more! Stay tuned for details coming in January!