The time for our Southern Division conference in Charleston is almost here. I hope to see many of you there. But I also want to encourage participation in 2 opportunities closer to home. We are having our TN ACDA State Conference at McKendree United Methodist Church in Downtown Nashville March 31-April 1 in an attempt to make it accessible to more people. Our State Conference will begin just as the TMEA conference is winding down. In fact, there will be some activities common to both. Hopefully some people attending the TMEA activities will be able to stick around for our gathering. I also want to encourage ACDA members to consider registering for and attending the TMEA conference. Here is a link to their web site with registration information. http://www.tnmea.org/Conference.htm Visit www.TNACDA.org for information on the Southern Division Conference.

So some may ask, "Why would TN ACDA encourage attendance at a non- ACDA event?" The answer is simple. They have a great program with many excellent choral offerings. And we are not in competition! TMEA/MENC and ACDA are in the same business - promoting excellence in the arts. In fact, there will be several sessions at the TMEA conference presented by TNACDA members. Any activity that helps us become better choral directors is a good thing. Conference registration for TNACDA will be $40, and that will include luncheons on both Friday and Saturday. Non-ACDA members are welcome to attend for this same rate, so invite colleagues both in and out of ACDA. To register, send your $40, name and contact information to Angela Tipps, 3041 Vicwood Dr., Murfreesboro, TN  37128-5818.

Following is a brief sketch of the activities related to the State Conference. Thanks to conference planner and President-Elect Angela Tipps, and those R&S Chairs that have assisted her.

Thursday, March 30 First Baptist Church Downtown Nashville 

8:30 PM Pre-conference concert for the TN All State Choirs, sponsored by TN ACDA, and open to our members. Dr. Richard Joiner will have his chorus from Union University.

Friday, March 31 McKendree United Methodist Church

11:00 AM Registration Opens

11:30 AM Luncheon begins

12:15 PM Luncheon Program

Afternoon sessions will focus on Church and Adult Community Chorus directors. (Those registered for the TMEA Conference may attend sessions by TNACDA members George Mabry, Randy Hooper and Roland Carter.) Then we will attend the TN All State Choral Concerts at the War Memorial Auditorium.

Men’s at 6:00, Conducted by Jonathan Reed

Women’s at 6:45, Conducted by Alice Parker

SATB at 7:30, Conducted by Daniel Jackson.

Saturday, April 1 McKendree United Methodist Church

9:00-10:30 Rehearsal Techniques - All State clinician Daniel Jackson

10:45-11:45 Reading Session with Charles Claiborne - Music Packets provided by JW Pepper

12:00 Noon Lunch with Alice Parker - Session will include a sing-along.

1:00 PM Closing Concert Session - Featuring the Nashville Chamber Singers

Robert King, Tennessee ACDA President