Interested in participating in one of the OCDA Beginning Treble Festivals? Click here for more info.
Interested in participating in one of the OCDA Beginning Treble Festivals? Click here for more info.
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Fall edition of OCDA News now available!
Fall 2026 Edition of the OCDA News Now Available
Fall 2026 Edition of the OCDA News Now Available
The Fall issue of the OCDA News is now available for viewing.
In this issue:
Dara Gillis cites the benefits of volunteering for those who volunteer;
Annie Moosa delivers practical teaching techniques that involve world music;
Sam Al-Hadid recounts the impact the soon-to-retire New York Voices has had on his teaching;
Ann Johnson highlights the significance of the first national show choir honor choir at our upcoming national ACDA conference;
John McClain offers in-depth interviews with community chorus directors regarding why adults become life-long singers;
Peter Haley and Steven Hankle provide updates from the standing committees they chair (Professional Development, and Diversity Initiatives, respectively);
Sarah Santilli launches an on-going compilation of choral concerts in all our regions;
Brandon Moss recaps the Summer Conference 2026; and
Kent Vandock submits his annual Treasurer’s report.
In addition, you’ll find important calls for nominations for board members and for the Distinguished Service Award.
Click the link and benefit from the expertise and experience of our choral colleagues!
High School Choral Commission Consortium
High School Choral Commission Consortium
The OCDA High School Choral Consortium is a collaborative opportunity connecting high school choral programs across Ohio through the creation and performance of new choral music. Participating ensembles will join together to commission an original SATB work by The Podd Brothers, written specifically for the consortium and centered around themes of wonder, constellations, and light.
Participation is $200 for current OCDA members or $350 for non-members, with the non-member fee including a one-year OCDA membership.
The deadline to join the consortium is January 15, 2027. Complete this brief interest form to receive additional information about participation, the project timeline, and next steps. Submitting this form does not commit you or your ensemble to participation.
First Years Workshop
First Years Workshop
Join us for OCDA's First Years Workshop, a one-day seminar geared toward teachers in their first few years and college students studying to teach choir. The event will be Saturday, October 3, 9:30 am-4:00 pm at Upper Arlington High School. Registration is only $20, which includes lunch.
This workshop is open to anyone; membership in OCDA/ACDA is not required. The day will include interest sessions on programming and rehearsal techniques, breakout sessions for collegiate and early service teachers, a reading session, and the opportunity to share pedagogical tools with one another. Those in attendance will leave with a wealth of resources, ideas, and an expanded network of new colleagues and friends.
Questions? Email Peter Haley, Chair of the Standing Committee for Professional Development, at pd@ohiocda.org, or Julia Waltz, Student Chapter Representative, at studentrep@ohiocda.org.
Register today by clicking the button below!
OCDA Performance Calendar
OCDA Performance Calendar
On behalf of the OCDA Region Chairs, we are starting a state-wide performance calendar. What better way to hear great choral music and meet our peers than to attend each other's performances!
Access the performance calendar with this link: OCDA Member Performance Calendar
If you are interested in sharing your performance calendar, please click the button and fill out the google form below:
OCDA Sets Up Grant Through Donation Funds
OCDA Sets Up Grant Through Donation Funds
The Ohio Choral Directors Association has received a generous gift from the dissolution of Quire Cleveland, with the funds intended to support activities aligned with Quire Cleveland’s original mission. The donation aims to promote opportunities for Ohio singers to learn and perform a cappella vocal ensemble repertoire, particularly works composed before 1700. Funds may support public performances, workshops, masterclasses, festivals, and professional development for choral directors, including establishing new a cappella ensembles in underserved areas.
Usage of the funds will be overseen by the OCDA President, who, along with the executive board, will disperse the monies based on the merit of the proposal and alignment to Quire Cleveland's mission. A sponsorship application process will be available to OCDA members, with grants up to $2,000 per project. All approved projects must publicly acknowledge support from the Quire Cleveland Fund and provide a report on the project’s outcomes. There can be no modifications to the fund's guidelines.
OCDA News Archive Available
OCDA News Archive Available
OCDA is proud to announce the introduction of the OCDA News Archive. Thanks to the efforts of OCDA Historian, Amy Gelsone and IT Coordinator, Eric West, OCDA News issues dating all the way back to the late 1960's are now available for viewing and downloading in PDF format.
Click here to access this new OCDA resource and peak back into what OCDA was and what it become over the past six decades.
Links to Other Resources
Links to Other Resources
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