Deadlines and Links

Updated 5/8/25

• September 1st- CDA Teacher Membership Fee (Required for Honor Choir Registration)

• Friday, September 19th, 2025 - Elementary School Honor Choir School Sign-Up

• Friday, October 3rd, 2025 -  Elementary School Honor Choir Registration Deadline (add student names to this sheet)

  • Student Letter: distribute this student letter to your selected singer. 

• Friday, October 17th, 2025 - All Honor Choir Student Fees Due ($40 per student)

  • School checks written to District VIII CDA

  • Mail to: ATTN Naomi Naquin, 400 S. College St., Minden, LA 71055

• Thursday, November 20th, 2025 -5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Rehearsal - Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport (required)

• Friday, November 21st, 2025 - All Day - Honor Choir Event - Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport (required)

  • Students and teachers will be present for the entire day.

  • Schedule for Friday, November 21st: Honor Choir Fall 2025

  • Program for Friday, November 21st: Honor Choir Program Fall 2025

Elementary Honor Choir Learning Tracks

Honor Choir Process

• Elementary School Honor Choir is not a District VIII CDA auditioned process. However, you may choose to audition or select your top singers.

• Each middle school may audition/select 10 students. 

  • CDA Honor Choir will be an SAB group. Please try to select students of each voice part if possible. 

• Student Letter: Once you have selected your singers, print and distribute this student letter. 

• Music will be distributed by District VIII CDA once it has been ordered and received. 

• Students must come to rehearsal knowing their music.

• Students and teachers must be present at all rehearsals and performances for the entire duration. 

Meet our Fall 2025 Clinician

Brian Martinez is a versatile musician native to New Orleans, Louisiana. As an active conductor, composer/arranger, singer, music educator, and percussionist, he brings a dynamic range of skills and passion to his craft. Brian has conducted ensembles of all levels, from elementary to collegiate, and served as the artistic director for two community choirs. His commitment to the musical community extends beyond his years in the classroom, as he frequently conducts honor choirs and adjudicates music festivals.

As a vocalist, Brian has performed with esteemed ensembles such as the New Orleans Opera Chorus, New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale, and St. Patrick's Church in Downtown New Orleans which specializes in chant and renaissance motets. Additionally, he finds fulfillment composing, conducting musicals and orchestras, leading choral clinics, and performing with specialty vocal ensembles. 

Brian holds a Master of Music Education in Choral Conducting from Florida State University, a Bachelor of Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University, a K-12 teaching certificate, and his Level 1 Orff certification. His distinguished mentors include Dr. Andre Thomas, Dr. Kevin Fenton, Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Alissa Rowe and Dr. Meg Frazier. Brian is also a proud member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Education, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.