Ep. #17 - December 2025 (ft. Jeffery Ames and October Project)

<p>🎙️ <strong>ACDA Podcast – December 2025 | Why We Sing</strong></p><p>In the December 2025 episode of the ACDA Podcast, Steve reflects on the timeless question, <em>“Why do we sing?”</em> Inspired by Greg Gilpin’s beloved song, Steve invites listeners to share what singing means to them—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and communally—as we head into a season full of performances and reflection.</p><p>🎶 <strong>Featured Interview:</strong> <strong>Jeffrey Ames</strong>, President of the <strong>ACDA Southern Region</strong>, joins the podcast to preview the 2026 Southern Region Conference, <em>Prism of Voices</em>, happening March 4–7 in Memphis, Tennessee. Jeffrey shares the vision behind the theme, highlights what makes the Southern Region unique, and reflects on leadership, mentorship, and connection.</p><p>📖 <strong>Check It Out in the Choral Journal:</strong> Steve explores the November/December Choral Journal article <em>“The Superpower of the Introverted Choral Conductor”</em> by <strong>Chris Maunu</strong>, celebrating the quiet strengths of thoughtful, grounded leadership and how introversion can be a powerful asset on the podium.</p><p>🎵 <strong>R&amp;R Quick Pick (Special Feature):</strong> Members of <strong>October Project</strong>—<strong>Marina Belica, Emil Adler, and Julie Flanders</strong>—join the show to celebrate the <strong>10th Anniversary re-release of </strong><em><strong>The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace</strong></em>. The conversation explores the project’s origins, its viral resurgence, and how these rounds are being used by choirs of all ages around the world.</p><p>📢 <strong>Did You Know?:</strong><br />• Congratulations to the <strong>2026 Grammy Music Educator Award Finalists</strong><br />• Membership renewal reminders<br />• Updates on <strong>Regional Conferences</strong> and the <strong>Children &amp; Community Youth Choirs Retreat</strong><br />• A featured <strong>Show Choir webinar</strong> for mid-year momentum<br />• Opportunities to support <strong>Honor Choir student scholarships</strong></p><p>❤️ <strong>Influence Story:</strong> <strong>Andrew Crane</strong> (Brigham Young University) honors his mentor, <strong>Dr. David Rayl</strong>, in a powerful reflection on the lasting impact of great teachers and leaders.</p><p>🎧 As always, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share feedback, and submit stories and updates to <a target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">acdapodcast@acda.org</a>.</p><p>Follow the podcast on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243%20" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠</a></p><p>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/%20" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠</a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://acda.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://acda.org</a> </p><p>Join or log in to your ACDA profile: <a href="https://acda.org/login" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://acda.org/login</a> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:</strong></p><p><strong>ACDA website: </strong><a href="https://acda.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://acda.org</a></p><p><strong>Repertoire and Resources page: </strong><a href="https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://acda.org/repertoire/</a></p><p><strong>October Project: </strong><a href="https://www.octoberprojectmusic.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.octoberprojectmusic.com/</a></p><p><strong>R&amp;R Quick Pick: </strong><em>Turn</em> by OctoberProject; <a href="https://octoberproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-book-of-rounds-a-cappella" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://octoberproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-book-of-rounds-a-ca