Ep. #24 - July 2026 (ft. Philip Brown and Matt Hill)

<p>Summer may be a quieter season for many choirs, but the joy of singing doesn't take a vacation! In this episode, Steve continues the <em>Why We Sing</em> series by exploring what it means to remain a singer throughout life—from high school graduation to community ensembles and beyond. Along the way, you'll hear practical ideas for keeping singers engaged, recommendations for outstanding repertoire, and the latest ACDA news and opportunities.</p><p>This month's <em>Why We Sing</em> conversations focus on a simple but profound idea: <strong>singing isn't just something we do in school—it can become a lifelong part of who we are.</strong></p><p>Steve is joined by <strong>Philip Brown</strong>, ACDA National R&amp;R Chair for Senior High Choirs, to discuss how choir directors can cultivate lifelong singers before students ever graduate.</p><p>Their conversation explores:</p><ul><li>Why students need to see singing as a lifelong activity—not just a school class</li><li>The growing popularity of pop-up choirs and flexible community singing experiences</li><li>How directors can prepare students to continue singing after high school</li><li>Why removing barriers to participation matters</li><li>Practical ways schools can partner with community ensembles</li><li>Philip's own answer to the question: <strong>Why do we sing?</strong></li></ul><p>Steve also speaks with <strong>Matt Hill</strong>, ACDA National R&amp;R Chair for Community Choirs, about the unique role community ensembles play in helping adults continue making music throughout every stage of life.</p><p>Together they discuss:</p><ul><li>Why community choirs provide more than just music—they create belonging</li><li>How community ensembles welcome singers of all backgrounds and experience levels</li><li>The many hats community choir directors wear behind the scenes</li><li>Why community choirs should be viewed as a natural continuation of school and collegiate singing</li><li>How lifelong singing benefits individuals, communities, and the choral profession</li><li>Matt's thoughtful reflection on <strong>Why We Sing</strong></li></ul><p>This month's repertoire recommendations come directly from two National R&amp;R Chairs.</p><p><strong>Philip Brown</strong> recommends:</p><ul><li><em>Known</em> by <strong>Grace Becker</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Matt Hill</strong> recommends:</p><ul><li><em>I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day</em> by <strong>Christopher Aspaas</strong></li></ul><p>Both selections demonstrate meaningful text setting and are excellent additions to your repertoire library.</p><p>This month's ACDA updates include:</p><ul><li>State and regional ACDA events happening throughout the summer and fall</li><li>Congratulations to ACDA's newly elected Regional Presidents</li><li>Auditions for the 2027 National Honor Choirs—including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir—open September 1</li><li>Applications for the 2027 Student Conducting Masterclass open September 1</li><li>Call for proposals for the 2027 National Conference Research Poster Session</li></ul><p>Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.</p><p>Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to <strong>Why We Sing?</strong> Email <a rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">acdapodcast@acda.org</a>.</p><p>Join the <strong>ACDA Podcast Listeners</strong> Facebook group to continue the conversation.</p><p></p><p><strong>LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:</strong></p><p><strong>ACDA website: </strong><a href="https://acda.org" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://acda.org</a></p><p><strong>Choral Journal: </strong><a href="https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://acda.org/publications/choral-journal</a></p><p><strong>Repertoire and Resources page: </strong><a href="https://acda.org/repertoire/college-and-university-choirs-repertoire" rel="