I took part in a presentation at the recent SWACDA convention in Little Rock, Arkansas with Dr. Marci Major which discussed ways to teach choral students to embody musical sound via movement training.  Included below is the video we used in our presentation.  Thanks to Nicole Lunger for her work editing the videos!

In July, I had the honor of being appointed to serve as Missouri ACDA's Repertoire and Standards Chairperson for Youth and Student Activites.  It's a great fit - I'm passionate about connecting the next generation of music educators to communities that offer support, education and encouragement for their next phase of life!

My colleague, Kathy Bhat, had an excellent idea - why not send out a monthly update specifically for our Youth and Student Members?  December marks the first of our monthly attempt to keep our budding choral enthusiasts in the loop with opportunities and events, or with articles of specific interest to them.  This month's newsletter is published at Missouri's ACDA website, but I'm reposting it here as well.

I want to congratulate you on completing your final semester of 2013!  That's one more semester under your belt on your way to becomming the next impactful choral music educator, and a feat to be celebrated!  I know, because I am living it, too... Music students at the University of Maryland also relate; here is their Carol of Final Exams.

Did you know that you can STILL REGISTER as an ACDA MEMBER as first time members for the low price of $5.00?  You can find all the information you need to register at our Student Memebership Page.  Returning members still receieve a discounted rate, too.  Register today!

I hope to see all of you at the ACDA Southwestern Division Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas from March 19-22, 2014.  March 19 is a special Immersion Day for College Students and New Teachers (12pm-5pm) so make sure to arrive in time!  Missouri's own, Melissa Baughman (PhD Candidate from the University of Missouri) is a featured speaker during this day!  If you plan to attend, please post to our facebook page so we know to look for you!  I would love to plan a meal with all of the Missouri student/new teacher members, but I can't do that unless you tell me that you'll be there!  Carpool, roadtrip, or hitchhike down (with another ACDA member, of course) - we hope to see you there!  National and Divisonal conventions offer an unmatchable opportunity to hear excellent choral groups from around the world.  It is rare to have such an opportunity taking place in close proximity to our home! 

Mark your calendars, Missouri ACDA's summer conference will be held in Jefferson City at the Capital Plaza Hotel on July 23-26, 2014.  More information will be made available on MCDA's website very soon.  8 collegiate students will be selected through an applicaiton process to work in exchange for housing at this summer's convention.  Applications will be made available in the early part of 2014.  This is an amazing chance to meet choral musicians from all over our state, to hear great choirs and lectures on our art, and to reconnect with old friends. 

SWACDA president-elect, and Missouri's own, Mark Lawley, shared a fantastic article recently about leadership qualities necessary for success as a conductor.  Check out the article, at Forbes online, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.  How did you know you wanted to be a music educator?  Are these leadership qualities natural to you, or do you have to be intentional about developing them?  In what ways are you devleoping your choral artist chops while still in training?

From all of us at Missouri ACDA, we wish you a happy and healthy winter break.  Take time to reflect on the lessons you have learned this semester.  Set goals for the coming year. 

Musically yours,

Elizabeth Hogan McFarland