Fall 2024 Sustainability

Welcome to the Fall 2024 edition of Star of the North, where we explore the incredible work happening across our choral community. This year we are focusing on the theme of “sustainability,” and this issue is filled with inspiring stories, exciting updates, and remarkable achievements that highlight the unique voices and innovative efforts within our choral world.

Inside ACDA

Jamie Andrews shares updates on the upcoming ACDA-MN State Conference, set for November 22-23, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. With keynote speaker Thomas Søndergård and performances by excellent choirs from across the state, this event promises to inspire. Learn more about our 2024-2025 Honor Choir program and this year’s award recipients for their outstanding contributions to choral music in Minnesota.

Scholarship Sketches

Meet Sam Sadlowsky and Joseph Koroll, two inspiring musicians who reflect on their experiences at ACDA Summer Dialogue 2024. Their stories highlight the power of mentorship, collaboration, and the opportunities ACDA-MN provides for emerging conductors and educators.

Guest Feature: Kristina från Duvemåla

In this feature interview, Philip Brunelle discusses his journey with Kristina från Duvemåla, a musical that explores themes of immigration and belonging. Reflecting on its North American premiere almost 30 years ago, Brunelle explains why this piece resonates so deeply with today’s audiences and shares his excitement for its upcoming performance at Bethel University.

ACE Inspiration Awards

Celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s ACE Award recipients. Jeanie Brindley-Barnett, co-founder of the MacPhail Music for Life™ program and Giving Voice Chorus, is recognized for her pioneering work in arts and aging. Meanwhile, Shawn Neisen, a passionate choral leader and advocate, is celebrated for his contributions to both the Northwest District and the broader ACDA-MN community.

Star Program Spotlight: Luverne Public School Choirs

Seana Graber shares the story of Luverne’s thriving choral program, where over 50% of the student body is involved in choir. Learn about the growth of this program, its inclusive Cardinal Choir initiative, and the heartwarming moments that define the choir’s December concert and May pops concert.

Back to Basics: Vocal Exercises for Enhanced Choir Performance

Philip Brown launches our new column, “Back to Basics,” with practical vocal exercises designed to help choirs refine their technique. These exercises focus on fundamental aspects of good singing, from airflow control to maintaining space between molars. By incorporating these exercises regularly, directors can elevate their choirs to new heights.

Voices from the Districts: Spinning Plates

Joseph Kemper reflects on the challenges of balancing the many demands faced by choral directors. Drawing on personal experience, Kemper offers practical advice on how to find sustainability and joy in our profession by adjusting priorities and focusing on meaningful relationships. He encourages directors to assess how they spend their time and make changes that lead to a more sustainable career.

Adam Giebner shares his district’s successes in fostering collaborative spirit through innovative programming and community engagement, offering readers inspiration for building connections within their own choral communities.

FMC Endowment Update

Discover how the FMC Endowment Fund continues to support the Minnesota choral community. From providing scholarships and grants to assisting with transportation for state conference performances, the FMC Fund plays a vital role in supporting choral music across the state. Learn more about the fund’s impact and how your contributions make a difference.

Commissioning Corner

Minnesota composers share their latest projects in this special feature. From new choral works to collaborations with international artists, these composers are pushing the boundaries of creativity and bringing fresh voices to the choral world. Read about upcoming premieres and exciting works being developed by composers like Elizabeth Alexander, Libby Larsen, and Kyle Pederson.

Our state is packed with stories of dedication, growth, and innovation, showcasing the passion that drives our community forward. We hope these articles inspire you and remind you of the power of choral music to bring people together. From all of us at Star of the North, thank you for being part of this journey, and we’ll see you at the State Conference in November!

Richard Carrick
Managing Editor
Star of the North

About Richard Carrick

Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator. He is the Director of Choral Activities at The College of St. Scholastica, conductor of Borealis Chamber Artists, and Director of Music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, MN. Additionally, he serves as the Managing Editor of Star of the North, the official publication of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota. Richard holds a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington where he studied with Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers. When not making music, Richard can be found on a trail somewhere in the woods, on the golf course, or spending time with his wife and children.