Sustaining Ourselves, Our Work, and Our Communities

Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of the Star of the North, where we continue exploring the vital theme of “sustainability” within our choral community. This issue showcases inspiring stories of connection, growth, and innovation that demonstrate how we sustain and nurture our musical traditions while embracing change and building for the future.

Inside ACDA

Inside ACDA brings updates from across the organization, including new board members, upcoming events, and important reminders about scholarships, honor choirs, and ACE Award nominations. Summer Dialogue and the State Conference promise meaningful collaboration and shared learning, with a renewed emphasis on inclusion and accessibility.

Scholarship Sketches

In Scholarship Sketches, Jakob Waller and Sophie Kessel reflect on their experiences at Summer Dialogue 2024, highlighting the value of mentorship, peer learning, and support for future educators.

GUEST FEATURES

This issue has two Guest Features. The first highlights the recent collaboration between Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence, and Sir James MacMillan. The second is by Mark Petty, which explores the ecological lens of choral music, drawing parallels between sustainable ecosystems and the role choirs play in nurturing communal well-being.

ACE INSPIRATION AWARDS

We honor the work of this year’s ACE Award recipients from the Central, Northeast, and Southwest districts, whose efforts—whether in schools, communities, or disability advocacy—help make choral music more vibrant and accessible.

Star Program Spotlight

Our Star Program Spotlight features the thriving choral community at St. Michael-Albertville High School, where a culture of excellence and access has led to a flourishing program of nearly 400 students and partnerships with nationally recognized ensembles.

IDEA

Amy Johnson’s IDEA Column charts the evolving integration of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across ACDA-MN, offering a thoughtful call to stay curious, engaged, and collaborative in the work ahead.

FMC ENDOWMENT UPDATE

The FMC Endowment Fund Update celebrates 771 scholarships awarded since 1997, including this year’s full funding of all State Honor Choir applicants. We also hear from a featured donor whose journey with ACDA-MN comes full circle through giving.

COMMISSIONING CORNER

In Commissioning Corner, Josh Wang introduces readers to emerging composers writing sacred choral works that blend craftsmanship and accessibility. His article calls on church musicians to continue building the repertoire by supporting living artists.

STUDENT CHAPTER FORUM

Student Chapter Forum highlights the energy of Concordia-Moorhead’s growing student chapter, led by a dynamic executive board and supported by a strong community of future educators.

VOICES FROM THE DISTRICTS

Voices from the Districts offers personal reflections on sustainability in the profession—from rebuilding a high school choir program, to choosing new paths, to celebrating four decades of choral excellence in Rochester through the quiet leadership of Dr. Rick Kvam.

We hope these articles encourage you to reflect on your own journey and the systems that support you. Whether you’re finding new rhythms or recommitting to familiar ones, this issue affirms the value of the work you do and the community we share. We hope to see you at Summer Dialogue!

Richard Carrick
Managing Editor
Star of the North