Inside ACDA

Winter 2026

by Jamie Andrews, Executive Director

IDEA Fund

In 2023, ACDA-MN launched the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Fund to deepen our diversity and equity efforts in choral music. The IDEA Fund is dedicated to supporting choir conductors and creative programs that (1) remove barriers to engage with ACDA-MN, (2) provide mentorship and education to pre-service and early career choir directors, and (3) create greater access to opportunities for choral singing.

And the fund continues to have an impact. See below for descriptions of two projects that received funding.

Music as Healing: Community Song Circles at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility, led by Isabel Nelson, is a fourteen-week program to be offered twice at MN State Correctional Facility – Lino Lakes (MCF-LL). Using community singing practices, men incarcerated at MCF-LL will have the opportunity to sing together, build community, and experience music as a potent modality for healing, facilitated by local artist, song-leader, and spiritual care provider Isabel Nelson. This program has the support of MCF-LL Education Director Randall Bergman and MCF-LL Chaplain Lynda Lee, but does not currently have funding through the Department of Corrections.

Each 14-week module will engage a cohort of twenty-five men. The group will meet weekly for 90-minutes, where they will engage in group song in the style of “community singing,” bracketed by intentional community-building circle practices. Community singing is a highly accessible form of learning and singing music, where songs are taught “call and echo,” and little to no prior singing experience is needed. Anyone who has a desire to sing can participate, regardless of training or lack thereof. All that is required is a human body, and a human voice.

Community singing is an especially powerful tool in the context of prisons. It offers a reconnection with the core sense of humanity. Since time immemorial, humans have sung together. It helps connect us to a sense of self, as well as self-in-community. Particularly in the dehumanizing context of our carceral system, this reconnection with a core sense of humanity can provide a powerful source of hope to those who are incarcerated.

Isabel Nelson leads Music as Healing with women incarcerated in Shakopee Women’s Prison, a similar program held at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility.

Photo credit: Emily Baxter

Singing the Circle, led by Sarina Partridge and Jordan Edelheit, is a call to birthing folks, birthworkers, those on a fertility journey, and those navigating the depths of life in early postpartum to come and sing in community, building connections and supporting holistic wellness through collective song.

This work is partially inspired by a UK-based nonprofit, Singing Mamas, which brings new parents and babies together through community singing. Sarina connected with their founder, Kate Valentine, in 2023. Since then, she and Jordan successfully piloted Singing the Circle, which as far as we know, is the first program of its kind to be offered in our region. In one study, Singing Mamas found that 73% of women who took part in group singing recovered from post-natal depression. This is groundbreaking! They found that singing helps parents bond with babies, connect with other parents, and feel more confident and self-assured. Singing releases endorphins which delivers pain relief and improved mood, and reduces stress hormone levels – producing particularly powerful results in the vulnerable and dynamic times of pregnancy, postpartum, and fertility challenges.

Participants include a mix of pregnant folks, postpartum folks, those on a fertility journey, birthworkers, babies and young children.

IDEA Fund applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed by a panel of six people who represent a mix of backgrounds and experience. More information about the IDEA Fund, including the application form, can be found at IDEA Fund.

Communications Committee

Do you have a story to tell?

Are looking for volunteers to join the newly formed Communications Committee. The group will look to coordinate and streamline the various channels of communication ACDA-MN currently has in an effort to better tell our amazing story.

People with interest and skills in social media, creating content, editing images and videos are encouraged to sign up.

Contact Emily Bird at ebird@acda-mn.org for more information.

Honor Choir

State 9-10 TBB, SSAA, and SATB Honor Choirs

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Prior Lake High School

Guest Conductors:

Lukas Miller – TBB

Spirit Lake Community School, Spirit Lake, IA

Maria Wilson – SSAA

Maple Grove & Brooklyn Middle Schools, Osseo, MN

Brandon Dean – SATB

Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN

State 4-5-6 Aurora & Polaris

Saturday, March 28, 2026

St. Michael/Albertville High School, St. Michael

Stephanie Schumacher · Aurora

Honor Choir of SE Minnesota, Rochester, MN

Katie Houts · Polaris

Choristers Guild Institute, Salt Lake City, UT

State 7-8 CTB & SSA Honor Choir

Saturday, April 11, 2026

St. Michael/Albertville High School, St. Michael

Jim Papolius · CTB

Composer & Conductor, New York City, NY

Bri Bergstrom · SSA

St. Peter Public Schools, St. Peter, MN

Elections

Meet the candidates for annual state elections: March 1-8

Central District Chair

Garrett Lathe

Kennedy Niska

Southeast District Chair

Collen Chester

Matt Krage

Complete candidate bios and statements of leadership intention have been published via The Weekly Pulse in the weeks leading up to the balloting time frame, and can be found here.

2026 Summer Dialogue

Planning is currently underway for the annual ACDA-MN Summer Dialogue, July 29 – 31 to be held again at Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN. The Summer Dialogue planning team, led by ACDA-MN State Vice President Jerry Upton, will be offering relevant and engaging sessions throughout the three-day schedule.

ACDA-MN Directors’ Chorus Headliners:

Michael Johnson

Minnesota State University – Moorhead

More updates will be shared throughout the spring, with the online registration starting in May.

ACDA-MN Annual Awards presented at the 2025 State Conference

The following ACDA-MN members were nominated by their peers and selected by the ACDA-MN Board of Directors to receive these annual awards which were presented at the 2025 State Conference this past November.

2025 Award Winners

(L-R) Mark Johnson, State President, Daryl Timmer, Director of the Year, Gregory Aune, FMC Lifetime Achievement Award, James Borsky, Creative Programming Award, and Aaron Kohrs, Emerging Director Award.

Creative Programming Award

Co-sponsored with VocalEssence

James Borsky, Tartan High School

(L-R) G. Phillip Shoultz (presenter) and James Borsky

Emerging Choral Director Award

Aaron Kohrs

Minnetonka High School

(L-R) Paula Holmberg (presenter) and Aaron Kohrs

The 2025 Emerging Conductor Award is awarded to Aaron Kohrs, for his significant contributions in areas of student achievement, performance and literature standards, and for leadership in Minnesota choral music. I’d like to share a few comments from others that will assist you in getting to know Aaron.

From Sage and Garrett (current students):

Mr. Kohrs approaches difficult repertoire with confidence in our ability to achieve. He trusts that the leaders in the choir will persevere and will encourage fellow singers during the most difficult times. We love the deep dives into the repertoire- learning the history of a piece and exploring the cultural connections. We hold great appreciation for who Mr. Kohrs is. He is a good listener and cares for each of us. We are valued.

From Sam (former student):

Mr. Kohrs is a great listener. At the start of the year, he facilitates discussions where students talk about how they can create an environment where they can both learn difficult music and build a positive community. The choir has similar student-led discussions at the end of the year. They are an opportunity to reflect on areas of success and areas of improvement from the past school year.

From accompanist Michelle Gehrz:

There is a special community energy in the rehearsal room. Singers feel that they are training hard and having fun. Outstanding repertoire is selected that centers on the development of the singers and what pieces will propel growth- season to season and year to year. Programming includes the canon, but it also pushes singers into the richness available from contemporary composers.

From Principal Erickson:

Aaron brings an extraordinary level of musicianship to his work. His concerts are beautifully programmed, musically rich, and filled with energy and joy. Audiences leave inspired, and students leave transformed. His classroom is a place of laughter, learning, and deep musical engagement. Students love singing under his direction—not just because they grow as musicians, but because they feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Imagine my distinct joy in witnessing the flourishing of the Minnetonka program, a program where I spent my final 24 years of teaching. Occasionally, Aaron will send a Snap, a photo or video that captures some enduring traditions. This past Homecoming, I received a video of the students moving from their choir room warm up to the football field, where they would sing the National Anthem. The excitement was palpable, and I responded with a comment about how I miss this. “I hope you are enjoying it all”, I said. “I AM!” Aaron exclaimed. It’s the epitome of a dream job!” I think Aaron is the epitome of a dream teacher, and I’d like you to help me congratulate him on this award.

-Paula Holmberg, presenter

Minnesota Choral Director of the Year

Daryl Timmer

(L-R) Daryl Timmer, Mark Johnson (presenter)

I’m honored to say a few words on behalf of my friend, our friend and colleague Daryl Timmer, ACDA of Minnesota’s Choral Director of the Year. Amidst a household crew of boys and supported by loving parents, Daryl wasn’t long for the confines of small town life. Once a tenor always a tenor, Daryl flowed from piano bench to Lakefield Panther tenor section (accompanist for the choir as well) and clarinet section in the high school band to Saint Paul and music degrees at Northwestern College and the University of St. Thomas stretching Snelling Avenue north and south in the big city. Now making his home on the beautiful St. Croix River in the town of Marine with long-time partner, Terry and dogs, Margo and Fischer, Daryl continues to follow his passion of making music with others.

This man is a hard worker and has a very tender heart, for himself and for others. Through his nearly 35 years in the classroom and on the podium at Eden Prairie Schools, South Washington County Schools and Woodbury High School, in ‘retirement’ Daryl now leads the vibrant choir at First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater (alongside esteemed colleague and organist, Laura Edman) and the outstanding singers of the Valley Chamber Chorale, a gem in the St. Croix Valley. This group, founded 50 years ago by musical pioneer Carol Carver produces a full season of themed concerts, outreach programs, a concert with other music ensembles in the St. Croix Valley and its most notable annual appearance called ‘Christmas at the Courthouse’ at Washington County’s beautiful historic building in Stillwater.

Instilled in his work from High School director and mentor, Tim McConnell and College conductor, mentor and advisor, Richard Edstrom; it has always been about making music for Daryl. But watching him work in rehearsals and in concert, Daryl brings a heightened sense of community and the importance of singer and musician. Whether student or seasoned adult, Daryl always takes time to listen, feel, accept and include everyone with his welcoming heart and personality, humble attitude and approach, open mind and positive character.

The platform hallmarks for this award include mad skills, great leadership, top-notch musicianship and years in the profession. The ‘essence’ of this award is what makes the recipient so special this year… as stated, ‘The Minnesota Choral Director of the Year embodies consistent ACDA membership; attends and supports ACDA functions, events and statewide activities; and contributes to ACDA through work at the district, state, regional or national level on committees, at conventions, etc. Daryl is to ACDA of MN like Jake is to State Farm… positive, neighborly, dependable and he also doesn’t look bad in khakis and red. Daryl won’t bundle your home & auto but does embody an honest and true ACDA member. Like a good neighbor, Daryl is there!’

Congratulations to my friend, our friend and colleague Daryl Timmer – ACDA of Minnesota’s Choral Director of the Year!

-by Mark Johnson, presenter

F. Melius Christiansen Lifetime Achievement Award

Gregory Aune

Gustavus Adolphus College, retired

(L-R) Brandon Dean (presenter) and Gregory Aune

It’s a profound honor to introduce someone whose influence on my own life in the field of music is immeasurable—Dr. Gregory J. Aune.

There’s a beautiful symmetry in Greg receiving the award named in honor of F. Melius Christiansen, because his own musical lineage traces directly to that legacy. As a student at Concordia College, Greg studied under F. Melius’ son, Paul J., and he carried forward that torch of excellence in choral artistry with unwavering dedication for over two decades as conductor of the Gustavus Choir.

When the Distinguished Endowed Chair in Music was established at Gustavus, Greg was the first to hold the position, and rightly so, as investments for such a critical position on our campus and in the broader Minnesota choral music community were a direct result of years of work that he personally poured into the choral department at Gustavus. Work that continues to benefit the program to this day.

I could share with you numerous professional highlights from Greg’s career, from leading All-State choirs to performing at the greatest venues around the world. However, what the accomplishments cannot capture is the man himself. During the eight years we worked together, Greg was more than a colleague—he was my mentor. He showed me that excellence and warmth are not opposing forces. His “Minnesota Nice” approach was the perfect antidote to my “Iowa Stubborn” ways.

His rehearsals were masterclasses, not only in musical precision but in how humor and kindness create an environment where students and music can flourish. Dr. Andrew Kendall, a former student of Greg’s and now Associate Director of Choral Studies at Gustavus, captured this sentiment beautifully:

“Dr. A made choir more than just a class. Choir was a community of singers that felt more like family. His impact, care, and ability to get the most out of his students each and every day is a tradition I hope to carry on at Gustavus.”

Greg’s greatest achievement is not found in any single performance or professional accolade, but in the countless lives he has transformed through his music, mentorship,and unwavering belief in the power of choral singing —this recognition is both richly deserved and long overdue. Please join me in celebrating Dr. Gregory J. Aune.

-by Brandon Dean, presenter

Photo credit: Wyatt Steinke