Star of the North

May 2026

By Richard Carrick

As we close out the Spring 2026 issue of Star of the North, we also conclude this year’s theme: Singing for Our Lives. Throughout the year, this theme has invited us to reflect on why singing matters so deeply—not only as educators and conductors, but as human beings seeking connection, meaning, healing, joy, and community. This issue continues that conversation through stories of advocacy, lifelong music-making, mentorship, resilience, and service.

This issue’s Back to Basics feature includes a practical and thoughtful video from Joe Osowski of St. Michael-Albertville High School, offering directors an accessible and effective way to conduct mental health check-ins with students. This issue also includes a guest feature article, “A Choral Journey Without End: Joby Talbot’s Piedra de Sol,” authored by yours truly, exploring Talbot’s newest large-scale choral work, its connection to Octavio Paz’s poetry, and the immersive future of contemporary choral programming.

We also highlight two inspiring ACE Award recipients from across the state. Shaun Halland shares the story of Metro East recipient Alton Accola, a passionate advocate for the vocal arts whose work as a promoter, photographer, and arts supporter has amplified Minnesota’s choral community. From the Southwest District, Seana Graber honors Janine Papik, a longtime accompanist and collaborator whose artistry and dedication have shaped generations of singers.

Jennaya Robison’s STAR Program feature celebrates the National Lutheran Choir as the ensemble marks its 40th anniversary, reflecting on four decades of artistry, innovation, and impact in the choral world. The FMC Endowment update highlights scholarships, donor support, and the continued investment in the future of choral music across Minnesota.

In the Commissioning Corner we see Mari Valverde’s article “Joy in Defiance,” and our In Remembrance section honors the life and legacy of Joan Larson, beloved educator, church musician, and lifelong advocate for choral singing, who passed away on February 22, 2026.

The Student Chapter Forum features practical advice from editor Emily Chmielewski, who shares tips and ideas for starting and sustaining ACDA student chapters on college campuses. We also feature a special Home Sweet Home article by Elisabeth Cherland, “Coming Home for Good,” spotlighting Joseph Kemper’s return to St. Olaf College as a conductor and educator.

Finally, Voices from the Districts includes reflections from Metro West District Chair Randi Erlandson on lifelong music-making and the enduring impact of choral communities, alongside Metro East District Chair Shaun Halland’s meditation on singing in community across generations.

As this issue goes to press, it also marks the end of my time serving on the Star of the North staff. After five years with the publication—including the past four as Managing Editor—I will be stepping down from this role. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the ACDA-MN community in this way and thankful to every writer, editor, photographer, contributor, and reader who has helped make this publication possible.

This decision comes with both gratitude and excitement. As my professional responsibilities continue to grow, and as my daughters get older and life becomes fuller in new ways, I am grateful for the opportunity to dedicate more time and energy to those areas of my life. At the same time, this is certainly not goodbye to ACDA. I look forward to continuing to contribute to this remarkable choral community for many years to come, and I remain deeply committed to the work we do together.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and friendship over these past several years. It has truly been an honor to help tell the stories of Minnesota’s choral community.

Richard Carrick
Managing Editor
Star of the North

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Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator whose work spans professional, academic, sacred, and community music settings. He currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at The College of St. Scholastica, where he conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Bella Voce and teaches courses in conducting, vocal pedagogy, and choral methods. Richard also serves as Chorus Master for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and Director of Music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, Minnesota.

Carrick is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Borealis Chamber Artists, a professional chamber music ensemble dedicated to innovative, inclusive, and collaborative performances. In addition, he serves as Managing Editor of The Star of the North, the publication of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota, supporting the professional growth of Minnesota’s choral community and advancing statewide choral dialogue.

He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, studying with Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers. His musical interests include choral-orchestral masterworks, early music, and contemporary repertoire that explores themes of justice, identity, and belonging.

Outside of music, Richard enjoys exploring the trails of northern Minnesota, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and children.