In This Issue: Singing for Our Lives

By Richard Carrick

Welcome to the Fall 2025 issue of Star of the North. Our theme, Singing for Our Lives, reminds us that choral music is more than just an art form. Whether we sing to heal, to remember, to teach, or to build community, our voices carry stories that give meaning and strength to our shared humanity–and we can do it for our whole life long. Be sure to check out all our content!

Inside ACDA-MN, Executive Director Jamie Andrews introduces us to our new Associate Director, Emily Bird, whose work will strengthen communication, fundraising, and storytelling across the organization. Jamie also previews the 2025 State Conference, Wellness to Wonder, which will feature Dr. Tasha Golden’s keynote on “Conducting Wellbeing,” the debut of the Golden Voices Festival Choir for singers ages 55+, and performances by choirs from across Minnesota. This issue also highlights our annual awards, recognizing our members whose creativity and leadership continue to inspire the choral community.

In Scholarship Sketches, student conductors Riley Abbott and Martin Schmidt reflect on their transformative experiences at Summer Dialogue. Their gratitude for the FMC Endowment Fund and Gateway Travel shines through as they describe mentorship, learning, and connection at the heart of their journey.

Our ACE Award spotlight honors Gretchen Anderson of Red Wing, whose lifelong service as teacher, accompanist, and advocate for the arts continues to enrich her community.

This issue’s Star Program Spotlight features the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus under Gerald Gurss, celebrating its 44th season—Hope, Joy, and Friends!—and its ongoing legacy of using music to build community and social change.

In Commissioning Corner, Andrew Parr shares his journey as a composer in “Music for My Own Needs… and Maybe Yours, Too,” reflecting on the joy of writing music that meets singers where they are and invites beauty into every level of choir.

In Home Sweet Home, Elisabeth Cherland interviews Jeff Iverson, who reflects on returning to teach at his alma mater in Minnewaska. He shares the delicate balance between honoring tradition and making a program his own, reminding us that music education is a living, evolving art.

Our Legacy Feature honors Rebecca Wyffels and Jeff Dahl, whose 37-year partnership at Wayzata High School shaped generations of singers and educators. Their reflections on mentorship, collaboration, and shared purpose are a masterclass in what it means to build a legacy together.

The Student Chapter Forum spotlights the thriving Winona State University ACDA Chapter, whose members embody the next generation of leadership through service, performance, and new creative projects.

In Voices from the Districts, Isaac Lovdahl shares exciting updates from Northwest Minnesota while Chris Mason shares updates on what is happening in Northeast Minnesota.

Back to Basics returns with Chris Mason demonstrating a simple, effective warm-up routine that can anchor any rehearsal.

We also pause in Remembrance to honor Tim Cayler, Kenneth Denzer, and Robert Mix, whose lives and work remind us of the profound and lasting impact of music educators in our communities.

And be sure to check out the latest from the FMC Endowment Fund, whose continued generosity sustains opportunities for future generations of singers, conductors, and teachers.

Each article in this issue affirms that singing is a declaration of hope. We hope to see you at the State Conference in November, where we will once come together to sing for our lives!

Richard Carrick
Managing Editor
Star of the North