State Conference
Northwoods Choral Summit
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Bemidji State University
10:00am-6:00pm
Hosted by the Northeast & Northwest Districts
Whether you’re directing multiple ensembles, teaching several music classes, producing the school musical, or building a program with
limited resources, this one-day conference is designed with you in mind. Join choral educators from across northern Minnesota for a
day of practical, classroom-ready ideas, meaningful collaboration, and encouragement. Sessions will explore rehearsal strategies, student leadership, sight-reading, travel planning, musical theater, performance preparation, and creative ways to strengthen your choral program. Learn from colleagues who understand the realities of teaching in smaller schools, exchange ideas, and leave with
fresh inspiration, new connections, and practical tools you can implement right away.
Sessions include: “So They Asked You to Help with the Musical… Now What?” with Iris Kolodji, “Get On Your Feet! Non-Traditional
Formations” with Isaac Frauendienst, repertoire sharing with Isaac Lovdahl, a conducting and rehearsal technique master class with
Chris Mason and Laura Quaintance, breakout sessions, and more!
Choral Potluck
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Gustavus Adolphus College
9:00am-5:00pm
Hosted by the Southeast & Southwest Districts
A Choral Potluck is a one-day conference created especially for rural choral educators, where everyone brings something to the table.
Gather with colleagues from across the region for a day of practical ideas, meaningful conversations, and renewed inspiration. Build
connections through engaging community-building activities led by Bri Bergstrom, discover quality literature in the repertoire-sharing
session “Fewer Parts, More Opportunities” with Colleen Chester and Elisabeth Cherland, and participate in breakout discussions
tailored to educators at every stage of their careers—from first-year teachers to seasoned veterans. The day concludes with a panel
featuring four accomplished rural choral directors—Seana Graber (Luverne), Jenna Steinkamp (Southland),Bailey Cords (Springfield),
and Sarah Holten(Fillmore Central)—who will share honest insights into building vibrant choral programs, fostering community,
balancing the many demands of rural music education, and creating meaningful musical experiences for students. Come ready to
share, learn,and leave with a full plate of ideas to take home to your choir.
You are the Experts, You are Enough!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
St. Michael-Albertville
9:00am-4:30pm
hosted by the Central, Metro East, & Metro West Districts
You Are the Experts,You Are Enough! is a one-day conference designed to affirm and empower choral leaders in the important work
they do every day.Through conversation, reflection, and practical exploration, participants will examine how authenticity,
collaboration, and responsiveness can strengthen their programs and communities.Sessions will explore the power of vulnerability
and “ordinary courage” in building meaningful relationships with singers, strategies for involving singers in artistic decision-making
through collaborative repertoire selection, and ways to create responsive spaces that honor the unique needs of each community.
Rather than searching for a one-size-fits-all approach, this conference invites directors to trust their experience, embrace their local
context, and recognize the expertise they already bring to their ensembles. Participants will leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped
with new ideas for fostering connection, shared ownership, and vibrant choral communities.
Sessions include: “Modeling “OrdinaryCourage” and Vulnerability in Choir” with Randi Erlandson and John Habermann, ”Many Voices,
One Program: Collaborative Repertoire Selection” with Tyler Vidal, “Building Responsive Spaces” with Amy Johnson, “Connection Over Excellence” with Garrett Lathe and Shaun Halland, along with reading sessions, discussion, dialogue, and more!