ACDA Western Region (WACDA) is extending an open invitation to performing groups for the 2026 A Tapestry of Voices regional conference in San Jose, California. We encourage submissions from conductors and choral ensembles that address the conference theme A Tapestry of Voices, highlighting the depth and breadth of our membership and how our individual threads intertwine to create a stronger musical fabric. Acknowledging the unique value of each ensemble, applicants will share how they connect within their communities and embody the conference theme.

The ACDA Western Region’s 2026 conference, A Tapestry of Voices, weaves together the stories of our region, celebrating the ensembles that amplify voices from all perspectives. Each performance thread contributes to the rich musical fabric that defines our communities and our shared journey as musicians. We are seeking to feature regional performing ensembles that share in the beauty of their musical tapestries through performance, advocacy and community outreach.

Submissions will only be considered from current members of ACDA. Lapsed or non-members will not be considered.

A non-refundable application fee of $25 is due at the time of submission and can be paid by debit/credit card only.

APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS:

     CHOIR R&R AREA AND VOICING: Choirs are asked to self-categorize as follows:

1. Ensemble Type (select the ONE R&R area that best describes your ensemble):

a. Children’s and Community Youth (include age range/grades of singers)

i. Singers in this ensemble are in grades 3-5; fill in % of students in the ensemble

ii. Singers in this ensemble are in grades 5-7; fill in % of students in the ensemble

iii. Singers in this ensemble are in grades 7-9; fill in % of students in the ensemble

iv. Singers in this ensemble are in grades 9-12; fill in % of students in the ensemble 

b. Junior High/Middle School

i. Small school; 799 and below students

ii. Large school; 800 and above students

c. Senior High School

i. Small High School (9-12 enrollment 799 and below)

ii. Large High School (9-12 enrollment 800 and above)

d. Two-Year College

e. Four-Year College or University

f. Contemporary A Cappella

g. Show Choir

h. Vocal Jazz

i. Community

j. Music in Worship (choirs who primarily serve/perform in worship rather than concert settings)

k. Professional

2. Voicing

a. Soprano-Alto

b. Tenor-Bass

c. Mixed Voicing

ENSEMBLE STATEMENT (non-adjudicated) – Applicants are asked to share a narrative about their ensemble without identifying the name of the ensemble or the conductor. Can include the type of institution/organization, ensemble history, and mission, philosophy, and legacy of the ensemble; who participates in the ensemble; the surrounding community that the organization serves; and the programming practices of the choral ensemble in 1800 characters or less to help the committee contextualize your ensemble.

CONDUCTOR AND ENSEMBLE BIOGRAPHIES AND PHOTOS:

1. The ensemble’s biography (900 character maximum).
2. The conductor’s biography (900 character maximum).
3. The conductor(s) headshot in .jpg format, 3” x 5”, high-resolution minimum 300 dpi
4. An ensemble photo will only be requested for choirs selected to perform.

DIRECTOR AND CHOIR INFORMATION:

1. Director’s name, phone, e-mail address, ACDA member number
2. Name of institution (spell out do not use abbreviations), City and State, Exact name of choir, and number of singers in the ensemble

AUDITION MATERIALS FOR CHOIRS EXCEPT CONTEMPORARY A CAPPELLA & SHOW CHOIRS (CONTEMPORARY A CAPPELLA & SHOW CHOIRS SEE NEXT SECTION):

1. Three recordings in digital format (Unedited, live recordings. No videos will be accepted.) based upon the following specifications:

a. One selection from the 2024–25 academic year or 2025 calendar year; 

b. One selection from the 2023–24 academic year or 2024 calendar year; 

c. One selection from the 2022–23 academic year or 2023 calendar year;

d. Files are unedited, complete pieces. Each file should be only one piece of music and should not consist of multiple songs.

e. Files should correspond with the years of programming represented in the program documents.

f. Files submitted are contrasting selections to illustrate the breadth of the ensemble’s repertoire and ability.

g. Files have no mention of the ensemble or conductor’s name in the recording. Any identifying information will disqualify the application (this helps to ensure unbiased listening on the part of the audition committee).

h. Please name the recording file as follows: Conductor’s ACDA Membership Number + Choir Type + File Number (i.e., 1234567HSSATB2.mp3)

2. Three performance programs scanned in pdf format as proof of conducting and programming for each year represented on the recordings (Be sure to remove ALL identifying information from programs)

a. Documents are representative of the auditioning group’s programming.

b. Programs should correspond with the recordings represented in the audio file submissions

c. Remove all identifying information from programs, i.e., conductor name, school name, logos, etc. Failure to do so will result in disqualification of your application. Reminder: to maintain anonymity of the selection process, videos will not be considered.

AUDITION MATERIALS FOR CONTEMPORARY A CAPPELLA AND SHOW CHOIRS ONLY:

1. Submit three video recordings (or six for co-conductors; see Section I) that include both audio and video in digital format. The total duration of the three recordings should not exceed 10–15 minutes (20-30 minutes if co-conductors submit six recordings).

2. Include selections from each of the last three academic years (September through August) with the same conductor.

a. One selection from the 2024–25 academic year or 2025 calendar year.

b. One selection from the 2023–24 academic year or 2024 calendar year.

c. One selection from the 2022–23 academic year or 2023 calendar year

3. Video files should not be edited in post-production and must be performed by the same conductor and ensemble; live performances are preferred.

4. Videos should reflect repertoire similar in complexity and style to the sample program, though they need not include pieces on the sample program.

FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS: Proposed repertoire for the 2026 conference

1. Include title, composer, and approximate performance time in minutes and seconds.

2. Total program time may not exceed 25 minutes including stage set up, entrance, exit, and applause.

3. ACDA encourages conductors to program a variety of styles from various eras unless proposing a concert by a single composer or genre. When you submit your application, your proposed program is part of your application and approval.

*In special circumstances, the Conference Committee may consider petitions to change repertoire after invitations have been issued, between August 15-October 1, 2025. Changes impacting more than 20% of the total performance time will not be considered. Approval of changes are at the discretion of the Conference Committee Chair.

4. No more than One manuscript (unpublished) piece may be included;

5. The use of photocopies or duplicated music at ACDA conferences is strictly prohibited.

6. Indicate willingness to participate as a demonstration choir, if selected.

All applications must be submitted with non-refundable $25.00 application fee online at the link provided by ACDA Western Region by April 15, 2025. Help desk support is available until 5pm central time on April 15, 2025. Help desk is NOT available on the weekends. After that time, no support will be provided, even if technical issues are encountered. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can complete the submission process. Late submissions will not be accepted for any reason. Help desk can be reached at .

Eligibility

The director of an ensemble applying for choral performance at an ACDA Conference must be a current member of ACDA; must be a member at time of selection and membership shall not expire on or before the last day of the Conference.

The director of the ensemble must have been employed in the same position for no less than three consecutive years prior to the application (since Fall of 2022). 

Co-conductors for a particular ensemble will submit ONE application for performance if all the following conditions apply:

• Both conductors are ACDA members and have been co-conductors of the ensemble for at least three consecutive years..
• Both conductors share an equal or similar leadership role with the ensemble. Shared leadership must be clearly evident in the submitted programs
• Co-Conductors submit their own three recordings and programs totaling 6 uploads (3 per conductor) for the ensemble.

No ensemble or director may appear at successive National or successive Region Conferences. Ensembles that appear at a National Conference may audition and appear at the following Region Conference and vice versa. Ensembles that appeared only as a demonstration choir are exempt from this rule.

Choral ensembles and conductors that appeared at the 2024 ACDA Western Region Conference in Pasadena will not be eligible to appear in the 2026 ACDA Western Region Conference in San Jose.

It is understood that ACDA Western Region will not assume financial responsibility for travel, food, or lodging for conductors or choir participants. Submitting an application implies that the ensemble is prepared to travel and perform at the conference if accepted.

Accompaniment

No recorded accompaniment may be used on an audition recording or in performance at an ACDA Conference. Only live accompaniment is permitted.                    

Screening Process

All audition applications will be handled via the ACDA online system to ensure a fair and unbiased review of all submissions.

Reading the stories of applying choral organizations will be key to the selection process. Any identifying information included within application materials will be redacted by Conference Performing Group Co-Chairs in order to ensure an equitable and blind listening process among conference listening panels. Listening panels will select performing groups without specific knowledge of the identity of the choir or conductor.

Application and Information Timeline:

Application opening in February 2025

Applications for Performance Choirs Due: April 15, 2025

• Help desk support is available until 5pm central time on April 15, 2025. Help desk is NOT available on the weekends. After that time, no support will be provided, even if technical issues are encountered. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can complete the submission process. Late submissions will not be accepted for any reason. Help desk can be reached at .

Letters of Acceptance/Rejection Sent to Applicants starting: June 15, 2025

Information Letter to Performing Choirs: Mid-August 2025

Performance Choir Bios/Info Due: September 1, 2025

Performance Choir Photos for Choral Journal/ACDA App Due: September 26, 2025

Information Letter to Performing Choirs: Mid-November 2025

Final Information Letter to Performing Choirs: Early February 2026