WACDA Composer Track

“A Golden Thread Will Find You” — Kira Zeeman Rugen

Schedule:

• Thursday, March 5, 2026: Concert #4 - 7:30pm
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

Presentation of the 2026 WACDA Conference All-Sing commission, awarded to a Western Region ACDA member with a strong history of service and/or involvement in the organization. Special emphasis has been given to commissioning works that are accessible and easily distributable to school and community choir directors.

Scores will be published in time for the conference.

*Fun fact: Composers earn 5–10% through traditional publishers, 50–60% via marketplaces, and 95% on personal stores. Shopping locally matters!

Schedule:

• Thursday, March 5, 2026: 10:00a–12:00p
• Thursday, March 5, 2026: 5:30p–6:30p
• Friday, March 6, 2026: 11:30a–12:45p
• Saturday, March 7, 2026: 10:45a–12:45p
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

Meet and connect with Western Region composers while discovering new pieces for your ensembles. Located by the Exhibits in the San Jose Convention Center, each table showcases two composers and their work. Conductors are encouraged to browse printed scores, scan QR codes, listen to recordings, and take materials for future consideration. Composers may display scores, videos, headphones, business cards, and other resources to spark conversation. Whether you’re selecting repertoire or sharing your music, the Fair is designed to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

Reserve a table: Half-table $75 / Full-table $150 (if available)

Presented by Kate Crellin & MaryAnne Muglia Smith

Schedule:

• Thursday, March 5, 2026:1:15p–2:15p
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

This session explores effective strategies for composing and arranging music tailored to the unique strengths of your ensemble. Led by choral composers and arrangers MaryAnne Muglia Smith and Kate Crellin, the session will cover techniques for assessing vocal abilities, balancing accessibility with challenge, and crafting engaging textures that enhance ensemble cohesion. Attendees will gain insights into the commissioning process, hear examples of successful custom compositions, and explore ways to adapt existing works for specific groups. Interactive demonstrations will illustrate practical tools to create music that not only suits their singers but also elevates their artistry.

Featuring:

• Green NV (NV), dir. Kimberly Barclay Ritzer
• Amy Gordon (CA), Composer
• MaryAnne Muglia Smith (AZ), Composer
• Clark William Lawlor (UT), Composer
• David García Saldaña (CA), Composer

Schedule:

• Thursday, March 5, 2026: (TBD)
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (TBD)


• Saturday, March 7, 2026: 9:30a–10:30a (Green NV)
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

Observe professional Western ACDA composers work with a live choir as they experiment with a new piece for the first time. Watch musical wrinkles get ironed out in real time and see a new work come to life.

Schedule:

• Friday, March 6, 2026: 10:45a–11:45a
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

Read through a selection of works by Western Region composers, both experienced and emerging. Discover the types of pieces that our composers are writing and publishing.

Composers from AZ, CA, HI, NV, or UT are invited to submit an original choral work or arrangement (3–5' unpublished or self-published)! We welcome composers of all ages and experience levels—especially those eager to grow, contribute, and collaborate within our community of choral leaders. Works tied to the theme “Tapestry of Voices” are especially encouraged. No submission fee.

Sign up today:

Panelists:

• Stay tuned!
Moderator: David García Saldaña

Schedule:

• Friday, March 6, 2026: 2:00p–3:00p
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

How can we collectivize our individual power as artistic leaders to create vibrant, equitable spaces? How can we deconstruct the rules-of-play we’ve inherited? How can we affect change through imagining and realizing the next iteration of WACDA? This toolbox session panel will focus on ways conductors and composers have teamed up to forge new paths forward, and brainstorm how we can continue to after the 2026 conference.

Schedule:

• Thursday, March 5, 2026: 10:15a-11:15a
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)


• Saturday, March 7, 2026: 10:45a–11:45a
San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Lower Level (LL21F)

Open to conductors who compose and emerging composers. Share works-in-progress and receive constructive feedback from established composers.

Free Web Resource

This is a free tool to connect composers with conductors looking for local voices. The composer profiles here will allow choral conductors to recognize composers at our upcoming conference and connect with them before and after! More info can be found below.

Sign up today: