Standing on Their Shoulders: Words from the Wise
By Katie Gerrich
Dr. J. Edmund Hughes was interviewed by Arizona ACDA State President Katie Gerrich for this article.
Dr. Hughes’ Introduction
Thank you for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and experiences. I’ve enjoyed over 50 years of teaching, beginning in February 1971. My first directing position was with a church choir when I was a junior in college in 1968.
After all these years, I don’t consider myself an expert. I’m just a colleague sharing things I’ve learned through formal training—or through the University of Hard Knocks. You may agree or disagree, and that’s okay. These aren’t rules, just suggestions and possibilities. I hope you gain:
A few things to think about
Some new tools for your toolbox
And the chance to avoid some of the mistakes I made
How long have you been a member of ACDA?
I had to contact ACDA Membership for clarification—they don’t have records that far back! I believe I joined in 1972 while I was a Music Education major focused on choral music.
Who or what inspired you to become a choral director?
I grew up in a musical family. My father was a Minister of Music, and my mother played piano. One of my earliest jobs as “son” was singing in my father’s choirs. I was also in band, but not school choir—until I sang in a massed church choir festival directed by Paul Salamunovich. That experience changed me. I joined my school choir, and it felt like home.
All-State experiences with conductors like Charles Hirt furthered my confidence and direction. Everyone I encountered in the choral world seemed genuine, dedicated, and passionate—and I knew I wanted to be part of that.
A Moment of Magic in Your Career?
One that stands out is the Troubadours of Tucson’s performance at the 1978 Western Division Convention. We performed Duruflé’s Ubi Caritas. It gave me chills—one of the first times I felt completely connected to a choir musically and emotionally. A student said afterward, “Even though we never met many in the audience, it felt like we knew them.” At the end, there was silence… followed by an overwhelming response.
Advice for New Choral Directors
Keep learning. A teacher is a learner. Music is about possibilities, not just right or wrong.
Have multiple mentors. No one person has all the answers.
Be yourself. The person you’re trying to imitate is already taken.
Perspective matters. “In choral music, there are no emergencies.”
Be patient. Avoid over-programming and know your students’ abilities.
Choose friends wisely. Surround yourself with positive, sincere, supportive people.
Stay human. Remember why you became a teacher—and that you’re allowed to make mistakes.
Words of Wisdom for Our Western Region Members
Personal Life Tips
You are the most important person in the classroom. Take care of yourself first—schedule “me time” every day.
Stay in good physical, mental, and spiritual health so you can give your best.
Be an example of what you teach outside the classroom—model empathy, communication, balance, and positivity.
Choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with supportive, sincere people who will tell you what you need to hear.
Make every day your masterpiece. Do something kind without expecting anything in return.
Don’t allow competition with other choirs or directors to affect your classroom. Compete only with yourself.
Retirement comes faster than you think—start saving with your first paycheck.
Classroom Tips
Establish a positive, inclusive, affirming space. Create a “safe place to sing” and let music happen.
Choose appropriate music based on ensemble abilities and time available. Avoid over-programming.
Rehearsals should be enjoyable. Added rehearsals often result from poor planning or over-ambitious programming.
Communicate clearly—your conducting gestures and verbal instructions should align.
Be prepared. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Everyone has bad days. Don’t let them derail your purpose or the atmosphere you’ve created.
Respect your students and love them as they are. Learn from them, and respect everyone who supports your program.
About Dr. J. Edmund Hughes
Dr. Hughes [b. 1947] was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Puget Sound (WA), where he directed the Chorale. He retired in 2021 after a 50-year teaching career. Prior to that, he taught at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (AZ), where he led choirs, taught music theory, aural perception, conducting, and organized two annual choral festivals.
From 1990–2011, he served as Director of Music at Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa. He also held teaching positions at Phoenix College, Tucson Unified School District, and California State University–Fresno.
His choirs from Tucson High School, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (Tucson), Phoenix College, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College have performed at ACDA, MENC, and AMEA conventions at the state and regional levels.
Dr. Hughes served three terms as President of Arizona ACDA and has contributed to AMEA in numerous roles. He continues to adjudicate festivals and guest conduct honor choirs across the western U.S.
He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Arizona, with additional doctoral work completed at the University of Southern California. Dr. Hughes currently lives in Eugene, OR, with his wife Carole and their dog Bailey. He has three children, a stepdaughter, and twelve grandchildren. His hobbies include jogging, biking, weightlifting, and in 2010 he completed his sixth half-marathon.