Attending the 2019 ACDA National Conference in Kansas City, MO was a humbling experience for me as a prospective young music educator. Not only was there much to learn from leaders in the field presenting their own professional experiences but there were also many concerts to attend and immerse myself in rich choral literature performed by top national and international ensembles. It was a long weekend filled with opportunity to be curious and open minded toward new ideas.
I’ve found that attending and participating in state, divisional, or national conferences over the course of my undergrad career are valuable experiences that have helped shape me into the young educator I am today, and I find this to be especially true of ACDA conferences. I have always tried to engage myself with this organization and in return I have been rewarded with educational and professional experience. I would highly encourage all collegiate students to take full advantage of these opportunities because now is the time in our lives to be sponges and absorb as much as possible!
-Kaylin Spaulding, student member (Western CT State University)