My role as AVA President-Elect and now President has afforded me the opportunity to learn about and observe choral students and programs across the state. Together, these observations and experiences paint a unique spectrum that spans from encouragement to genuine concern for the future of a profession we love so much. I have seen programs filled with energy, excellence, and strong community support, where students thrive musically and personally. At the same time, I have encountered programs facing significant challenges—limited resources, shrinking enrollment, scheduling conflicts, and a growing need for advocacy. What do all these programs have in common? The guidance of dedicated and passionate choral music educators. Educators who show up day after day as teachers, leaders, and servants to their community. I am proud to call you all colleagues and to work alongside you in a shared purpose: empowering students through song and musical artistry.
As my time as President nears an end, I posit that choral music education in the state of Alabama stands at the intersection of tradition, community, and possibility—an intersection that calls for action. Our rich musical traditions provide a strong foundation, and our choirs continue to serve as powerful centers of community and belonging. Yet the possibilities before us demand intentional leadership, unified advocacy, and renewed commitment to service. The path forward depends on our willingness to support one another, invest in the next generation of educators, and boldly articulate the value of choral music education to all stakeholders. How we choose to respond, individually and collectively, at this moment will shape not only the future of our programs, but the lasting impact of choral music across Alabama.
AMEA
The 2026 AMEA conference proved to be another invigorating and affirming event for choral educators across the state. The conference sessions, led by experienced clinicians from in and around the state of Alabama, offered a wealth of professional growth opportunities. Congratulations to every performing group on wonderfully passionate and inspiring concerts!
The AVA Honor Choir is held every even-numbered year at AMEA, and this year marked the 2nd time the honor choir has focused on gospel music. The gospel immersion choir, led by Valerie R. Harris (Miles College), provided students with a powerful and joyful opportunity to engage deeply with the gospel choral tradition. An experience that bore out in a moving and high-energy concert on Friday evening. Thank you to all the teachers who brought students to participate in that event.
At the AVA general membership meeting held during the AMEA conference, a motion and vote were made to implement a trial year of sight-singing in the All-State audition process, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The vote was collected via a Google Form. A total of 59 votes were cast, and the vote passed with 43 members voting in favor of implementing a trial year of sight-singing in the All-State process for the 2026-2027 school year. The details and logistics of the impending trial year will be presented during the 2026 All-State Festival.