The idea started during a conversation in the spring of 2004 when ACDA-PA Southwest Region Chair Lisa Jaworowski and Youth & Student Activities Repertoire & Standards Chair Dr. Robin Lind were discussing the needs of the students and directors in the Southwest Pennsylvania region. What came of the discussion was that while there are many opportunities for senior high school students to perform at festivals, as well as junior high honor choirs, and elementary song fests, there wasn't anything in our area that specifically addressed the needs of the most daunting of times in a singing boy's life - the voice change.
After a little bit of research, it was discovered that other regions in the state were beginning to see this need as well, and had organized some workshops and festivals for young men. Modeling some of what is done each year at the Mansfield University young men's festival led by former ACDA-PA president Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, the beginnings of what is now known as the "Mucho Macho Music" festival took form.
From 2004-2013, the festival was hosted by Shaun Cloonan at North Hills Junior High/Middle School, with college groups from Westminster College, Slippery Rock University, Penn State University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania joining the boys.
The 2014 festival began a rotation of site hosts, with the location of the festival changing locations each year since. Though there are no longer region chairs on the state board, Mucho Macho Music continues as an ACDA-PA sponsored event.
After a little bit of research, it was discovered that other regions in the state were beginning to see this need as well, and had organized some workshops and festivals for young men. Modeling some of what is done each year at the Mansfield University young men's festival led by former ACDA-PA president Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, the beginnings of what is now known as the "Mucho Macho Music" festival took form.
From 2004-2013, the festival was hosted by Shaun Cloonan at North Hills Junior High/Middle School, with college groups from Westminster College, Slippery Rock University, Penn State University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania joining the boys.
The 2014 festival began a rotation of site hosts, with the location of the festival changing locations each year since. Though there are no longer region chairs on the state board, Mucho Macho Music continues as an ACDA-PA sponsored event.
2019 Festival Information
Mucho Macho Music XVI
Friday, November 8, 2019
South Fayette High School
Mucho Macho Music XVI
Friday, November 8, 2019
South Fayette High School
| 2019 Information Letter |
| 2019 Festival Forms |
Past Festivals
2018 - Mucho Macho Music XV
Dr. Mark Boyle, Seton Hill University, guest conductor
McGuffey Middle/High School, host
2017 - Mucho Macho Music XIV
Mr. Guy Russo, guest conductor
Boyce Middle School, host
2016 - Mucho Macho Music XIII
Dr. Brian Winnie, Southwestern College, guest conductor
East Allegheny High School, host
Vulcanize from California University of PA, featured performers
For the thirteenth annual Mucho Macho Music festival, we welcomed Dr. Brian Winnie, director of choral activities and voice at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. The men's a cappella ensemble "Vulcanize" from the California University of Pennsylvania choral program presented a workshop/performance for the boys during the day.
2015 - Mucho Macho Music XII
Dr. Samuel Barbara, Westminster College, guest conductor
McKeesport Area High School, host
Westminster College Men's Chorus, featured performers
Beth Eger at McKeesport Area High School served as site host for the 12th annual Mucho Macho Music festival, where regular festival members from the Westminster College Men's Chorus were joined by their own director, Dr. Samuel Barbara, who served as the guest conductor for the festival.
2014 - Mucho Macho Music XI
Dr. Mark A. Boyle, Seton Hill University, guest conductor
Trinity Area High School, host
Westminster College Men's Chorus, featured performers
Dr. Mark Boyle from Seton Hill University served as guest conductor for the eleventh year of the Mucho Macho Music festival, which for the first time had a new location thanks to host Marsha Owens at Trinity High School in Washington, PA. The Westminster College Men's Chorus returned to the festival under the direction of new director of choral activities, Dr. Samuel Barbara.
2013 - Mucho Macho Music X
Dr. Ryan Beeken, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, guest conductor
The tenth annual installment of the ACDA-PA sponsored young men's festival took place in the North Hills Middle School auditorium during the day on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. The guest conductor was Dr. Ryan Beeken, Director of Choral Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beeken brought a group of his male singers with him to perform a few ensemble as well as solo selections, sharing options for continuing to sing after high school.
2012 - Mucho Macho Music IX
Dr. D. Jason Bishop, Drew University, guest conductor
It is my pleasure to announce the ninth annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. Our guest conductor this year is Dr. Jason Bishop, formerly director of the Young People’s Chorus of Erie and faculty at Penn State Behrend as well as President-Elect of ACDA-PA. Jason has recently been appointed Director of Choral Activities at Drew University in New Jersey. The Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind, will once again be our featured ensemble. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2011 - Mucho Macho Music VIII
Michael Horanski, Fairfax County Public Schools, guest conductor
It is my pleasure to announce the eighth annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. Our guest conductor this year is a familiar face to many, Pittsburgh native Mike Horanski. Mike taught in the Fox Chapel School District for many years before moving to his current position in the Fairfax County Public School system. The Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind, will once again be our featured ensemble. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, leading sectional rehearsals, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2010 - Mucho Macho Music VII
Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Temple University, guest conductor
It is our pleasure to announce the seventh annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held onTuesday, November 2, 2010 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. We’re bursting with excitement over this year’s guest conductor, nationally known composer and conductor, Dr. Rollo Dilworth, who now counts himself among Pennsylvania residents at Temple University! Returning to the festival after a couple of years away is the Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, leading sectional rehearsals, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2010 Closing Performance Recording (mp3's)
Kyrie Eleison
Rest Not!
Tell My Father
Shine On Me
2009 - Mucho Macho Music VI
Dr. Stephen Barr, Slippery Rock University, guest conductor
It’s hard to believe it, but we’re in our sixth year of hosting the “Mucho Macho Music” festival, a day for boys with changing voices in grades 6-9 to come together in a safe environment to explore the possibilities of making music together. This year’s festival will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 9:00AM-3:30PM. North Hills Junior High School will once again be our host site, located just off of I-279 in Ross Township.
Our guest conductor for 2009 is Dr. Stephen Barr, director of choirs at Slippery Rock University. Steve is a composer as well as a singer, and will be sure to bring energy and enthusiasm to the podium for our boys.
Joining the junior high boys this year will be the men of the Slippery Rock Choirs. The college men will sit among the participants during the day, encouraging them and guiding them. The music education majors from SRU will lead sectional rehearsals in the afternoon, providing them a hands-on opportunity to work with the students they will soon be teaching. Participating directors will have professional development opportunities in the form of interest and reading sessions.
2008 - Mucho Macho Music V
Dr. Christopher Kiver, Penn State University, guest conductor
We are thrilled to announce that this year's guest conductor is Dr. Christopher Kiver, director of the Penn State Glee Club and Chamber Singers. Chris also serves as R&S Chair for Men's Choirs for ACDA-PA, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with male choral groups.
A bonus feature of this year's festival is that we will have the opportunity to see and hear a performance by The Hi-Lo's, a select 16-voice ensemble made up of singers from Dr. Kiver's Penn State Glee Club. The Hi-Lo's will join with the Mucho Macho regulars, the Westminster Men's Chorus, in singing with the middle school participants during rehearsal and performance throughout the day, providing vocal models and confidence for the boys in this uncertain time of vocal development.
2007 - Mucho Macho Music IV
Dr. Lon Beery, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings
Click on the file below to hear the Mucho Macho IV men singing at the end of this year's festival. All files are in MP3 format and can be downloaded to MP3 players/iPods, or locally to your hard drive to make your own CD.
Fillimiooriay (mp3)
Colorado Trail (mp3)
Go Down, Moses (mp3)
'Til the Walls Come Down (mp3)
2007 Festival Repertoire
Fillimiooriay (Irish-American Folk Song; arr. Lon Beery)
TTB Alfred 24012
Colorado Trail (American Folk Song; arr. Donald Moore)
TTB BriLee BL162
Go Down, Moses (spiritual; arr. Judy Arthur)
TTB BriLee BL292
'Til the Walls Come Down (Lon Beery)
TTB BriLee BL434
2007 Information and Forms
2007 Program (pdf)
2006 - Mucho Macho Music III
Eileen Hower, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings
Click on the file below to hear the Mucho Macho III men singing at the end of this year's festival. All files are in MP3 format and can be downloaded to MP3 players/iPods, or locally to your hard drive to make your own CD.
Buffalo Gals (mp3)
Poor Wayfaring Stranger (mp3)
Who Are the Brave (mp3)
2006 Program (pdf)
2005 - Mucho Macho Music II
O. David Deitz, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings (mp3 files)
- Welcome & Introductions
- Tollite Hostias
- Riu, Riu, Chiu
- I'm Bound Away
- Joshua
Program (pdf)
2004 - Mucho Macho Music I
Dr. Kenneth Phillips, Gordon College, guest conductor
Program (pdf)
2018 - Mucho Macho Music XV
Dr. Mark Boyle, Seton Hill University, guest conductor
McGuffey Middle/High School, host
2017 - Mucho Macho Music XIV
Mr. Guy Russo, guest conductor
Boyce Middle School, host
2016 - Mucho Macho Music XIII
Dr. Brian Winnie, Southwestern College, guest conductor
East Allegheny High School, host
Vulcanize from California University of PA, featured performers
For the thirteenth annual Mucho Macho Music festival, we welcomed Dr. Brian Winnie, director of choral activities and voice at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. The men's a cappella ensemble "Vulcanize" from the California University of Pennsylvania choral program presented a workshop/performance for the boys during the day.
2015 - Mucho Macho Music XII
Dr. Samuel Barbara, Westminster College, guest conductor
McKeesport Area High School, host
Westminster College Men's Chorus, featured performers
Beth Eger at McKeesport Area High School served as site host for the 12th annual Mucho Macho Music festival, where regular festival members from the Westminster College Men's Chorus were joined by their own director, Dr. Samuel Barbara, who served as the guest conductor for the festival.
2014 - Mucho Macho Music XI
Dr. Mark A. Boyle, Seton Hill University, guest conductor
Trinity Area High School, host
Westminster College Men's Chorus, featured performers
Dr. Mark Boyle from Seton Hill University served as guest conductor for the eleventh year of the Mucho Macho Music festival, which for the first time had a new location thanks to host Marsha Owens at Trinity High School in Washington, PA. The Westminster College Men's Chorus returned to the festival under the direction of new director of choral activities, Dr. Samuel Barbara.
2013 - Mucho Macho Music X
Dr. Ryan Beeken, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, guest conductor
The tenth annual installment of the ACDA-PA sponsored young men's festival took place in the North Hills Middle School auditorium during the day on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. The guest conductor was Dr. Ryan Beeken, Director of Choral Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beeken brought a group of his male singers with him to perform a few ensemble as well as solo selections, sharing options for continuing to sing after high school.
2012 - Mucho Macho Music IX
Dr. D. Jason Bishop, Drew University, guest conductor
It is my pleasure to announce the ninth annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. Our guest conductor this year is Dr. Jason Bishop, formerly director of the Young People’s Chorus of Erie and faculty at Penn State Behrend as well as President-Elect of ACDA-PA. Jason has recently been appointed Director of Choral Activities at Drew University in New Jersey. The Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind, will once again be our featured ensemble. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2011 - Mucho Macho Music VIII
Michael Horanski, Fairfax County Public Schools, guest conductor
It is my pleasure to announce the eighth annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. Our guest conductor this year is a familiar face to many, Pittsburgh native Mike Horanski. Mike taught in the Fox Chapel School District for many years before moving to his current position in the Fairfax County Public School system. The Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind, will once again be our featured ensemble. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, leading sectional rehearsals, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2010 - Mucho Macho Music VII
Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Temple University, guest conductor
It is our pleasure to announce the seventh annual Mucho Macho Music festival for boys with changing voices in grades 6 through 9. This year’s festival will be held onTuesday, November 2, 2010 at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township. We’re bursting with excitement over this year’s guest conductor, nationally known composer and conductor, Dr. Rollo Dilworth, who now counts himself among Pennsylvania residents at Temple University! Returning to the festival after a couple of years away is the Men’s Chorus from Westminster College, directed by Dr. Robin Lind. The WC Men will provide vocal models to the junior high boys by sitting with them during the day, leading sectional rehearsals, performing for and with them. The value of the collaboration involved in this day is immeasurable.
2010 Closing Performance Recording (mp3's)
Kyrie Eleison
Rest Not!
Tell My Father
Shine On Me
2009 - Mucho Macho Music VI
Dr. Stephen Barr, Slippery Rock University, guest conductor
It’s hard to believe it, but we’re in our sixth year of hosting the “Mucho Macho Music” festival, a day for boys with changing voices in grades 6-9 to come together in a safe environment to explore the possibilities of making music together. This year’s festival will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 9:00AM-3:30PM. North Hills Junior High School will once again be our host site, located just off of I-279 in Ross Township.
Our guest conductor for 2009 is Dr. Stephen Barr, director of choirs at Slippery Rock University. Steve is a composer as well as a singer, and will be sure to bring energy and enthusiasm to the podium for our boys.
Joining the junior high boys this year will be the men of the Slippery Rock Choirs. The college men will sit among the participants during the day, encouraging them and guiding them. The music education majors from SRU will lead sectional rehearsals in the afternoon, providing them a hands-on opportunity to work with the students they will soon be teaching. Participating directors will have professional development opportunities in the form of interest and reading sessions.
2008 - Mucho Macho Music V
Dr. Christopher Kiver, Penn State University, guest conductor
We are thrilled to announce that this year's guest conductor is Dr. Christopher Kiver, director of the Penn State Glee Club and Chamber Singers. Chris also serves as R&S Chair for Men's Choirs for ACDA-PA, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with male choral groups.
A bonus feature of this year's festival is that we will have the opportunity to see and hear a performance by The Hi-Lo's, a select 16-voice ensemble made up of singers from Dr. Kiver's Penn State Glee Club. The Hi-Lo's will join with the Mucho Macho regulars, the Westminster Men's Chorus, in singing with the middle school participants during rehearsal and performance throughout the day, providing vocal models and confidence for the boys in this uncertain time of vocal development.
2007 - Mucho Macho Music IV
Dr. Lon Beery, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings
Click on the file below to hear the Mucho Macho IV men singing at the end of this year's festival. All files are in MP3 format and can be downloaded to MP3 players/iPods, or locally to your hard drive to make your own CD.
Fillimiooriay (mp3)
Colorado Trail (mp3)
Go Down, Moses (mp3)
'Til the Walls Come Down (mp3)
2007 Festival Repertoire
Fillimiooriay (Irish-American Folk Song; arr. Lon Beery)
TTB Alfred 24012
Colorado Trail (American Folk Song; arr. Donald Moore)
TTB BriLee BL162
Go Down, Moses (spiritual; arr. Judy Arthur)
TTB BriLee BL292
'Til the Walls Come Down (Lon Beery)
TTB BriLee BL434
2007 Information and Forms
2007 Program (pdf)
2006 - Mucho Macho Music III
Eileen Hower, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings
Click on the file below to hear the Mucho Macho III men singing at the end of this year's festival. All files are in MP3 format and can be downloaded to MP3 players/iPods, or locally to your hard drive to make your own CD.
Buffalo Gals (mp3)
Poor Wayfaring Stranger (mp3)
Who Are the Brave (mp3)
2006 Program (pdf)
2005 - Mucho Macho Music II
O. David Deitz, guest conductor
Closing Performance Archival Recordings (mp3 files)
- Welcome & Introductions
- Tollite Hostias
- Riu, Riu, Chiu
- I'm Bound Away
- Joshua
Program (pdf)
2004 - Mucho Macho Music I
Dr. Kenneth Phillips, Gordon College, guest conductor
Program (pdf)