Were you that high school student who loved choir, who was able to draw others around you during break, but who didn't know that choir could possibly be a career for you? The NextDirection event is for those very students, and is aimed at opening up the world of choral education for them. Built on a program developed and honed by the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, 2018 was the first time we offered the experience to students across the country. 

Some states are offering one or more scholarships for which high school students can apply. Scroll to the bottom of this page for information.


Inspiring Choral Leadership - National Program
July 14-20, University of Wisconsin - Parkside
Headline conductors: Dr. Rhonda Fuelberth and Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe
Registration deadline: April 1, 2019.
Click here to learn more.
Artistic and programmatic leadership for NextDirection comes from Wisconsin Choral Directors Association.


 Virginia
July 23-26, Virginia Wesleyan University - Virginia Beach
Headline conductors: Dr. Shane Lynch and Dr. Lisa Billingham
Registration deadline: May 1, 2019.
Click here to learn more.

States Offering 2019 Scholarships
The following state chapters are offering scholarships for high school students to attend either of the two 2019 NextDirection events.

 State No. of scholarships  Directions for applying 
 Arizona 2 Visit https://www.azacda.org/nextdirection/.
 Iowa 2 Visit https://www.iowachoral.org.
 Georgia 1 Contact Dr. Neal for application.
 Louisiana 2 To be announced.
 Maryland/DC 2 Contact the state chapter for application.
 Minnesota 2 Apply online with the state's FMC Scholarship Application site.
 South Dakota 2 SD ACDA members will receive a letter from the president.
 Wisconsin 4 Contact Herb Berendsen for application.

Is Your Chapter Interested in Learning about Hosting a NextDirection Event?
Click here to visit a Google Form with information and an application.

Greetings Teachers!
We invite you to join us for a series of workshops with renowned choral clinician, Dr. Rollo Dilworth from Temple University. Dr. Dilworth will be in residence on the Lehigh Valley March 28 – 30, presenting sessions that will inspire you as you prepare for the home stretch of the school year!
Opportunities to:

• Learn new rehearsal techniques focusing on Choral Pedagogy for Diverse Populations and Building Community in the Choral Setting
• Conduct in a masterclass (only 3 spots available!)
• Observe Dr. Dilworth in rehearsal with the Bel Canto Youth Chorus

Allentown School District and Bel Canto Youth Choir singers will comprise a lab chorus for Dr. Dilworth to work with on Saturday. Dr. Dilworth’s presentations will be applicable for teachers of all students, elementary through high school.
 Act 48 Credit is available!
Please go to: https://bach.org/belcanto/ 
And scroll down to Workshops for more detailed information and to register! Don’t miss this opportunity to see a master teacher at work! 
To register, complete the registration form and mail it to the Bach Choir/Bel Canto Office (address is on the form). Payment instructions are available on the form.
Registration is requested by March 15, 2019! Please help us spread the word by forwarding this to your colleagues! We look forward to meeting you in March!

​Questions? Please contact:
Silagh White, Administrator
The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem 
610-866-4382 x116 silagh@bach.org
 
Joy Hirokawa, Founder and Artistic Director
The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem
joyhirokawa@comcast.net