June 24, 2021
CoACDA Friends,
The Board of Directors, in consultation with recent CoACDA past-presidents, has made the decision to cancel our upcoming 2021 Summer Workshop. As we emerge from the pandemic, it has become clear that our colleagues and choral friends are exhausted in ways that we have never experienced before. I do not think we could have accurately predicted the amount of space, rejuvenation, processing and pure unplugging that was needed until the closing bell finally sounded on our choir seasons and school years. As one colleague pointed out, we dedicated much of last summer to impromptu continuing education, figuring out how to do choir during COVID times and so, we have been chugging along without reprieve for the better part of two years. It is time for a much-needed break which may be one reason why registration numbers for our Summer Workshop are historically low. In order to preserve the financial health of CoACDA, we will take a break from our annual tradition of gathering at Bethany Lutheran.
We will certainly miss seeing the familiar faces of friends and colleagues next month and those long overdue hugs will have to wait awhile longer. For those that had already registered, a full refund has already been issued. It may take up to 48 hours to process. To that end, we are already in conversation about ways to gather later this summer or into the fall once people have begun to shift back into “choir mode.” We also hope to see you all again in 2022. Mark your calendars for Monday July 18th – 20th, 2022 @ Bethany. Meanwhile, we hope these very special summer months bring the refreshing, sifting and healing that is needed in the wake of all that we have journeyed through. If you have questions or concerns, we are here to listen and share conversation.
With heartfelt hope and gratitude,
Kyle Fleming, President
& CoACDA Board of Directors
