Message From the President (May 2026)
Dear Friends and Members of ACDA-MI,
Have you ever come across a quote by someone that after reading it, you then realized that “I wish I would have printed, posted, or memorized this a long time ago.” Well, that was me this past week as I was reading through some of the emails that came across my computer screen. The quote was from none other than Socrates, and the follow-up sentences struck me as thoughtful, reflective and somewhat self-condemning.
“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people”
This quote – often attributed to Socrates, will always be true. In a world where things are always changing, trends go viral, and conversations never end, it quietly makes us think about how well we think and talk. The quote makes a clear but strong difference between three types of conversations: about ideas, events, and people. It doesn’t hurt anyone, but it does point in the right direction for growth. This quote makes people stop and think because these days, social media and everyday conversations are often about what other people think. It asks a simple question: what do we talk about, and what does that say about how we think? This idea is still important not only in philosophy but also in everyday life, at work, and in relationships.
While it is true that when I have conversations with my colleagues and friends, conversations do tend to start with events or people but I am always grateful when those conversations switch to ideas, the generation of new ideas and/or how we can make musical experiences more relevant, thoughtful, reflective and lingering for those that share in our music-making. Socrates seems to suggest that our conversations move toward a “growth-mindset.” It is this growth-mindset that is so central to ACDA, its conferences, workshops, and events. It is this hope that ACDA-MI has been planning for a wonderful 2026 Fall Conference on October 9-10.
It is for you, Michigan’s choral conductor, that we exist. So be encouraged and take the time to seek out ways to become involved and find ways to share in conversations about ideas! “Where Great Lakes Meet, Voices Rise” ACDA-MI Fall Conference 2026! Dr. Jerry Blackstone and Dr. Derrick Fox will be our headliner clinicians for this conference. We also have several different interest sessions – nine in total! This would be a great time for you to re-connect with colleagues, re-acquaint with friends, and introduce yourself to Michigan’s future choral conductors. We want to see you at our ACDA-MI Fall Conference.
Take advantage of the ACDA website, the ACDA-MI website and our monthly ACDA-MI newsletter, Bella Voce. We, the board, want to improve our reach to our membership and to meet your needs as a conductor, educator, and performer. Be in touch with us and your R&R Representatives. Let us know of any events that you are involved in, write a short article for Bella Voce, and come to the conference to be encouraged.
The Mission of ACDA is – to inspire excellence and nurture lifelong involvement in choral music for everyone through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.
It is a privilege to serve and be a part of ACDA-MI.
Thomas Blue
President, ACDA-MI