Arvada West and Colorado lost a true gem of a musician when Chris moved to Oregon! Chris writes: My life is forever changed. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully find the words for this past week in Dallas, but I will try. Anything that comes across as hyperbolic is not intended as such. I am a changed human trying to communicate the truest sense of my gratitude and authenticity.
Two years ago, I was in complete disbelief when Edith Copley called my cell and invited me to conduct the National ACDA Grade 11-12 Honor Choir. If you know her, you can hear her matter-of-fact tone – “Hey Chris, wanna conduct a national honor choir?” I remember the moment so clearly—sitting in a moment of stun, trying to process, and muttering something like “Umm, what? Are you serious? Like the actual one?” She assured me it was indeed the “actual one.” Edie was my All-State clinician when I was in high school—what a full circle moment.
Since that call, this has lived in my mind nearly every single day. The anticipation, the responsibility, living up to the trust of the choral profession, the gravity of ensuring the students receive the inspiration they deserve, all of it. And now that it’s over, I can say without any uncertainty: it was the most humbling venture of my professional life.
To the extraordinary singers in this choir: I am in complete awe of you. From the moment we began, I saw the hunger in your faces! 2,200 singers auditioned for this ensemble alone, with just 300 (14%) accepted. You trusted me, the rep, and each other. What you achieved was breathtaking—artistry, vulnerability, tone, passion, nuance, and fearlessness.
Edie said it would be the “choir of a lifetime” so I programmed it as such. Singers, y’all tackled a very difficult program! Zanaida Robles, “The Summit is Nigh” was a brilliant World Premiere that demanded intensity and depth. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts, wisdom, and spirit with us. My “Silentium” — singers you infused color and meaning that I didn’t yet know existed. I will never hear it the same way again. Jon Reid, “Measure Me, Sky” is a stunningly beautiful setting. Singers you leaned in with passion and glory. Lili Boulanger’s “Hymne au Soleil”—you gave it the mature tone and passionate musicality that brilliant piece demands. Ken Steven “Hentakan Jiwa”—exhilarating, soul-pounding, and joyful. Oh, and the Adolphus Hailstork “O Praise the Lord”—wow. To bring down the house with an almost impossibly difficult piece to master cleanly is simply incredible! CONGRATULATIONS. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. OF. YOU!
Through the rehearsals, we laughed, we cried, we pushed through exhaustion and frustration, and we lifted each other up. Every rehearsal ended with a flood of photos, score signings, and heartfelt conversations. Vulnerable stories were shared with me—about music, about life, about struggles and dreams. I heard singers talk about how this experience changed the way they saw themselves, their potential, their future. When we finally stepped into the Meyerson to perform—time slowed. We were fully alive, present, connected in a way that is difficult to describe for a group of strangers just days before. An unbelieveable bond for an honor choir.
Again, I am so deeply thankful to Edie and the National ACDA Board for giving me this glorious gift—your belief in me has meant more than I can ever express. To Emily, whose artistry at the piano lifted us all—thank you for your musicianship and friendship. To Alex Kovalsky and Katie Long Kovalsky, who coordinated this choir with incredible grace and efficiency—every detail ran flawlessly because of your dedication. To Jared Berry, for chairing this event and supporting me through every anxious moment—your patience and leadership made all the difference. And to the teachers, chaperones, parents, and everyone behind the scenes—thank you for helping to make this experience possible for these young artists. Your efforts ensured that this choir could come together in such a meaningful and transformative way.
This experience has changed me and blessed me. With a heart overflowing and gratitude to ALL of those who have influenced this amazing journey—thank you.
P.S. thanks Amber Stellato Schroeder for thoughtfully videoing the ovation. What a beautiful memory to have!
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Photo: Honor Choir