The Alabama Vocal Association (AVA) is the choral division of the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), which is the state chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Our mission is to provide a variety of educational experiences for students that will encourage their lifetime appreciation of and participation in the art of choral music. Our goals include promoting cooperation among choral directors in Alabama, enhancing the programs of vocal music in schools in Alabama, providing a means for professional ideas and methods to be shared, and promoting growth and higher standards in music education throughout the state.
AVA Updates
- President’s Message
As the pace of the school year gives way to the free rhythm of summer, it presents a much needed time for rest and a valuable opportunity for intentional professional growth. Whether through workshops, reading, collaboration with colleagues, or personal musical study, investing in your own growth ultimately enriches the experience you provide for your students. By dedicating time to learn and be inspired, you return to the classroom renewed, equipped, and ready to continue fostering excellence in your choral program.
While there are a variety of resources for professional development over the Summer months, there is one that has been incredibly impactful for me over the years. Summer Conference hosted by the Alabama chapter of the American Choral Directors Association is a two and half day conference held every year in the month of July. This year’s conference will be July 12th-14th at the University of Alabama. Participants attend sessions by nationally known guest clinicians, choral reading sessions, and concerts. Not only is it a great way to learn but it is a wonderful way to connect and network with choral colleagues across the state. See the Alabama ACDA website for more information and to register.
All-State
For the first time since 2019, the 2026 All-State Choir Festival was held at Samford University. This was a positive move for our organization on many fronts. Thank you for your patience and support in making the 2026 festival a success. Each choir presented outstanding and passionate performances led by wonderfully energetic and engaging clinicians. Thank you to the AVA directors who served in every capacity from site and choir coordinators to rehearsal monitors. It takes all of us to “make it happen” and you all get it done every year.
The 2027 All-State Festival will be held March 11-13, 2027 at Samford University in Birmingham. Information pertaining to clinicians and repertoire will be made available on the AVA website toward the end of the Summer.
All-State Show Choir
The 2026 All-State Show Choir Festival, coordinated by Cameron Johnson, was held at Spain Park High School March 26th-28th. 52 students representing 15 schools participated in the choir and, as always, it was a memorable weekend of dancing, singing, and friendship. In addition to the choir performance on Saturday evening there was a performance by the AVA OCS winner. Thank you to Martez Tidwell, director at Spain Park High School, for hosting the festival again this year. The dates and location for the 2027 ASSC Festival will be released later in the Summer.
Summer Board Meeting
The annual AVA Summer Board Meeting will be held June 14-17 at Hartselle High School. During this time we will reflect on the past year and look ahead to another successful year at the district and state levels. This year’s meeting will be focused in large part on revising the AVA Handbook. The handbook, including its clearly defined bylaws and standing rules, serves as the foundation for the effective operation of our organization whereby we might ensure consistency, accountability, and continuity in leadership and decision-making. If there is anything in the handbook that you would like for the board to review or update please fill out the AVA Teacher Survey. You can also use this form to give us important feedback on the other events. Your feedback is crucial to the future growth and success of our organization. We look forward to hearing from you!
Last thoughts…
In my first Ala Breve article I expressed my intent as President; to listen, to act, and to support. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support and represent the outstanding choral educators across the state of Alabama. I have been continually inspired by your dedication, artistry, and commitment to your students and communities. I have also developed a deep and abiding trust in this organization and in the strength, integrity, and vision of its leadership—both present and future—which gives me great confidence in the continued growth and success of our work. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such passionate professionals, and I am proud of the meaningful connections we have strengthened together in advancing choral excellence. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me—it has truly been a joy to serve you.
- Statement in Support of Dr. Rosephanye Powell
- President’s Message
Someone told me once that unexpressed gratitude is like a gift purchased, wrapped, but never given. I would be remiss not to express my gratitude to the AVA organization and for the service and continued dedication of its members to choral music education in the state of Alabama. We continue to evolve, grow, and thrive as an organization because of your ongoing commitment, passion, support, dedication, and energy. You, the AVA membership, give so much of yourselves to your students and communities and our organization is better because of your work. Thank you.
This year has been filled with inspiring performances, enriching professional development, and meaningful collaboration. As you reflect on this school year and prepare to advance to the next – I implore you to stop. Before making mental notes of how you can do better next time, honor what you did well this year. If you haven’t already; stop to acknowledge the multitude of things you have achieved in the classroom and on the performance stage this year. Don’t even think about school…for a while. Take a break. You deserve it.
All-State
The 2025 All-State Festival was another huge success! Each choir presented outstanding and passionate performances led by wonderfully energetic and engaging clinicians. Thank you to the AVA directors who served in every capacity from site and choir coordinators to rehearsal monitors. It takes all of us to “make it happen” and you all get it done every year.
I am pleased to announce that the 2026 All-State Festival will be held March 12-14, 2026 at Samford University in Birmingham. More information is forthcoming about the details of this change in venue. Please be sure you are receiving emails from AVA. We will communicate through email, website, and the Ala Breve publication. You can request to be added to the AVA mailing list by visiting the AVA Website under Director Resources.
All-State Show Choir
Thank you to Cameron Johnson for executing another fantastic All-State Show Choir Festival. This year the ASSC performed on Saturday, April 12th along with The Wallace Sound show choir from Wallace Community College and a solo performance from state OCS winner, Hudson Bone. It was a wonderful weekend of dancing, singing, and friendship. Thank you also to Martez Tidwell for hosting this year’s festival at Spain Park High School. The dates and location for the 2026 ASSC Festival will be released later this Summer.
AVA Adjudicator Training
In response to director feedback, this year the AVA governing board embarked on a path to strengthen and standardize the adjudication process for AVA-sponsored events. Working alongside the experience and incredible guidance of Dr. Megan Rudolph (Miles College) we have begun a process by which our adjudicators are equipped with more clear expectations, consistent rubrics, and practical strategies for providing meaningful, constructive feedback. This initiative represents a significant step forward in our mission to uphold fairness, professionalism, and educational value in all AVA-sponsored events. The feedback from directors so far has been overwhelmingly positive. However, this training is still evolving. As we look ahead to next year’s training, please share your feedback and ideas with the AVA Governing Board.
Summer Board
The annual AVA Summer Board Meeting will be held June 1-4 at Hoover High School. During this time we will reflect on the past year and look ahead to another successful year at the district and state levels. As I have expressed in the past two general membership meetings, this summer the board will work to develop a plan to implement sight-reading into the All-State audition process. The intention is to present this plan to the membership at Fall Workshop in September. If you have feedback, suggestions, ideas, and/or concerns pertaining to this topic or any others, please take time to fill out the AVA Teacher Survey. Your feedback is crucial to the future growth and success of our organization.
- President’s Message
