timeline & action items

Full clinic proposals

Guided by your feedback in our post-convention survey, we are seeking practical, inspiring session proposals for the 2027 TCDA Convention that build community and elevate our profession.

As you prepare to submit a proposal, please reflect on how your clinic idea serves our members through one of three core pillars:

• Our Singers (Student Agency, Autonomy, & Care): Strategies that foster student independence and joy.
  • Elementary choral pedagogy
  • Non-traditional ensembles (Mariachi, Vocal Jazz, Show Choir)
  • Effective management and programming for smaller choirs (school, community and worship)
  • High-impact practices for sacred, Title I, rural, urban, or high-ELL settings.
• Ourselves (Personal & Musical Excellence): Tools that nourish the conductor and sustain your career.
  • Start-of-year planning
  • Movement-based warm-ups
  • Administrative efficiency
  • Conductor well-being to prevent burnout.

• Each Other (Connection, Mentorship, & Professional Vitality): Ideas that expand community and strengthen peer networks.
  • Key areas include co-director dynamics
  • Cross-curricular team teaching
  • Mentorship across all career stages.
  • Supporting & engaging small ensembles (school, community, worship)

TCDA will be presenting short-format “mini-clinics” directly on the exhibit hall stage during the upcoming convention. Please note that these sessions are fundamentally different from traditional full-length clinics

• Format & Duration: Sessions are 25 minutes total (including introduction) and are intended to be fast-paced, highly conversational, and interactive rather than a traditional lecture.
  
• Environment & AV: Held on an elevated stage within the active exhibit hall (subject to ambient noise). AV is strictly limited to one wired microphone, two stage speakers, and a large-screen LCD TV with an HDMI connection. Audio playback through the display screen/speakers and pianos/keyboards are NOT available on this stage.
  
• Internet: Convention Wi-Fi is NOT provided for presentation delivery. All visual media must be prepared for offline access on your personal device.
  
• Materials: Any printed or digital handouts must be produced and provided by the presenter.

We strongly encourage proposals specifically designed for this intimate, flexible space. Please do not adapt or downsize a standard full-session clinic if it requires traditional slide presentations or standard room acoustics.

performing group submissions

TCDA will consider Church/Worship, College, Community and Professional/Semi-Pro ensembles for live performances during the Summer Convention.

Once selected, groups will not be eligible to perform for the following two Conventions. TCDA does not offer compensation for performing groups, and all expenses associated with your performance will be the performing group’s responsibility.