Why compete? Why take your students on the road, put them in front of judges, clinicians and adjudicators, and give up evenings, weekends and personal time with family and friends to do it? Early in my career, I had to answer those questions for myself. Over time, I’ve learned that every music educator answers them differently. That answer can change…
One of the most common concerns I hear about competing is a simple, valid one: “Competitions create unhealthy stress.” I agree - to a point. Stress absolutely exists in competitive environments. Students feel it. Directors feel it. If we’re not careful, it can spill over into places it doesn’t belong. That said, how on earth can we teach students the…
This one is personal. Every year in the classroom, it happened. Sometimes it was during late fall, getting ready for the winter and holiday concerts and activities. Sometimes it was in the spring, in the heat of all those contest rehearsals and solo and ensemble activities. It even happened during those exciting days right before school started. What happened was…
Our Heart of America 2028 dates are officially set! If you are a planner (like me) and you’ve ever dreamed of taking your program to the next level, now’s your chance to be first in line. Our 2028 HOA VIP List offers directors exclusive early access to registration, hotel blocks and event updates BEFORE they are publicly released. It’s our…
Every season, directors tell us the same thing: “We wish we had registered sooner.” Groups come back year after year because Heart of America Championships are more than competitions: they are immersive performance experiences in ideal locations. We design these events around directors, students and the art of choral music itself. By registering early, you create excitement in your program…
We’re excited to bring Heart of America back to New York City in 2027. After careful planning, we’re moving the previously announced 2026 NYC date forward one year to deliver the best possible experience for students, directors and families. Two big reasons we’re moving NYC to 2027 1) Better dates! Moving the date to later in 2027 allows us to…
As you read this, it might be your first week of school, you've already been in school for a few weeks or you still have a few weeks left of summer break! Regardless, many of you are still active and busy with your school planning and rehearsals even before the rest of the school year begins. On top of all…
Summer camps are more than just a fun break — they’re a vital spark. They give both teachers and students a chance to grow, connect and come back to their classrooms in the fall more inspired, more confident and more appreciative of the work you do all year long. I know educators need the summer to recharge and you deserve…
A massive thank you to everyone who made 2025 unforgettable, and a heartfelt look at why 2026 is shaping up to be very special! As the lights dimmed on our unforgettable 10th Anniversary season, one truth stood out more than ever: the Heart of America choral community is something truly rare, and we are profoundly grateful to those who joined…
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! Get ready for an unforgettable event at Heart of America: New York City — an experience designed to make your time as a choir director easier, more rewarding and incredibly memorable. Hosted at the Sheraton Times Square and the Metropolitan Ballroom, this event promises to be one of the…