A Memorable Week

Just home from the national ACDA convention in Dallas where I heard some stunning concerts (the University of Philippines Madrigal Singers a memorable standout), interesting new works, and inspiring interest sessions.  Seeing a large group of long-time friends at a big birthday bash was a great way to start the week and I was so happy that Ellen Dominguez, Lonnie Tanner, and Paul Short all drove from their Texas abodes to be part of it.  Thanks, guys!  And thanks, Scott! Andre de Quadros' session on Music of the Muslim World:  Building Ridges, Creating Understanding, and Paul Caldwell's The Reasons Why They Sing were especially eloquent and important.  The Sloan Creek Middle School A Cappella Treble Choir's performance of my GRACE, conducted by Christina Chapman, was beautiful.  Brava to all these young singers! Food highlights include a pre-convention birthday dinner at Tei Tei Robata Bar -- a wonderful sampling of Asian grilled dishes over wood coals -- and final night dinner of fantastic wine and seafood in the sleek, contemporary atmosphere of Ocean Prime.