The UNA American Choral Directors Association Student Chapter is singing praises after being the featured in the December 2014 issue of the Choral Journal.

The educational Journal is issued monthly to every ACDA member in the nation.

“We’re very proud and honored our chapter of only three years received such national recognition,” said UNA ACDA Chapter President Jessica Rikard. “It’s not only good for our chapter but for UNA, too.”

Rikard, author of the Journal article, said the chapter’s biggest accomplishment this year was bringing Tim Sharp, executive director of ACDA, to campus.

UNA ACDA hosted Sharp at Grace Episcopal Church in Sheffield for a presentation entitled, “The Genesis of the High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass” and “An Outlook for the Choral Profession in America.”

Chapter Adviser and Professor of Music Ian Loeppky said he is extremely proud of how hard the chapter has worked to accomplish its goals.

“It’s an honor to receive such national recognition,” he said. “This further establishes UNA as one of the best places in Alabama to receive a vocal choral music education degree.”

Rikard said they have several activities planned for the upcoming spring semester.

“Our biggest events for next year include volunteering at the UNA Honor Choir and bringing in a clinician to work with the choral ensembles,” she said.