Arkansas ACDA 2025 Intercollegiate Choir
Symposium Vol. II - All State Prep
Arkansas ACDA Trailblazer Awards
(Established 2024)
The AR ACDA Trailblazer Awards are a distinguished recognition presented annually during the summer conference by the President’s Council of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (AR ACDA). These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in advancing choral excellence within our state.
Honorees of the AR ACDA Trailblazer Awards are chosen based on their active membership in AR ACDA, their profound impact on the choral community of Arkansas, and their unwavering support for the core ideals of our organization. These individuals serve as exemplary advocates for the choral arts, embodying innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to nurturing artistic growth among their peers and within their communities.
By recognizing these trailblazers, the AR ACDA aims to inspire and elevate the standard of choral music throughout Arkansas. The awards highlight the transformative power of music education and community engagement, encouraging others to follow in the footsteps of those who have significantly shaped our cultural landscape through their outstanding contributions.
2024 Honorees
- Sarah Gwatney-Dunbar (Oklahoma City University Graduate Student; previous appointment–Greenbrier Schools)
- Craig Jones (Harding Academy)
- Dr. Justin Nelson (Southern Arkansas University)
Trailblazer Award Winners: from l to r: Dr. Matthew Farr (President-Elect), Craig Jones (Honoree), Dr. Justin Nelson (Honoree), Sarah Gwatney-Dunbar (Honoree), Larry Dunn (President ) & Cherie Collins (Past-President)
Craig Jones (Harding Academy), award presented by Cherie Collins
Dr. Justin Nelson (Southern Arkansas University), award presented by Larry Dunn
Sarah Gwatney-Dunbar (Oklahoma City University Graduate Student, previous appointment–Greenbrier Schools), award presented by Dr. Matthew Farr
Join ACDA Today!
For over 50 years, the American Choral Directors Association has been the preeminent association for choral conductors throughout the United States.
ACDA is all about professionals like you! Our members teach choral music in public and private schools – kindergarten through senior high school – and at the college and university levels. They conduct a variety of choral groups, including boychoirs, children’s choirs, men’s and women’s choruses, junior and senior high school choirs, college and university choruses, ethnic choirs, vocal-jazz ensembles, and symphony choruses. They also conduct choirs in their communities and in their places of worship.