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A Celebration of Excellence – A Recorded Competition

AMERICAN CLASSIC
A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Recorded Performance Competition
A Choral Artistry Event

 

Where Artistry Is Recognized 

A Celebration of Excellence honors musicianship, artistry, and expressive performance — the very qualities directors and students pursue every day. 

Designed by educators, this event provides a meaningful opportunity for high school ensembles to be recognized within an artistically grounded framework.

 

Public Recognition: July 17, 2026

2:15-2:45 pm at TCDA, Booth 925

 San Antonio Convention Center Exhibit Hall

 

More Than a Competition 

This is not simply another event to enter.
It is an affirmation of the discipline, intention, and artistry behind every performance. 

  • Anonymous adjudication supporting thoughtful, unbiased evaluation  
  • Divisions by ensemble type and size for meaningful comparison  
  • Recognition that extends beyond the event  

 

Recognition 

Selected ensembles are recognized not only for achievement, but for artistry.

 

A Thoughtfully Designed Experience 

Every element reflects a commitment to: 

  • Musical integrity  
  • Artistic communication  
  • Clear and meaningful evaluation 

A Celebration of Excellence PERFORMANCE COMPETITION designed not simply to rank ensembles, but to honor the artistry behind each performance. 

 

2027 Celebration of Excellence Recorded Competition Adjudicators

Derrick Fox — Mixed Choirs
Dr. Derrick Fox is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Creative Endeavors, Associate Director of Choral Programs, and Professor of Choral Conducting at Michigan State University. His conducting career spans middle school, high school, collegiate, community, and honor choirs throughout the United States and abroad. He conducted the 2019 ACDA National Middle School/Junior High Mixed Honor Choir and is a sought-after clinician known for expertise in rehearsal techniques, ensemble artistry, and choral assessment. His broad experience uniquely equips him to adjudicate mixed choirs.
“His extensive experience with choirs of all levels and his reputation as a master teacher make him an outstanding adjudicator of mixed ensembles.”

 

Cameron LaBarr — Tenor-Bass Choirs
Dr. Cameron LaBarr is Director of Choral Studies and the Clif and Gail Smart Professor of Music at Missouri State University. He conducts the university’s Chorale, Men’s Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Grand Chorus and leads a nationally recognized graduate conducting program. An active clinician, conductor, and adjudicator, he has conducted honor choirs throughout the United States and internationally. His extensive experience with male and tenor-bass ensembles makes him exceptionally qualified to evaluate tenor-bass choir performance and artistry.
“His distinguished career as a conductor, educator, and adjudicator brings exceptional expertise to the evaluation of tenor-bass ensembles.”

 

Sandra Snow — Treble Choirs
Dr. Sandra Snow is Professor of Choral Conducting, Director of Choral Programs, and Chair of the Conducting Area at Michigan State University. Internationally recognized as a conductor, pedagogue, and scholar, she has led the acclaimed MSU Women’s Chamber Ensemble in performances at state, regional, and national ACDA conferences. Founder of the professional women’s chorus mirabai, she is widely respected for her work with treble voices and for fostering expressive, artistic performance through thoughtful musical interpretation and exemplary teaching.
“Her lifelong commitment to treble choral artistry and education provides invaluable insight in the evaluation of treble ensembles.”

 

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