Mission, Purpose & History

TCDA's Mission & Purpose

The mission of TCDA is to promote the art and artistry of choral singing and support the pursuit of excellence within the choral music profession.

The purposes of TCDA:

1. Facilitate collaboration and cooperation among choral directors at the local, regional, and state level.
2. Organize and provide intellectual and professional development activities that embrace varied styles, genres, and aspects of choral music.
3. Curate and provide access to a diverse body of choral repertoire appropriate for choirs of all ages, voicings, and communities through music reading sessions, workshops, and clinics.
4. Maintain regular communication with the membership and disseminate news and information related to the fulfillment of our mission statement.
5. Develop and maintain a system of leadership (local, regional and state-wide) engaging a diverse group of choral musicians who reflect the communities in which they work and reside.
6. Foster and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through active engagement with marginalized and underrepresented choral musicians and communities, as well as potential choral participants.
7. Pursue and provide funding that supports educational and professional development activities for TCDA members, with expanded opportunities for choral musicians in marginalized and underrepresented communities.
8. Foster an inclusive and welcoming community of choral musicians by promoting social/emotional well-being and actively seeking input from diverse perspectives and traditions of choral singing.

TCDA is approved by the State Board for Education Certification as a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider.

History of TCDA

TCDA is celebrating 69 Years during our 2024 Convention on July 25-27!

TCDA was founded in 1955. The first two TCDA Conventions were held in Dallas, and all Conventions since have been in San Antonio. There were no elected officers until 1957; the first two Boards served for only one year. Since 1957, Boards have served two-year terms. TCDA thanks former Executive Director Marvin J Pollard for his help in gathering information from TCDA's early years.

History of TCDA Logos