Founded in 1959, the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is a professional organization serving choral directors in schools, religious organizations, and communities through workshops, symposia, publications, choral program exchanges, international efforts, and especially through its conventions. Its official purposes are: To foster and promote choral singing, which will provide artistic, cultural, and spiritual experiences for the participants.

  • To foster and promote the finest types of choral music to make these experiences possible.
  • To foster and encourage rehearsal procedures conducive to attaining the highest possible level of musicianship and artistic performance.
  • To foster and promote the organization and development of choral groups of all types in schools and colleges.
  • To foster and promote the development of choral music in the church and synagogue.  
  • To foster and promote the organization and development of choral societies in cities and communities.
  • To foster and promote understanding of choral music as an important medium of contemporary artistic expression.
  • To foster and promote significant research in the field of choral music.
  • To foster and encourage choral composition of superior quality.
  • To cooperate with all organizations dedicated to the development of musical culture in America
  • To foster and promote international exchange programs involving performing groups, conductors, and composers.
  • To disseminate professional news and information about choral music.

Source: "ACDA History," available at https://acda.org/about-us/history