Hugs First

Why I’m wishing I was at the ACDA National Conference.

Not for the amazing choral performances, which I wish I could hear.

Not for the inspiring lectures, which I wish I could absorb.

Not for the reading session, which would give me ideas for the future.

No, I wish i was at ACDA for the hugs. The friends from across the country who come together for a shared love of vocal music. They are my chosen people, and the chance to be together with them are too few and far between. More and more, I find that that’s what I get most out of conferences: the chance to be with my people.

In the past, I’ve written ACDA National preview posts focusing on my interests – TTBB music, vocal jazz, composition, etc. I didn’t write them this time, and truthfully, a big part of it was that I didn’t want to trigger my FOMO to that degree.

I’ll just send air hugs from here and hope to see my people the next time around.