andy ball - Director of Vocal Music at Corona del Mar High School and Middle School, a single campus with 7th through 12th graders.I’m also proud to oversee a Solo Voice program at CdM and am co-artistic director of Men in Blaque, a men’s ensemble b

ACDA has always been a great source of camaraderie, resources, repertoire, and inspiration. Having the opportunity to connect directly with other directors and composers has lead to incredible opportunities for my students. When I was a student in high school, I never thought of composers as actual humans - they were just these ephemeral creatures that bestowed music upon the world that the rest of us never really interacted with. I’m happy to say my students now have had the chance to work with many of the composers whose music they are now performing! I am always telling people that anybody who has a voice should be using it to sing. ACDA is an organization that believes exactly that, and who works together towards that very goal. I am proud to be part of a community who are passionate about the power that music can have to change people’s lives. 

Every year my top ensemble (Madrigal Singers) combines forces with our school's orchestra to put on a Choral-Orchestral performance, and since Madrigal Singers rehearses during zero period, a period which many students have free, I always invite any other students from my program to join in preparing our Major Work. No audition necessary! A few years ago I realized that many of my fellow teachers on campus are also free during that window of time, so I’ve been sending out my students to invite their teachers to join us as well. This year, I’m excited to have an ensemble of over 80 singers, grades 7 through 12, and including three of our staff members, preparing the Mozart Requiem ahead of our concert in March!