52nd Annual Summer Symposium 2026
July 20-22, 2026
Central College, Pella, IA
On behalf of the Iowa Choral Directors Association, we are thrilled to invite you to join us for the 2026 ICDA Summer Symposium on July 20-22 on the campus of Central College in Pella, IA.
This year, we invite you to join us as we explore our conference theme: Foundations. As your 2026 Co-Chairs, we believe that in an ever-changing educational landscape, it is vital to return to the core principles that sustain our art. Whether it is the physiological foundations of the voice, the historical foundations of the masters, or the relational foundations we build within our communities, this symposium is designed to ground us in what matters most.
What’s in Store?
We have assembled a lineup of headliners and interest sessions designed to meet you exactly where you are in your career:
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World-Class Artistry: We are incredibly excited to welcome the genre-defying vocal band Home Free and the National Lutheran Choir (led by Dr. Jennaya Robison) for featured performances that will leave you inspired.
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Pedagogical Excellence: From Dr. Sarah Wigley’s anatomy-based Estill Voice Training to Dr. Michael Krueger’s sessions on historically informed performance and rhythmic accuracy, and Dr. Christopher Mitchell’s focus on the technical fundamentals of alignment and breath, you will leave with concrete techniques to use in your first rehearsal this fall.
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A Place for Everyone: Whether you lead a primary general music class, a middle school mixed choir, or a community ensemble, we have specialized reading sessions and roundtable discussions tailored to your specific needs. From Jennifer Walker’s look at building choral skills in the primary years to Roger Emerson’s legendary "Middle School Magic" for the mixed choir, we are covering the developmental building blocks and foundational skills necessary for every age and stage of the lifelong singer.
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The Business of the Podium: Strengthening your program’s foundation also means navigating the "real world." Join us for sessions on Iowa school finance with Jason Enke and copyright compliance with Thad Driskell.
Step onto the Risers
Don’t forget that the Symposium is also your time to sing. We invite you to join us for the Director’s Choir rehearsals, culminating in a performance that celebrates our collective voice as leaders and musicians.
Secure Your Spot
Registration is now open! Visit the ICDA website to register and secure your music packets. This is your opportunity to recharge your creative batteries, connect with fellow directors from across the state, and find that perfect piece for your next concert.
We can’t wait to welcome you this July. Let’s make the 2026 Symposium a milestone in our state’s storied choral history.
See you there!
Adam Orban & Jason Heitland
2026 ICDA Summer Symposium Co-Chairs
Headliner
Choirs
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All-State Show Choir
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All-State Jazz Choir
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Home Free
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National Lutheran Choir
Participatory Choirs and Events
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Director's Chorus with Director Michael Krueger
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Retired Choir with Director Norm Grimm
Presenters
See presenter information here.
Emilie Bertram
Thad Driskell
Jessica Dunnick
Roger Emerson
Jason Enke
Jeremy Fox
Tom Gerking
Michael Krueger
Hannah Lambert
Chris Mitchell
Jennaya Robison
Jennifer Walker
Sarah Wigley
John Wiles
Eric Wyler
Adam Orban
2026 Symposium Co-Chair
Adam Orban is the Wilcox Performing Arts Center Manager and Communications Coordinator for the Algona Community School District. Adam is a graduate of Morningside College (now University) and received his Master’s in Music Education from the University of South Dakota. Adam taught secondary vocal music for 18 years prior to his current position. As auditorium manager, Adam oversees & executes the sound & light system, schedules events and performs applicable maintenance on the facility.
During Adam’s time in education, he started two jazz choir programs and directed show choir programs. Over the years, students under Adam’s direction have received numerous awards and accolades, including 1st Place finishes in jazz choir, including 1st Place at the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships in 2015, 1st place and finals appearances for show choir, over 50 all-staters, and several Outstanding Performances at the IHSMA solo/ensemble festival.
Adam has been a guest clinician for several events over the years and his conducting honors include directing the 9th Grade Mixed Opus Honor Choir in 2013. Adam is an active composer of original music and arranges for area show & jazz choirs. Honors for composition include winning the ICDA Composition Competition in 2017 as well as commissions for the Iowa Opus Honor Choir, Salus Vocal Ensemble and the Morningside Symphonic Chorus. Adam is happily married to his wife and fellow music colleague, Jill, and they have four children together.
Jason Heitland
2026 Symposium Co-Chair
Jason E. Heitland is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College (AA), and the University of Northern Iowa (BME, and MM). For over 30 years, Jason has taught vocal music to all levels of students from Pre-K through College. Jason has held teaching assignments at Greene Comm. Schools, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Comm. Schools, was an adjunct professor at NIACC, and is currently teaching at Clear Lake High School.
Jason has conducted at multiple festivals and honor choirs including the 2002 7-8 Grade Boy’s Opus Honor Choir and the North Central District of ICDA Honor Choir. Jason serves as an adviser/conductor for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music European Tour, and had the opportunity to conduct the men’s choir in seven counties with the highlight of performing in St. Mark’s in Venice, Italy. Jason directed the North Iowa Voices in a European tour performing/conducting in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Jason has also taught many music technology workshops including being a featured presenter for the North Iowa Technology Fair, AEA 15, and ICDA. Jason was also an ESS Clinician for SmartMusic and Finale. Jason is an approved Adjudicator for the Iowa High School Music Association and served as Chairperson for the North Central District of ICDA, and served as the Iowa All-State Chorus Chair. Jason is also a Tour Representative for Good News Tour and Travel and enjoys supervising various school music tours.
In his spare time Jason likes to spend time outdoors golfing, fishing, water skiing, and going for a “Lake Lap” with his wife and/or children in his classic 1968 Chevelle Convertible that he restored.