Courtesy of GSU Communications
The Grambling State University Concert Choir made its inaugural performance at the 2026 Louisiana American Choral Directors Association (LA-ACDA) Fall Vocal Conference, held Oct. 15–17 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Immaculate Conception Church in New Orleans.
Under the leadership of Dr. Cordara X. Harper, Director of Choral Activities at Grambling State University, the GSU Concert Choir delivered a distinguished performance before an audience of music educators, choral conductors, students, and families from across Louisiana. The ensemble also served as the demonstration choir for the conference’s conducting masterclass, providing an invaluable opportunity for artistic collaboration, professional development, and musical excellence.
Held Oct. 17, the conducting masterclass was led by Dr. Shane Thomas, Director of Choral Activities at Northwestern State University. Serving as the demonstration ensemble gave Grambling State students an opportunity to work in a professional conference setting while responding to different conducting approaches, rehearsal techniques, and musical interpretations.
The weekend also included an educational visit to Whitney Plantation, where students explored the history and experiences of enslaved African Americans. The visit provided additional context for students studying and performing music rooted in African American history and traditions.
Dr. Harper said the conference and cultural experience carried significance beyond the performance itself.
“While performing at the Louisiana ACDA Fall Vocal Conference marked a historic milestone for the Grambling State University Concert Choir, our visit to Whitney Plantation was equally profound and transformative. Although initially hesitant, our students left with tears, a deeper understanding of our history, and a renewed sense of purpose. I witnessed our ensemble connect emotionally and personally in ways we had never experienced before. It was a powerful reminder that the impact of music education extends far beyond the concert stage.”
Dr. Harper also expressed appreciation to Torry Dean, Dr. Rachel Williams, and the Crescent City and River Parishes Chapters of the Grambling State University Alumni Association for their hospitality and support of the choir during the trip.
For the Grambling State University Concert Choir and Dr. Harper, the conference was far more than a musical achievement. It was a transformative journey that united artistic excellence, professional growth, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the history behind the music. Students returned not only with strengthened musicianship and meaningful professional
connections, but also with a renewed sense of identity, unity, and purpose. Ultimately, the experience affirmed that the greatest impact of music education is not simply in the performances students give, but in the lives they lead, the history they preserve, and the legacy they carry forward.
