Resound - ACDA National Conference

As Interim Director of the University of Delaware School of Music, I am thrilled to introduce the UD Resound Gospel Choir, led by Professor Arreon Harley-Emerson, at this year's national ACDA conference! I congratulate the members of UD's newest choral ensemble on their ACDA debut. As a featured ensemble in the Bent but Not Broken 3.5 preconference event, Resound will deliver powerful renditions of music from the African diaspora. Their stirring performances are sure to move both heart and mind, just as they do mine. I hope every attendee leaves inspired and equipped to explore the rich tradition of Gospel music more deeply.
 

Daniel Stevens
Interim Director, School of Music
University of Delaware

It is a privilege and an honor to send my heartfelt enthusiasm for Resound’s premiere performance on an ACDA conference event. Under the capable and creative leadership of the almost Dr. Arreon Harley-Emerson, this ensemble has emerged as a dynamic force within the University of Delaware School of Music and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well.

Professor Harley-Emerson’s association with UD has been extensive and impactful, most recently in his role as associate conductor of the internationally award-winning Delaware Choral Scholars. With the founding of the Resound Gospel Choir in spring 2023, he not only enriches our choral education and performance programs, but also brings vast expertise in repertoire and performance practice, along with innumerable resources for personal growth, to every singer and audience member fortunate enough to experience his work. I am confident that will be evident in today’s landmark performance of this outstanding choral ensemble. My colleagues and I could simply not be more proud of this momentous occasion.

Paul D. Head, DMA, MM, BA
Unidel Distinguished Professor of Director Choral Studies
ACDA Eastern Region Past President

The University of Delaware offers a dynamic and comprehensive choral studies program, preparing students for professional careers in music while fostering artistic excellence, community engagement, and global perspectives. With six premier ensembles, UD’s choral program provides a breadth of experience in choral artistry, offering students the opportunity to explore classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, gospel, vocal jazz, and world music traditions. UD’s choral ensembles have a distinguished history of international tours, professional recording projects, and performances at major conferences such as ACDA’s national and regional conventions.

Students have the opportunity to perform in six premier choral ensembles, each offering a unique musical experience. The internationally acclaimed UD Chorale has established a reputation for excellence through competitive performances and global collaborations. Schola Cantorum, the university’s symphonic choir, regularly performs major choral-orchestral works in partnership with professional ensembles. The Jazz Singers explore the complexities of vocal jazz, while Concert Choir and University Singers provide inclusive and diverse choral opportunities for students from across disciplines. Resound, the university’s newest ensemble, is devoted to the performance of music from the Black Diaspora, with an emphasis on gospel music, reflecting UD’s commitment to diverse and inclusive choral traditions.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to audition for the Delaware Choral Scholars (DCS), a highly selective, elite choral ensemble that brings together the finest vocalists from UD and beyond for intensive, world-class choral experiences. In July 2024, DCS earned the No. 1 ranking in the world after winning four gold medals at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul D. Head, DCS has performed in prestigious international competitions, festivals, and collaborations with world-renowned choral organizations, solidifying UD’s reputation for excellence on the global stage.

Whether pursuing a degree in music education, performance, or composition, choral students at UD receive a superior choral education under the mentorship of leading faculty who are active as professional conductors, clinicians, presenters, and researchers. With a strong emphasis on artistic excellence, diverse repertoire, and professional development, UD’s choral program equips graduates with the skills, experiences, and connections to thrive in today’s choral landscape.

Click here to learn more about choral studies at UD.

Arreon A. Harley-Emerson
 

Arreon A. Harley-Emerson, a visionary in the choral arts ecosystem, is the CEO & Artistic Director of Elevate Vocal Arts (EVA). EVA, under his leadership, is dedicated to creating and expanding professional and creative workforce development opportunities for vocal artists from all backgrounds. Mr. Harley-Emerson’s unique commitment to engaging individuals from historically marginalized communities and musical traditions sets EVA apart. The Vocal Artists of EVA use music, storytelling, and spoken word to address contemporary issues, strengthening our communities and democracy.

Mr. Harley-Emerson, an experienced arts administrator and conductor, graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, with bachelor’s degrees in Music Theory & Composition and Vocal Performance (opera). His studies included piano with Dr. Lisa Weiss, voice with Mrs. Betty Ridgeway, and conducting with Dr. Elisa Koehler. He furthered his education with master’s of music degrees in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Delaware School of Music, studying under Dr. Paul Head and Dr. Noël Archambeault. Currently a doctoral candidate and university fellow at the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University in Philadelphia, Mr. Harley-Emerson has had the privilege of conducting in prestigious venues such as St. Peter’s  Basilica in Vatican City, the Kimmel Center for the Arts in Philadelphia, and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.

Mr. Harley-Emerson has held several teaching and artistic director positions. He served as Director of Music and Operations of the Choir School of Delaware from June 2013 through December 2022. In this position, he was responsible for the musical components of the renowned Choir School program and served as Executive Director, managing the organization's day-to-day operations. An avid researcher and presenter, Mr. Harley-Emerson has contributed a chapter to The Oxford Handbook for Choral Pedagogy entitled “The Gang Mentality of Choirs: How Choirs Have the Capacity to Change Lives.” He presented a TEDx Talk that bears the same title. Mr. Harley-Emerson founded Bent But Not Broken, a four-day music conference amplifying Black choral musicians' musical contributions and accomplishments across time and genres.