The theme for 2009 is “Transforming the Future of Choral Music Together.”

The American Choral Directors Association has been a strong musical force in the world of choral music since its beginning in 1959. Since then, ACDA has grown to include more than 20,000 choral directors worldwide. Now in 2009, directors will come together at our national convention to celebrate the accomplishments of the last 50 years and work together to inspire the future of choral music in the United States. In addition to the numerous choral works presented, students from across the nation auditioned for a place in the  national honor choirs.

Selected from St. James High and Lutcher High School were ninth-graders Christopher Skelton and Paige Bourgeois.

Both students are part of the Talented-in-Music Program of St. James Parish under the direction of Cherise B. Soignet. Skelton and Bourgeois were selected to the 2008 ACDA Louisiana All-State Honor Choir, 2009 District VII Honor Choirs, 2008 Southern Regional Honor Choir held in Kentucky, 2007 ACDA Louisiana All-State Honor Choir,

2008 District VII Jr. High Honor Choir, over the past two years. They both have performed with the Talented-in-Music Students for various school, community events and theatrical productions. The traveled with a parent and Mrs. Soignet to Oklahoma for the duration of the first week in March.