2026 Conference Dates: March 4-7, 2026
Collegiate Honor Choir Conductor
Conductor Jonathan Talberg
Jonathan Talberg is the Director of Choral Activities at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach.
Past President of The California Music Educators Association, honoring “extraordinary accomplishments in music education,” Jonathan Talberg is in his twenty-sixth year at California State University-Long Beach. He is regularly engaged to conduct choirs and present workshops around the globe, but his greatest joy remains mentoring the brilliant musicians at CSULB. He was privileged to have incredible teachers at Pepperdine and Chapman Universities and at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. His mentors include Roger Wagner, William Hall, Earl Rivers, John Leman, and Jusús López Cobos.
Discover the Advantages
For collegiate singers, few opportunities are as transformative as performing in the SWACDA Collegiate Honor Choir, especially under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg. Known for his artistry, energy, and inspiring leadership, Dr. Talberg brings out the very best in each singer, creating a rehearsal and performance environment that is both demanding and deeply rewarding.
What You Gain
Grow Musically: Rehearse and perform challenging, high-level repertoire that sharpens vocal skills, ensemble awareness, and musical expression.
Connect Nationally: Join talented peers from across the region, building friendships and professional networks that last well beyond the conference.
Be Inspired: Experience Dr. Talberg’s passion for excellence and his gift for shaping young musicians into confident, expressive artists.
Shine on Stage: Share the final performance with an audience of conductors, educators, and peers who understand and celebrate the power of choral music.
For many singers, the Collegiate Honor Choir becomes a highlight of their musical journey—an unforgettable experience that strengthens their artistry and fuels their passion for singing.
General Information for Collegiate Honor Choir
Repertoire
Since Feeling is First – Joshua Chai
Time – Jennifer Lucy Cook
I Sat Down Under His Shadow – Edward Bairstow
And So I Go On – Jake Runestad
Travelers Hymn – Matthew Lyon Hazzard
Phoenix – Jocelyn Hagen
Collegiate Honor Choir Audition Timeline
The dates published in this timeline are firm and non-negotiable for all Honor Choir participants. All deadlines must be met in order to participate in the 2026 Collegiate Honor Choir.
September 3: Registration opens ($155/Student)
October 15: Early Bird registration deadline ($155/Student Rate Ends)
November 12: Final registration deadline (Rate Increases to $175/Student)
November 22: Participation forms and information emailed to honor choir singers
December 15: Digital Submission of Required Forms for the Honor Choir
- January 10: Honor Choir Music Packets mailed to Sponsoring Directors
March 4: Honor Choir members arrive, register and rehearse in Albuquerque, NM
March 5-6: Rehearsals continue in Albuquerque
March 6: 2026 SWACA Collegiate Honor Choir Concert in Albuquerque
Collegiate Honor Choir Rehearsal Schedule
The SWACDA New Horizons conference will take place from March 4-7 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All participants should be available for the following rehearsal and performance times. Please note that this is a tentative schedule and subject to change with the exception of the starting date/time and performance date/time:
Wednesday, March 4
- 3:00pm – Arrival, registration – Convention Center West Ballroom A
- 4:00pm-7:00pm – First rehearsal
Thursday, March 5
- 8:30am-12:00pm – Rehearsal 2 – Convention Center West Ballroom A
- 12:00pm-1:30pm – Lunch
- 1:30pm-5:00pm – Rehearsal 3
Friday, March 6
- 8:30am-10:00am – Rehearsal 4 – Convention Center West Ballroom A
- 10:30am-12:45pm – Rehearsal 5 – Kimo Theater
- 2:15pm-5:00pm – Rehearsal 6 – Convention Center West Ballroom A
- 7:50pm-8:15pm – Concert performance – Kimo Theater
Honor Choir Hotel & Lodging Information
Collegiate Honor Choir Singers are responsible for their own Lodging. They may make reservations at the Conference Hotel after October 15 or they may make reservations at any area hotels.
Requirements to Register Students for the 2026 SWACDA Collegiate Honor Choir
- Sponsoring members must have active ACDA memberships at the time of entry and maintain membership through the 2026 conference
- Students participants must be members of ACDA in order to participate in the Collegiate Honor Choir
- Sponsoring members should submit students in complete SATB quartets. Directors wishing to submit an incomplete quartet, should contact collegiate honor choir coordinator, Troy Robertson, via email, at [email protected]
- Collegiate Honor Choir members are responsible for making arrangements and paying for their own transportation, housing, and meals during the conference
Required Forms - Due by Dec 15
- Collegiate Honor Choir Member Expectations
- Media Release Form (Coming Soon)
Collegiate Honor Choir Concert Attire
Please wear concert black:
- Solid black with no patterns, logos, sequins, etc.
- Business formal
- Modest, covering shoulders, chest, and knees while standing or sitting
- Options might include dresses, skirts, dress pants or slacks, blouses or dress shirts, jackets or blazers, and scarves/ties
- Shoes should be closed-toe and black. Socks should also be black. Avoid sneakers, sandals, athletic footwear, or very high heels/platforms
- Please keep accessories and jewelry minimal and non-distracting
- Questions? Please contact the collegiate honor choir coordinator, Troy Robertson: [email protected]
Questions, Inquiries, or Concerns?
Contact the Collegiate Honor Choir Coordinator, Troy Robertson: (t[email protected])