2026 SWACDA Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jonathan Owen, President
Quick Costs & Deadlines — SWACDA 2026: New Horizons
Dates: March 4–7, 2026 • Albuquerque, NM
Registration
$325 by November 15, 2025
$375 by January 15, 2026
$400 after January 15, 2026
Hotel
Rooms at the Conference Hotel approx. $200 per night
Reservations available when registration opens in October 2025
Add-Ons
Program Book: $6
All-Conference Dinner (Fri, 5:00–6:30 PM): $10 • Reserve by Jan 15
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Wed, 6:00 AM): $ TBD • Reserve by Jan 15
Wednesday: A Full Day of Music, Learning, and Connection
All Wednesday events (except the Hot Air Balloon Ride) are included in your conference registration fee—no extra cost!
6:00 AM • Hot Air Balloon Ride
9:30 AM • New Horizons Connections — networking and idea-sharing sessions to kickstart your conference experience
10:30 AM–5:00 PM • R&R Focused Interest Sessions featuring all R&R Chairs plus all 7 Honor Choir Conductors presenting their own sessions. Where else can you get this much knowledge in one day?
1:30–5:00 PM • Kodály Workshop with Susan Brumfield
7:00 PM • Welcome to Albuquerque Concert at First United Methodist Church
Followed by a special ABQ Reception 🎶
✨ Arrive on time. Don’t miss out. The real conference begins Wednesday morning!
Don’t Leave Early — Saturday is Worth Staying For!
The final day of SWACDA 2026: New Horizons is packed with inspiration you won’t want to miss. Saturday morning brings two wonderful community choir concerts and another round of interest sessions, followed by the highlight of the day: our 5 Graded Honor Choir Concerts — all scheduled to finish by 2:00pm.
We’ve even adjusted the earlier concert time so you can enjoy every moment of this fabulous conference and still make it home the same day. With the airport just a quick Uber ride from the Convention Center, you’ll have plenty of time for travel if you book your flights for late afternoon.
✨ Make plans to stay until the very end — the Saturday events are the perfect grand finale to your New Horizons experience!
Congratulations to these Performing Ensembles and Session Presenters!
Day at a Glance Conference Schedule
Community & Connection at New Horizons 2026
Together in Harmony: Experience the Community of New Horizons 🎶✨
At SWACDA 2026, we’re not just making music—we’re making memories! From reconnecting with old friends to meeting fellow music educators for the first time, these events are your chance to experience the heart of our choral community.
Your Home for Connection: The New Horizons Hub
Located next to the registration desk, the New Horizons Hub is your go-to space for casual meet-ups, networking, and a little fun between concerts and sessions. Stop by for lunch, a walk to a concert, or just to chat with friends—old and new. The Hub is where community thrives, and everyone is welcome! Our wonderful membership chair will welcome you, Kathy Bhat!
First-Time Conference & New Director Pre-Conference Event
New to SWACDA or attending your first conference? Don’t miss this special welcome event designed just for you! Meet fellow first-time attendees, learn tips for navigating the conference, and start your week feeling confident, included, and inspired.
Evenings to Remember: Receptions & Gatherings
From after-concert receptions to casual evening meet-ups, our social events are the perfect way to celebrate, relax, and connect. Share laughter, stories, and music with colleagues, and make memories that will last long after the conference ends.
Everyone Belongs Here
No matter your experience, role, or background, New Horizons is a space to engage, collaborate, and feel inspired. Come for the music—but stay for the friendships! Together, we create a community that lifts voices, shares knowledge, and celebrates the joy of choral music.
Meet Your Planning
Dream Team
Troy Robertson
Brian Hartman
Conference Registration and Hotel Registration Open October 15, 2025
We Can't Wait to See You In Albuquerque!
VIAMEDIA 2024 VIDEO & AUDIO RECORDINGS
Visit the ViaMedia website to purchase video and audio recordings from the SWACDA 2024: LIMITLESS conference.
