NextDirection is a summer leadership conference for high school and college students who are excited to learn more about developing their leadership and musical skills through the lens of choral music.
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our guest teacher-clinician for 2026: Jeffrey Douma. Find out more about him on the Directors page.
Collegiate Conference - July 13-17, 2026
High School Conference - July 15-17, 2026
Event Site: University of Wisconsin - Parkside (Kenosha, WI)
Registration Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
Early-Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Final Registration Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026
Cost: $600 ($500 for early bird registration)
The conference fee covers all housing, meal, and material costs. Transportation to and from the conference is not covered and is the sole responsibility of each participant.
Final payment for the conference fee is due on Friday, May 29, 2026.
NextDirection Conference Mission Statement
WCDA believes so strongly in the value of music and its role in the ennoblement of the human spirit, that NextDirection was created to bring together the brightest, most dynamic young people to elevate choral music in and around their choral program.
Through this significant, process-oriented exploration of leadership through choral music, participants will gain a clearer vision of the possibilities for their leadership potential.
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our guest teacher-clinician for 2026: Jeffrey Douma. Find out more about him on the Directors page.
Collegiate Conference - July 13-17, 2026
High School Conference - July 15-17, 2026
Event Site: University of Wisconsin - Parkside (Kenosha, WI)
Registration Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
Early-Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Final Registration Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026
Cost: $600 ($500 for early bird registration)
The conference fee covers all housing, meal, and material costs. Transportation to and from the conference is not covered and is the sole responsibility of each participant.
Final payment for the conference fee is due on Friday, May 29, 2026.
NextDirection Conference Mission Statement
WCDA believes so strongly in the value of music and its role in the ennoblement of the human spirit, that NextDirection was created to bring together the brightest, most dynamic young people to elevate choral music in and around their choral program.
Through this significant, process-oriented exploration of leadership through choral music, participants will gain a clearer vision of the possibilities for their leadership potential.
Download NextDirection Flier (coming soon!)
