To: Parish Priests, Choir Chairs, Choir Directors, Organists, Choir Members
From: Arpie Kouzouian, AACCA Central Council Chair
Date: July 10, 2006
Subject: Important Notice from the AACCA Central Council
The Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of its inception this year. As we reflect on our mission to serve the choirs of our Diocese, we have taken a hard look at our organization and our method of operating up to this point. The Central Council members feel that we have been successful in accomplishing our mission thus far and that we have been effective in several areas, namely:
Nowadays all organizations and corporations are reevaluating their productivity and effectiveness and the services they provide; now in our 60th year the AACCA is doing the same. Realizing that times have changed, and the tried and true methods are no longer feasible, our organization is also in the process of rethinking how we operate.
The past and current members of the Central Council have noticed a drastic decline in delegate participation during our annual assembly business meetings, while the workshops have been well attended and effective. We are looking into making operational changes and details will be communicated to you in the near future. In consultation with the Primate and Diocesan Council, whose decision it was to dispense with the "Annual Assembly format" the Central Council has decided to adopt a more effective method of operating and presenting our programs without the necessity of an assembly. Therefore, the 60th Annual Assembly, which the St John's parish of Southfield, MI, was planning to host, has been cancelled.
Regional Workshops have proven to be a very effective method of educating several parishes at once, without costly travel expenses for participants. A new schedule for Regional Workshops is being formulated and will be forthcoming. Look for dates and times of Regional Workshops coming to your area. If your parish is interested in hosting a workshop, please do not hesitate to contact the Central Council personally, or have your Choir Director or Parish priest contact us to set one up.
We look forward to this new chapter in our organization with a new method of operating. Our goal is to continue to provide the services you have come to expect from the AACCA. We view this change as one for the better and we hope you agree.
As you read this important notice, a group of five students from the Junior Choir Leadership Development Program (JCLDP) accompanied by two chaperones from the AACCA, are in Armenia, studying with local professors there to further their education and develop their skills as Choir Directors.