The Choral Editing Standards Committee of the American Choral Directors Association

Abstract

This document chronicles the history of the Choral Editing Standards Committee of the American Choral Directors Association from its beginning in 1966 until the end of its activity in 1983. The historical narrative is based on data collected from documents contained in the Walter Collins II Collection from ACDA's International Archives of Choral Music in Oklahoma City. Additional data was obtained from Choral Journal and through interviews with former members of the Choral Editing Standards Committee. Articles published in Choral Journal prior to 1966 show that some members of ACDA were concerned about editing practices, particularly in the area of early music. The Choral Editing Standards Committee was created as a liaison between ACDA and music publishers to encourage dialogue between the two parties for the purpose of implementing editing reforms. During their active years, the committee produced two documents that contained suggestions for terminology and standards for editorial practice. Early music editions were cited to demonstrate some of the editing shortcomings the committee sought to address. The committee did much of their work in collaboration with the Music Publishers Association. Interviews with former committee members suggested that choral music editing did improve after the committee was created; however, committee members had differing opinions about whether or not their work directly impacted editorial practices. In general, early music editions are more historically accurate today than they were when the committee was active. These improvements may be related to sociological changes in the academic community. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries