AACCA Report

In its presentation, the Armenian Association of Church Choirs of America (AACCA), spoke about its programs, including the junior choir development program. Last summer, several of the young choir members traveled to Armenia for music classes.

This August, nine students will again attend the junior choir leadership development program at the Diocesan Ararat Center. Alumni of the program will be invited back as instructors.

Additionally, AACCA president Arpi Kouzouian spoke about an effort to honor Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of music ministry for the Diocese. June 3 will be set aside at the St. Vartan Cathedral for a program honoring him. His version of the badarak will be performed.

“We recognize that our future is our youth,” Kouzouian said. “We all feel the importance of the future. This organization since I was six years old has been the greatest thing for me.”

When asked about the organization’s structure, she said the AACCA is evaluating its mission and reaching out to the parishes. “We need to reevaluate,” she said.

The AACCA and the Diocese has recently come to discuss a new model structure to expand the mission of the Choir Association. “Liturgy is very important, it is the center of our identity as Armenian Christians,” the Primate said. “Our challenge is how to keep these musical treasures and pass that to the next generation.”