What’s New


  • New Convention Format in 2013. Texas Choral Directors Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and Texas Bandmasters Association will share convention dates and a combined exhibit hall.
  • New-Member Initiative. With TCDA membership, a first-time teacher will be entitled to a one-time 50% reduction in convention fee. Please send proof of eligibility to the TCDA office by June 1 (proof would be a letter from your principal or fine arts director, stating that your first year to teach will be Fall 2013.) In addition, you may request a mentor through convention registration to assist you at the convention with introductions to other colleagues.
  • New-Teacher Academy. In collaboration with Texas Bandmasters, this session will offer valuable tips and information for new teachers, three or fewer years of experience. Members MUST be pre-registered to attend this academy which will be held on Sunday, July 21.
    Come prepared to learn from the leaders in your professional - an outstanding faculty of Texas music educators, administrators and law specialists. The wealth of information gained from this academy will prepare you for success and help lay the foundation for your career. A unique and wonderful opportunity!

    DESIGNED FOR:  Directors beginning their teaching career - Fall 2013
                                  Directors with limited teaching experience
                                  Directors new to Texas
    DATE:                    Sunday, July 21, 2013
    LOCATION:           Room 006 Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio
    TIME:                     8:30am check-in; Sessions from 9:00am to 6pm with lunch break (lunch on your own)
    CREDIT:                8 hours CPE credit - Must attend all sessions and complete the curriculum
    COST:                   $35; Must join or be an active member of TCDA ($50).  For directors beginning their
                                  teaching career Fall 2013, 50% savings off the convention registration fee.
    CURRICULUM:    Classroom Management/Discipline; Student Motivation; Organizing Your Year;
                                 Communicating with your Principal; Overview of TMEA, UIL, TEA and Other
                                 Professional Organizations; Dealing with Parents; Social Media Do's and Don'ts;
                                 Director's Legal Rights and Responsibilities; Taking Care of Yourself-Finances,
                                 Planning for Career, Health Avoiding Burnout; and Finding Mentors
    REGISTRATION:  Pre-registration is required and is an option in the convention registration.  Must be
                                  an Active TCDA member, so please renew or join first. Membership and convention
                                  registration can be done online or with paper forms. Please see the "Directors
                                  Convention Info" web page for more information.


  • Soiree New-Member Welcome. A must-attend, first-night Convention event to meet new and current members, and learn what TCDA is all about. 
  • IMPORTANT: There will be NO TCDA BBQ this year, as La Villita is undergoing major renovation.  Please come to the Soiree to meet new members, catch up with current members, and partake of the expanded hors d'oeuvres!