José Rivera, associate professor of choral music at UNC Pembroke, has been elected president of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

The mission of the ACDA invests in the development and growth of the choral arts through exceptional experiences in artistry, innovation, diversity and leadership.

Dr. Rivera is a long-time advocate and active participant in ACDA. He serves as coordinator of music education and conducts the University Chorale at UNCP. He recently completed a six-year term as ACDA National Chair for Ethnic-Multicultural Music and currently serves on the NCMEA Board as teacher education chair.

At UNCP, he teaches choral methods, vocal techniques and supervises student teachers. He is an active conductor, clinician and adjudicator. He has conducted all-state and honor choirs in North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Rhode Island. His research on Latin American choral music has been published in the NCMEA and ACDA journals. He received his Ph.D. and master’s degree in music education and conducting from Florida State University.