The Kansas Choral Directors Association is a professional organization for choral directors in the state of Kansas.  Like ACDA, its parent organization, KCDA is dedicated to inspiring excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.

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Meet KCDA President, Dustin S. Cates

Dustin S. Cates is the Artistic Director of the Heartland Men's Chorus.  Before this appointment, he served as Director of Choirs at Olathe East High School and Shawnee Mission South High School.  Dustin began his teaching career at Raytown South High School in Raytown, Missouri.  Choirs under his leadership have consistently earned superior ratings at various music festivals and have performed in a variety of venues from the Kansas Music Educators In-Service Workshop to New York City's Carnegie Hall.  
Cates holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he had the priviledge of studying with Dr. Charles Robinson and Dr. Eph Ehly, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.
Dustin is an active clinician and judge for music festivals and honor choirs throughout the Midwest.  He serves on the music ministry team at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, where he assists with choral and instrumental ensembles.  In addition to his role as music educator, Cates is an active member of the Kansas City theatre community as both performer and music director.
Cates is a member of the National Assosication for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.  He currently serves at President-Elect on the executive board for the Kansas Choral Directors Association, having previously served as webmaster.  He is also the former High School Choral Chair for the Northeast District of KMEA.  Cates is a past recipient of the KCDA Outstanding Young Choral Director Award. Dustin resides in Missouri with his husband, Dr. Raymond Cattaneo, and their son Emmaus.