Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
### Context:
CREATE TABLE table_name_23 (previous_conference VARCHAR, year_joined VARCHAR, ihsaa_class VARCHAR)
### Question:
Which Previous conference has a Year joined smaller than 1976, and an IHSAA Class of A?
### Answer:
SELECT previous_conference FROM table_name_23 WHERE year_joined < 1976 AND ihsaa_class = "a"