I am passing along an article written by the newly elected president and CEO of Chorus America. I think it is very appropriate to our current situation. His feeling is that we, as chorus members, have a mission in this world … — Mark
Dear choral community,
This week, an election cycle which permeated our public consciousness for the better part of two years finally drew to a close. For many Americans, the sheer weight of the lead-up to the election has been traumatic. In the outcome, some had their voices heard while others are feeling a sense of uncertainty and even fear over what is to come.
It’s a remarkable time to take the reins of Chorus America as president & CEO, as it is against the backdrop of this contentious and divisive election that we see the work of our choruses — and of Chorus America — pop into vivid relief. Through this election cycle, it has become all the more apparent that, where so much of today’s discourse seems intent on dividing us, the act of singing together can be restorative and reparative.
Now that the election has been decided, it is time for choruses to do what they do best: to serve as places of belonging for their members and to create something beautiful to replace the ugliness and division that has been front and center for these many months. I would urge us also, difficult as it may feel, to use this as an opportunity to humanize the people sitting to our left and right (literally and figuratively).
As leaders of choral organizations, what is our role? First and foremost, we must keep doing what we’re doing, which is taking care of the members of our singing communities. In fact, I’d like to offer an amendment to the English language, which is to make the word ‘community’ a verb. In this post-election period, we’re going to community harder than ever before.
Choral singing was here long before there were democrats and republicans, and it will be here long after we are all gone. It exists not in spite of our day-to-day trials but because of them. At Chorus America, this will be a year focused on the incredible value choral singing has on our mental and physical health: it is well known, for example, that those who have close-knit communities — like choruses — live better lives into old age than those without. Moreover, when we pursue shared artistic goals, the social bridging that occurs may be the most effective method we know of to create a more cohesive society.
One of my aims as president and CEO of Chorus America is to be your biggest champion and a vocal advocate for the work that you are doing each day. I have been in the trenches with you as a choral conductor, administrator, and board member, and I know how little time there is to tell the stories of the impact you are making. If we do our jobs well at Chorus America, your jobs will be a little bit easier and more gratifying.
Please keep up the fine and critical work that you do and let us know how we can help. Our collective success will be deeply felt by many.
In solidarity,
Christopher Eanes