New Directions for Community Choral Singing in New Jersey

I hope this article finds each and every one of you enjoying a holiday season full of glorious music and song!  I know that many of our community choral organizations are preparing for the second half of their concert seasons of choral performance. It is always an exciting time, with many organizations working towards their largest concerts of the season!

As the title of this article suggests, I would like to update the constituency on the exciting developments in community choral singing in our state.  As you know, New Jersey has one of the largest populations of avocational choral ensembles in the United States.  These groups vary broadly, from chamber ensembles to symphonic choruses, and each group performs a variety of repertoire throughout the year. Community choral singing is truly an outstanding pursuit for the adult singer.  It encourages community participation, support from private and public sectors, and brings the greatest works of the choral idiom to our state. 

A few years ago, due to the large number of choruses in New Jersey, various chorus members throughout the state came together to form the New Jersey Choral Consortium.  This organization is dedicated to offering opportunities for community choruses to come together to develop various aspects of their groups, including marketing, development, recruitment, and performance. 

This past year the consortium had a very successful workshop on development in Highland Park.  The workshop was a huge success with a large number of participants.  In July, we had the good fortune to partner with NJ ACDA and Westminster Choir College for a community chorus event featuring a vocal health workshop with Dr. Mark A. Boyle from Millersville University and a community chorus “Sing-In” of Mozart’s Coronation Mass under the direction of Dr. Joe Miller.  This first event had over 80 participants from various community choruses throughout the state!  It was truly an incredible day, watching singers from throughout the state come together to share in the joy of singing!

In 2012, the NJCC will continue to offer exciting events for singers throughout the state.  On Saturday, February 11, the NJCC will offer a recruitment and development workshop for chorus board members and other interested parties.  This is a great time to network with other organizations. It is also a fantastic time to discuss the challenges community ensembles face. 

In the spring of 2012, we will be offering the first state-wide Men’s Choral Festival for Community Choristers.  This will be under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gardner and will take place in late May.  It will feature an all-day workshop with Dr. Gardner which will culminate in a performance of great works for men’s chorus.  This looks to be a very exciting event!

In July we will again partner with NJ ACDA on Tuesday, July 24^th to continue the excellent offerings to the New Jersey community choral singer.  This year we will offer a vocal health seminar, a workshop on sight reading, and end the evening with a sing-in which will be led by the conference headliner.

It is a tremendous time for lovers of choral music in our state!  I highly encourage you to participate with your local community chorus in whatever way may be possible!  It is truly fulfilling to perform and learn with adults who cherish choral singing in our state.

May you have a wonderful New Year!

-- Thomas Juneau

Jan. 2012