| Thought-provoking sessions, deep discussions, connections with old friends and new colleagues, beautiful music and innovative performances—it was all there at Chorus America’s 32nd Annual Conference in Philadelphia,
June 10-13, 2009, hosted by The Philadelphia Singers and music director David Hayes. At the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing overlooking the Delaware River, more than 430 choral leaders started each day with a plenary session, including “Making Choruses Cool Two Minds at a Time” with Elizabeth Streb, creative choreographer and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award winner; “Thinking Outside the Box?” with Jim Rosenberg, innovation expert at National Arts Strategies; and “Singing and Social Change” with Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. |
As has become a Conference tradition, each day also offered a morning sing led by some of the chorus world’s favorite conductors—Francisco Núñez, Cícero Alves, and Bernice Johnson Reagon. Over 20 breakout sessions on chorus management, fundraising, technology, commissions and collaborations, recruitment, communication, and administration were held at this year’s Conference. Attendees were also treated to concerts by hosts The Philadelphia Singers and other outstanding local choruses, including Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, The Crossing, The Princeton Singers, New Jersey Youth Chorus, Singing City, Bucks County Choral Society, and Joyful Noise.
In addition to the variety of sessions and concerts, delegates convened for a special presentation, led by arts education advocate Eric Booth, on The Chorus Impact Study, Chorus America’s latest research on the benefits of choral singing and its effects on communities. Attendees were invited to share and record their experiences that link critical data points with personal stories illustrating “the chorus effect” to build support for choruses at every level. Members of the choral community were recognized with Chorus America’s prestigious Annual Awards. And Chorus America delegates continued their tradition of generosity by boosting the Conference Campaign to $36,000 (special thanks go to ACFEA Tour Consultants and the Chorus America board for matching grants). The Annual Auction, chaired by Paul Caldwell, raised more than $65,000 for Chorus America’s programs.
Chorus America extends its gratitude and thanks to all donors, speakers, and the many volunteers who contributed immeasurably to the success of the 2009 Conference. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our Conference sponsors, who underwrote many of the sessions and events.
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View the Award Winners
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View Auction Donors SAVE THE DATE! Make plans now to attend Chorus America’s 33rd Annual Conference, June 16-19, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. |
