Finance

Articles

A Chorus Treasurer’s Eight Key Responsibilities

The majority of choruses in North America are all-volunteer organizations, from the singers who give their musical talent to the board members who run the organization. This poses special challenges for the treasurer in safeguarding and managing the finances. Here is a guide to keep your chorus transparent and accountable. Read more

Views (1,192)
Favorites (1)
Comments (1)

Preparing for Your Audit

Eric Fraint | Finance, Governance, Operations

There are good reasons to have an audit even if it is not legally required. Audits provide an objective financial view of your organization. A few simple steps can make the process go more smoothly and keep the costs down. Read more

Views (518)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Should Board Members Be Required to Give Money?

Matthew Sigman | Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Participation

Assembling the ideal board is less about fundraising prowess and more about about balancing the right components. Read more

Views (725)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Back from the Brink

How One Chorus Grappled with the Perfect Storm of Bad Economic Circumstances

Eric Holtan | Audiences, Finance, Fundraising, Governance

All of us in the arts feel the pinch in a recession. Here is the story of how the Tucson Chamber Artists weathered the storm of economic bad news during one year, employing adaptive strategies throughout the season to overcome them. Read more

Views (405)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Financial Reports You Can Count On

Eric Fraint | Finance, Governance, Management/Leadership, Operations

Guidelines on the financial reports you need from your accountant—and when—to be an effective steward of your chorus. Read more

Views (494)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Michael Shaughnessy | Finance, Impact/Value

We're stuck here in the land of "interesting economic times," and we might as well try to make the most of it. Read more

Views (366)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Building Participatory Arts Experiences

Ben Cameron | Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Management/Leadership

Seismic market shifts invite us to rethink our missions. Smart performing arts groups are expanding social lobby spaces, adding coffee bars, engaging in re-branding—all to recognize that we traffic not merely artistic production but a total experience that begins with seeing the first ad, continues through the first call to the box office, and doesn't end until long after the audience member is home in bed. But, are we ready for a world where value is co-created? Read more

Views (405)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Chairing the Finance Committee

Bess Hamilton Foley | Finance, Governance, Operations

Providing financial oversight for your chorus is a critical role with many facets—learn about the challenges and rewards of effective stewardship. Read more

Views (410)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Is Your Chorus Ready To Tour?

Choruses and Tour Companies Share Their Wisdom

Kelsey Menehan | Finance, Operations, Performance, Venue

Every summer, countless choruses hit the road, offering up their musical gifts in venues across the globe and conferring many benefits to the chorus and its singers. Here are questions to ask before planning your first—or next—tour. Read more

Views (724)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

In the Board Room, Culture Counts

Nancy R. Axelrod | Evaluation, Finance, Governance, Management/Leadership

All the accountability checks in the world won't prevent lousy decisions if board members, managers, and artistic leaders lack teamwork and communications chemistry. Cultivate a healthy culture that brings out the best group traits of your board. Read more

Views (480)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Resources

Chorus Operations Survey Report (2012)

Roland Kushner | Evaluation, Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Management/Leadership, Marketing/Public Relations, Operations, Research/Data, Technique/Tool

Chorus America's annual survey of the operations of choruses, the Chorus Operations Survey Report includes more than 40 different analyses, from number of board meetings to board giving, from ticket pricing to chorus dues amounts, from accompanist pay practices to marketing efficiency. The 2012 report features data from the 2010-2011 season. Read more

Views (1,785)
Favorites (1)
Comments (0)

Chorus Operations Survey Report (2011)

Roland Kushner | Evaluation, Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Management/Leadership, Marketing/Public Relations, Operations, Research/Data, Technique/Tool

Chorus America's annual survey of the operations of choruses, the Operations Survey Report includes more than 40 different analyses, from number of board meetings to board giving, from ticket pricing to chorus dues amounts, from accompanist pay practices to marketing efficiency. The 2011 report features data from the 2009-2010 season. Read more

Views (1,566)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Fundraising Plan Outline

Chorus America Staff | Finance, Fundraising, Operations, Sample/Template

The most effective choruses plan out their annual fundraising; use this outline as a starting place. Read more

Views (673)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Finance Scavenger Hunt

Chorus America Staff | Finance, Sample/Template, Technique/Tool

Developed by an executive director, a treasurer, and a lawyer, this handout walks through the basics of sound financial management and how to read financial statements. A great primer for new board members! Read more

Views (557)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Budget Template

Chorus America Staff | Finance, Operations, Sample/Template

This Excel spreadsheet template provides a guideline for building a basic budget, including allocating expenses and income across the calendar year. Read more

Views (764)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Building Your Search Budget

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Finance, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

Searching for new artistic leadership requires its own budget. This list of income and expense considerations will help. Read more

Views (515)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Chorus Operations Survey Report (2010)

Roland Kushner | Audiences, Finance, Governance, Marketing/Public Relations, Operations, Research/Data, Technique/Tool

The 2010 survey reports on operations data from the 2008-2009 season. An excellent benchmarking tool. Read more

Views (606)
Favorites (0)
Comments (0)

Conference Keynote Speech: There Are No Crises

Russell Willis ... | Audiences, Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Innovation, Management/Leadership

A speech by Russell Willis Taylor of National Arts Strategies that addresses ways to turn times of organizational and environmental crisis into growth and creative thinking opportunities. Delivered at the 2010 Conference. Read more