The Art of Strategic Alliances

Matthew Sigman | Composing/Commissioning, Governance, Innovation, Management/Leadership, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

When do partnerships add value and when do they distract from a chorus’s mission?  Philadelphia’s venerable Mendelssohn Club explores the spectrum of collaboration, from artistic to administrative. Read more

The Art of Strategic Alliances: Best Practices

Matthew Sigman | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Governance, Innovation, Professional, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

Considering a strategic alliance? You might also want to consider these best practices drawn from the major findings of the Mendelssohn Club's Strategic Alliances study featured in the article "The Art of Strategic Alliances" by Matthew Sigman. Read more

Getting on Board

Kelsey Menehan | Governance, Recruitment

Some words to the wise for those who are new to a chorus board of directors. Read more

A Chorus Treasurer’s Eight Key Responsibilities

Dennis Walsh | Finance, Governance

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

Navigating a Music Director Transition

An Online Seminar

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning, Technology

Responding to survey data that revealed that 33% of responding conductors were founding directors that anticipated retiring from their ensembles within 5-10 years, Chorus America created this online seminar, Navigating a Music Director Transition. Packed full of video interviews with leaders in the field who have addressed this transition from all different roles (departing music director, incoming music director, board president, executive director, search committee member, etc.), as well as practical worksheets and tools, the 4-part seminar is a vital resource for any choruses anticipating an artistic change. Read more

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

Conflict of Interest Policy

Chorus America Staff | Governance, Legal/Licensing, Management/Leadership, Sample/Template

Use this policy template to ensure that your chorus is in compliance with tax requirements. Read more

Bylaws Checklist (Canada)

Chorus America Staff | Governance, Legal/Licensing, Operations, Sample/Template

Use this checklist to ensure that your chorus' by-laws include all the necessary components. (Canada only) Read more