I once had someone tell me that choral singing was a niche; in other words, it was only important to the small number of people who inhabit that niche. On the outside I responded, “Oh, really?” On the inside my reaction was visceral: I shouted internally, “No it isn’t! It’s compelling and vitally important!” But I couldn’t think fast enough to tell him why I thought he was mistaken.
I’m still not sure I could list reasons why choral music should be more than just a niche. It remains a visceral reaction that encompasses the power of music itself, and the glorious nature of a community of people joining voices, great and small, to make music together. In some countries, such as in the Baltics, we don’t have to make that case: choral music is amazingly important. In fact, I’ve been told that choral conductors are national heroes in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It played a role in their struggle against Soviet dominance. But even more deeply, choral singing seems to be an intrinsic part of their culture.
If that were only the case here in America! Fortunately, some Americans have caught that vision. Here is a portion of a speech given by Texas business man Morten H. Myerson at the 2013 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference in Dallas, Texas. It’s short, just 2 minutes long, but he presents an eloquent case for choral music.
We aren’t all successful Texas business men with that kind of story to tell. But those of us who love our art form can still be advocates, can still tell our own choral-singing story.
Tell your choral story to someone! Support your local chorus by joining, making a financial contribution, or volunteering to help. Or all of the above!
It’s worth it!
Dr. Linda Gingrich
Artistic Director and conductor
Master Chorus Eastside
No comments:
Post a Comment