Before the singing : structuring children's choirs for success

294 Pages·2013·1.14 MB·English

by  Barbara Tagg

Before the Singing
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Before the Singing
STRUCTURING CHILDREN’S CHOIRS FOR SUCCESS
Barbara M. Tagg
1
3

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© Oxford University Press 2013
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Tagg, Barbara.
Structuring children’s choirs for success : before the singing / Barbara M. Tagg.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978–0–19–992070–9 (alk. paper) – ISBN 978–0–19–992068–6 (alk. paper)
1. Children’s choirs. I. Title.
MT88.T35 2013
782.7′145—dc23
2012040878
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Printed in the United States of America
on acid-free paper
In memory of Barbara F. Marble
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Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Foreword by Francisco J. Núñez xi
About the Companion Website xv
Introduction x ix
1. Getting Started 1
2. Organizational Structure 14
3. Beyond the Board 3 0
4. Leadership Transition 43
5. Finances 60
6. Rehearsals and Parents 83
7. Musical Matters 99
8. Promotion and Fundraising 111
9. Concerts 1 28
10. Building Community 1 49
11. Performing with Professionals 168
12. Touring 187
13. In the Words of Others 2 03
14. Suggested Treble Repertoire 215
Notes 245
Bibliography 253
Index 261
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Acknowledgments
T he writing of this book is possible because of the community of people with
whom I have had the privilege of working, studying, collaborating, and sharing in the
choral art.
S pecial thanks to the choristers and their families, and the board of directors of the
Syracuse Children’s Chorus (SCC), who believed in our mission, supported the chorus,
and collaborated in the shared vision for the organization. My appreciation goes to the
staff and volunteers of the SCC, both artistic and administrative, during my thirty-year
tenure there. I off er thanks to the choral music educators of the Syracuse City School
District and the Onondaga County public schools and surrounding counties’ public
and private schools, who inspire young singers daily in their classrooms and choirs.
Two professional choral organizations deserve thanks. Th e American Choral
Directors Association, including all my colleagues on the National Committee on
Children’s Choirs and the National Committee on Repertoire and Standards, provided
years of collaboration and volunteer eff orts. Much inspiration and knowledge came
from Chorus America under the executive leadership of Ann Meier Baker, my colleagues
on its national board of directors, and the organization’s capable staff . Th e national
conferences and management institutes provided data, knowledge, and resources that
were invaluable in developing and sustaining a nonprofi t choral organization. Many
people are grateful for their strong commitment to children’s and youth choirs.
Special thanks go to Jean Ashworth Bartle for her encouragement throughout this
project. Gregg Smith challenged, inspired, and encouraged me throughout my ten-
ure with the SCC. Many are grateful for his long-time support of children’s singing.
Sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Doreen Rao, mentor, colleague, and friend, and to all the
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