Greetings to all Choir Lovers! I am so excited to be a part of the growing world choir phenomenon. So many possibilities exist for singers, composers, and lovers of vocal music to connect and collaborate not only musically, but socially as well. Having been in choirs and orchestras since I was very young, I am so glad to see the transition of many different choral styles blending together across the globe. Most of us vocal-types have noticed the growth of groups starting their own virtual choirs, expanding the initial vision by Eric Whitacre. What an amazing century we live in!
The upsurge in Gen Y singers is so encouraging, since many standard choirs I know have been concerned about declining young participants both in the choir and in the audience. To me, the key is to be more and more proactive in being relevant while retaining proper vocal technique. I belive the mandate for continued choir growth is more than simply preserving the past. New works, new attitudes, new subjects, new collaborations are mission critical to remain viable in today's artistic marketplace.
I applaud any and all choral/vocal groups who present interactive concerts and events that break down the proverbial "fourth wall" (referring to the edge of the stage). We can not simply stand on a riser and expect the growing socially aware audiences to be able to relate to what we do.
I encourage every director, singer, and lover of choir music to learn more about global choir activity such as the Manda Wilderness Choir Festival, held annually in Mozambique. http://www.youtube.com/user/MandaWilderness
Perhaps I am being overly poetic when I say that area is Eden for the birth of vocal music. The 16 villages there understand that reaching out to the rest of the world has essential positive impact on their own culture. This festival is a shining example of how music should be collaborative. Somehow, western music has become so competitive and elite that it is in danger of losing all the wonderful benefits of ensemble performance. After all, isn't choral art social in nature? I am so glad many groups are NOT satisfied with the limited culture and connection of our own organizational cells. There is more to accomplish with our skill/practice- and so much can be learned from what might be considered one of the most remote areas on this planet. The Manda Wilderness Choir initiative is one of many growing programs reaching out, and we should all take notice!
I am pleased to say I have been asked to go to Africa this July to adjudicate the Manda Choir Festival and to work with the winning choir to prepare them for their prize of a recording session. It will be one of the most incredible journeys I can imagine!
In closing I would like to express a great big THANK YOU to ChoirPlace for helping bring us all a little closer! We truly need each other to make a positive impact in this world. As a composer of world style vocal music I invite you (if you are still reading this) to view a video of one of my new songs for SSAATBB choir. The text is in Swahili, and is intended to be a celebration of the very things happening in the vocal world today. I hope you take a moment to watch, and if it fits into the particular style of music you enjoy please consider perusing the sheet music. This song is performable in a variety of formats, from a capella to full orchestration. http://youtu.be/5douCy0KZjA
Thank you,
Stephen L Bigger
Director and Founder of The Santa Cruz World Choir & Orchestra
Manda Wilderness Choir Festival Participant
