Expanding Our Communities As We Share Music Virtually

April 3, 2020

*Also in this series:

The Varied Formats of Finding Connection Amid COVID-19

New Choral Broadcasts to Get Us Through COVID-19

Creative Community Singing Outlets in the Face of COVID-19

As we all remain in our homes and avoid social gatherings, many choruses are delighting their singers and followers with virtual music projects and new ways to connect. Some of these groups are intentionally reaching beyond their singer membership in the creation process of these projects, or offering a digital version of their events to a wider community of participants than previously planned. We wanted to highlight a few of those efforts.

Jerusalem Youth Chorus - "Home" from Home

The Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC), a choral and dialogue program for Palestinian and Israeli youth from East and West Jerusalem led by artistic director Micah Hendler, is creating a new video of its anthem, Phillip Phillips' Home - starring YOU. JYC is inviting video submissions from all over the world as a way of gathering its global family together and embodying the timely message of this song. There are three options to participate: film yourself singing the melody; dancing (singing optional); or, for the "music nerds," sing harmonies or jam along on an instrument. Submissions are open until April 5!

Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) - Sing Out @ Home

Based in Cincinnati, this highly social and partnership-driven choral ensemble was set to premiere the first movement of a new commission at May 3 performance. With that engagement now canceled, YPCC is transforming the premiere into a virtual choir version - and you don't have to be a YPCC singer to participate. Participants have the chance to attend virtual sectionals and a "coffee chat" with director KellyAnn Nelson and composer Jacob Stone, and submissions for the virtual choir premiere are due April 14.

National Lutheran Choir - How Can We Keep From Singing

The Twin Cities-based National Lutheran Choir (NLC), under the direction of David Cherwien, had scheduled its annual gala for April 19. Now, in lieu of an in-person gathering, NLC is moving its programming online on and around its original gala date. This includes "How Can We Keep From Singing," a half-hour event to "share music, stories, and hope in a virtual gathering place where all can participate" on April 19 at 4:00pm CT.

One Voice Mixed Chorus - The Pirates of Penzance

Like many choral organizations, Minnesota's LGBT and straight allies community chorus One Voice Mixed Chorus, directed by Jane Ramseyer Miller, is re-broadcasting past performances digitally to keep its community engaged - in this case, a production of the beloved Gilbert & Sullivan musical. But there's a new element - One Voice is conducting brand new interviews with performers and stage director Gary Briggle, and airing the entire newly repackaged show live on YouTube and Facebook on April 15 at 7:00pm CT.