MISSION STATEMENT
The Seattle Choral Company is the Pacific Northwest's leading
symphonic chorus. We present diverse and engaging choral
experiences for our audiences and performers
with exceptional quality and musicality.
VISION STATEMENT
The Seattle Choral Company is known for providing an all-encompassing and unforgettable
choral experience for its audiences and performers. We are known for our innovative
programming which engages the old and young, the sophisticated and first-time listener,
as well as those interested in understanding diverse cultures and periods. From
the moment the patron or the performer comes in contact with the SCC, we appeal
to more than just the ear by providing engrossing program notes, along with visual
stimulation through creative means that enable the participant to experience the
music through multiple senses. The choral experience we provide includes a strong
component of education, both for patrons in attendance at concerts and for students
who will become the future singers and patrons of the SCC. The positive experience
extends to every "touch" that our patrons and performers have with the Seattle Choral
Company, including the ticket-buying experience, volunteer opportunities, rehearsals
and donor relations and events.
We are a diverse group of men and women who care passionately about the quality
of our vocal sound and the professionalism of our performance, and production values.
Our efforts are enhanced by the participation of a core group of soloists who provide
coaching in vocal technique, leadership in each section, and who enable the learning
of challenging music in an efficient manner. This core group also provides first-class
quality solos and small ensembles which add to the excellence and beauty of each
concert. The Company is directed by an artistic director who draws out the best
in each singer and in the group as a whole. The leader's skills are continually
refreshed through participation in master classes and other state-of-the-art opportunities
for coaching and education.
Seattle Choral Company performs and is known for its ability to effectively produce
large-scale choral works. These works may be large-scale because of the orchestra
that accompanies the group, or because of the size of the singing group or the complexity
of the music. At times the concerts may involve other groups such as other choirs,
dance troupes, actors, or instrumental ensembles, as well as other media such as
film. The performances are given in large venues because the programming and scale
of the music require a large acoustical space and attract large audiences. A group
that can record trailers and sound tracks for the movie industry, as well as assisting
other large arts organization in their seasonal programming.
Technological innovation is a hallmark of how the SCC operates. We employ the use
of the Internet, e-mail communication, "push" technology and our website to maximum
effect in outreach and the marketing of our programming, communication with our
donors, and in the recruitment and retention of members and volunteers. We use state-of-the-art
software to track and communicate with our donors, volunteers and ticket-buyers.
We also provide an electronic forum and on-line community for our members, volunteers
and Board. Ticket sales and donations can easily and efficiently be accomplished
using our website which is continually updated and fresh.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
We are committed to:
- creating all-encompassing choral experiences for our audiences and performers;
- producing the highest caliber musical performances, technically and artistically;
- attracting, developing and retaining the best singers and instrumentalists in the
region as members of our company;
- performing music that challenges us and inspires our audiences;
- engaging exceptional guest artists and composers;
- recognizing the high value of each person's contribution to the organization;
- maintaining a high level of professionalism in our musicianship and in all aspects
of our organization;
- constantly developing our musicianship individually and as a group;
- empowering our members to fulfill their musical potential;
- working together in a manner that is engaging and productive;
- operating with fiscal integrity;
- performing all business openly, assuring open communication between the board and
council and all members of the organization.
- reaching out to all parts of the community to attract singers, employees, volunteers,
and audiences;
- making a contribution to the community through our work.;
- encouraging volunteers by offering opportunities seen as an interesting growth experience
and not a burden.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
(The following is taken from the "Creed" of The Collegiate Chorale, Robert
Shaw, conductor)
We Believe...
that in a world of political, economic and personal disintegrations music is
not a luxury but a necessity -- not simply because it is "therapeutic," nor because
it is the "universal language," but because it is the persistent focus of man's
intelligence, aspiration and good-will.
We Believe...
that music is always a community enterprise. The solo performance does not exist.
Even its creations is an attempt to communicate, and every performance an effort
to unite the minds of men even of different generations.
We Believe...
that music is one art. The chorus, the symphony orchestra, the virtuoso recitalist
and the string quartet are not competitive "attractions" for the public fashion
in patronage, but are instruments of a single craft with similar responsibilities.
We Believe...
that music is peculiarly a doer's art, and its benefits are in direct proportions
to active participation.
We Believe...
that it is the performer's business to get out of the way of music. His craft
is to "reveal -- not to interpret."
We Believe...
that the choral art stands in a unique position to be of service to man and
music because it offers the most immediate and accessible avenue of active participation.
And we believe...
that the choral instrument should assume a position of respect and musical responsibility
commensurate with the distinction of its literature and comparable to that of the
major professional orchestras.