For nearly half a century, Voices of Omaha has presented annual performances of Handel's Messiah without admission charge. In 2010, artistic director Edward B. Hurd laid out a challenge and a path forward: “We can do even more for our community.” Part I of this two-part series takes a look at the chorus's image makeover and efforts to attract a younger and more diverse community.

At the opening session of Chorus America’s 2014 Conference, conductor Josh Habermann and a cappella pioneer Deke Sharon talked about new trends in vocal music and breaking down boundaries between the classical and pop worlds.

Conducting Hope tells the inspiring story of the East Hills Singers at Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas. Producer and director Margie Friedman talks about the only men’s prison choir in the country to perform outside prison walls. 

In addition to expanding educational and artistic programming as president of the Kennedy Center, Michael Kaiser has become a prominent leader in arts management. Here are some of the insights he shared at Chorus America's 2014 Conference.

What choruses can learn from a dance company that uses its art form to help communities tell their own stories.

Joyce Garrett knew from a young age that she wanted to work with choirs. What she didn't realize was that this desire would lead her to change the lives of hundreds of high school students along the way. 

Experienced song leaders share what they've learned about the special magic of bringing together a group of ordinary people in song.

Prison choirs help inmates reconnect with their self-worth and build a sense of community –both inside and outside prison walls.