High Notes Blog

Chorus America's High Notes blog is curated by the Chorus America staff. Here, find articles on what our members are up to, and links to the latest news and commentary on the issues that matter to the choral field. High Notes also includes information about policy issues and advocacy alerts.

Additional Advocacy Information

Chorus America is a member of the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA), a national coalition of nonprofit arts service organizations advocating for federal policies that impact the nonprofit performing arts sector. Membership in Chorus America includes membership in PAA and you can learn more about PAA's policy agenda in the PAA Advocacy Center.

  • by Mike Rowan

    A new report released by Chorus America provides the first-ever systematic look at what moves and motivates the people who attend choral music concerts. The study’s surveying tools and findings, all available for use by the field, will help choruses create even more meaningful and engaging experiences for their communities.

  • by Chorus America Staff

    Robert Page, one of the leading figures in choral music in the second half of the 20th century and one of Chorus America’s first board members, passed away on Sunday, August 7. Bob was 89.

  • by Mike Rowan

    Gregg Smith, one of the earliest choral conductors to employ a choir of professional singers and an important figure in Chorus America's organizational history, passed away on July 12, 2016 at the age of 84.

  • by Chorus America Staff

    Chorus America partnered with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), and Yale University School of Music to begin a unique project that, for the first time, examines the connections between the different types of choral communities in the U.S.

  • by Chorus America Staff

    Former Chorus America board member John Evans, previously the head of the music department at the BBC’s Radio 3 and, most recently, executive director of the Oregon Bach Festival, passed away on March 20 at the age of 62. “John’s life and work, both as a Britten scholar and as a talented leader, had a significant impact on the choral field,” said Chorus America president and CEO Catherine Dehoney. “We are particularly grateful for his service on Chorus America’s board of directors, and he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues.”

  • by Mike Rowan

    Chorus America announced the recipients of its 2016 awards program. Honoring 11 outstanding organizations and individuals, the Chorus America Awards recognize a broad range of achievements in choral music, including artistic excellence, adventurous programming, innovative education programs, generous philanthropy, and lifetime service to the choral art.

  • by Mike Rowan

    At a White House state dinner held in honor of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Children of the Gospel Choir joined Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles in a performance of the artist's hit song "Brave." The performance had attendees clapping along and drew an immediate standing ovation at its conclusion. The trip by Trudeau was the first official visit to the US by a Canadian leader in nearly 20 years.

  • by Mike Rowan

    The collaborative recording of "Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil," featuring the combined forces of Chorus America members the Phoenix Chorale and the Kansas City Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy, was awarded the 2016 Grammy for Best Choral Performance on Monday, Febuary 15. This marks the second time each ensemble - both of which are led by Bruffy - has won the award. The recording was also nominated for Best Engineered Album, Classical.

  • by Mike Rowan

    Several Chorus America members and friends have been nominated for the 2016 Grammy Awards. The winners will be announced on February 15, 2016. Notable nominations include:

    Best Choral Performance
    Kansas City Chorale and Phoenix Chorale
    Conspirare
    True Concord
    Harry Christophers

    Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
    Roomful of Teeth

  • by Mike Rowan

    Chorus America board member Shawn Crouch was named third place winner of the 2015 American Prize in Composition, professional division for choral music, for his piece Paradise.

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