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Nebraska chapter’s summer conference in 2007, I was The significance of community, networking, and re-
a twenty-five-year-old church and community choir lationships among choral directors cannot be overstat-
director, a college dropout (temporarily), and felt un- ed. Outside of my family, my two closest relationships
derqualified and completely on my own. It was at that are with choral conductors in my state. This is no ac-
summer conference that I began a journey of fellow- cident. I am fortunate to have two like-minded choral
ship with colleagues that has become one of the pillars professionals—both of whom work at the highest lev-
of my professional work for the past eighteen years. els of their respective niches in the profession—with
whom I can share ideas, concerns, dreams, plans, and
strategies for my ensembles in full confidence that they
The Importance of Community, Networking, not only comprehend the nuances of the conversation,
and Relationships for Choral Directors but also that they have me and my ensembles’ best in-
Given the amount of time we spend by ourselves terests in mind when they offer opinions and guidance.
listening to music, programming repertoire, studying They are also fully confident in my reciprocal invest-
scores, preparing concert programs, emailing the piano ment into the lives of their choirs, and our triumvirate
tuner, etc., it is crucial for our longevity in the field (and is built on a foundation of mutual respect and love for
for our continued growth and enjoyment) to find ways one another.
to meaningfully connect with other people who under- Further, because of the time we spend connecting,
stand the full breadth and depth of our work. be it via our group chat or over a late dinner after our

Crescent City Choral Festival

A FESTIVAL FOR TREBLE AND MIXED CHOIRS – 2026

2026 – June 25-29
Cheryl Dupont, Artistic Director
Guest Artist, Tom Shelton

sponsored by the
New Orleans Children’s Chorus
• open to all treble and mixed choirs representing
school, church, and community
Cheryl
Dupont
• accepting applications now
• performance at Immaculate Conception Church;
hotel near the French Quarter

You’ll fall in love with New Orleans!

Tom Shelton
For more information:
New Orleans Children’s Chorus
5604 Woodlawn Place
New Orleans, LA 70124
Outstanding music-making and great FUN! (504) 388-8871
nocc787@bellsouth.net
www.neworleanshildrenschorus.org

CHORAL JOURNAL May 2025 Volume 65 Number 8 51