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Repertoire & Resources

cess should emphasize the importance of community nities, and partnerships with on-campus resources can
within the choir. Initial rehearsals can include activi- make travel more feasible.
ties designed to foster interpersonal connections, such By involving students in fundraising—whether
as structured introductions, group discussions about through organizing events, seeking donations, or col-
shared goals, and social events that allow students to in- laborating with campus organizations—directors make
teract outside the formal rehearsal setting. Establishing travel accessible to all students and give students a sense
these connections early on helps create a foundation for of ownership and investment in the experience. More-
a supportive and collaborative environment. Providing over, these shared efforts contribute to developing a
recruits with tangible “swag” (e.g., a water bottle with communal identity and pride in the ensemble, further
your choir’s logo) is another effective way for people to reinforcing the community bonds established through
feel connected to the program immediately. the travel experience.

Creating a Sense of Belonging Establishing a Group Identity
A crucial component of building a choral commu- Developing a clear group identity is another vital
nity is cultivating a sense of belonging among students. aspect of community building. Directors can cultivate
Directors can achieve this by organizing regular social this identity through consistent messaging about the
activities that allow students to develop personal con- choir’s goals, values, and vision. Regularly communi-
nections outside of rehearsal. These activities might cating these elements can help students feel connected
include informal gatherings, shared meals, festivals, to the larger purpose of the ensemble. It encourages
field trips, or attendance at performances as a group. them to take ownership of their roles within the group.
By fostering relationships among choir members, di- In addition to verbal communication, visual ele-
rectors can help create a more cohesive ensemble that ments can reinforce the choir’s identity. This might
works together more effectively in rehearsal and per- include creating choir-specific apparel, such as t-shirts
formance. or jackets, that students can wear with pride. Social
Peer mentorship programs can also play a significant media presence can also help with this; several media-
role in building community. By pairing new members savvy students are likely willing to run an account. Es-
with returning students, directors can provide newcom- tablishing traditions, such as annual performances or
ers with a support system that helps them navigate the signature repertoire, can also contribute to a sense of
challenges of joining a new ensemble. This mentorship continuity and shared experience, even as individual
not only aids in the acclimatization process but also members come and go.
strengthens the overall sense of unity within the choir. Building a choral community in a 2-year college re-
quires intentional effort and thoughtful strategies that
address the unique characteristics of the student popu-
Group Travel as a lation. By focusing on inclusive recruitment, fostering
Community-Building Tool personal connections, utilizing group travel, and devel-
Group travel offers a unique and powerful way to oping a strong group identity, choral directors can cre-
strengthen the bonds within a choral ensemble. Travel- ate an environment that enhances student engagement
ing together for performances, festivals, or workshops and ensures the program’s long-term success. The cul-
allows students to share experiences outside the usual tivation of such a community is essential for maximiz-
rehearsal environment, fostering deeper connections ing the educational and artistic potential of the 2-year
and a stronger sense of unity. While the costs asso- college choral ensemble.
ciated with group travel can be prohibitive for some
programs, especially within 2-year colleges, creative
solutions such as fundraising initiatives, grant opportu-

44 CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2024 Volume 65 Number 4