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great way to connect and takes little preparation other than
finding a day, time, and place! Consider offering your servic-
es for free; your time and shared expertise are an investment
in the music education in your community.

• Listen. When I worked in Brooklyn, a middle school
teacher and I partnered every year to provide a two-part
workshop experience for her chorus. Before their visit, the
teacher would share what musical element the students
were studying, and we would agree on a piece I could teach
her group that would support that element. I incorporated
warm-ups and activities in the workshop that directly sup-
ported the learning and practicing of that element. A few
weeks later, I would visit the chorus and clinic their upcom-
ing concert repertoire including the new piece I introduced
to them. Working closely with the teacher and listening to
what she wanted and needed for her program ensured that
our partnership would fully support her classroom goals by
providing another perspective for her students.

• Create. As a community youth chorus director, I often
provide after-school programs at the schools in the area.
One year, we invited all of the participating students from
the various after-school programs to spend a day together
where we learned a new song all together, played games,
and had lunch. The day culminated in a performance for
family and friends featuring each of the after-school pro-
grams and some of the ensembles from the community cho-
rus. The event required quite a bit of planning and help, but
it was worth it to bring our community together through our
love of singing.

• Share. Don’t forget to invite or share your successful part-
nership experiences with school administrators, parents,
and donors! Post photos or videos of your collaboration on
social media so your followers can see how you, your orga-
nization, or your school are connecting to the community.

ChorTeach Volume 15 • Issue 1 7 Fall 2022