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30th Anniversary
2008-2009 Season

Festival of Voices

September 13, 2008

Discover!
Bernstein
November 1 & 2, 2008

Holst The Planets
November 7, 8 & 9, 2008

Christmas with
The Master Chorale

December 5 & 6, 2008

Verdi Requiem
March 7 & 8, 2009
with The Florida Orchestra

Resurrection
Mahler Symphony No. 2
May 15, 16 &  17, 2009
with The Florida Orchestra


Richard Zielinski
Music & Artistic Director


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2007 Singer Survey Results (*)


2007 Singer Survey Results Thank you for your participation!
(click to view anonymous results - open ended questions are not available)

A summary of these results is listed below.

The Board of Trustees would like to express its sincere thanks to the 101 singers who responded to our 2007 survey.  It is very clear that the Master Chorale is comprised of singers who are passionate about singing and want to bring quality music to the community.  Singers want to share their aspirations to make The Master Chorale the best that it can be locally, regionally and nationally. Some of the most common singer survey responses are listed below.  As in every poll, there can be quite a disparaging range of thoughts; however, we are encouraged by the response from this very vocal group.  It is well documented that singers strongly support the vision that The Master Chorale strives for the highest standard of choral excellence; they ask that the expectations be set higher in order to pursue excellence.

The Board of Trustees of The Master Chorale uses this tool as a clear barometer where things need to change, improve or are just great the way they are.  So we thank everyone for taking the time to express their ideas and goals in order to ensure that the MC offer excellent quality performances, obtain a renowned reputation in the Tampa Bay area and reaches out beyond our own community.        

The Master Chorale’s Organizational Goals

Goal One: 
Ensure that The Master Chorale’s programs are of the highest artistic quality and consistent with its vision, mission and values. 

*            The singers derive a personal drive to share their passion of music with others and the community.  They want to perform, inspire and elevate themselves and the audience.

*            They expressed their very strong support for the Florida Orchestra and Dr. Richard Zielinski.

*            They found the MC to be an avenue to spread their love of singing glorious music but lamented on the fact that only a few of their immediate families and friends enjoyed the same passion.

*             The majority of the singers want to excel at singing, bring superior chorus to the community, achieve personal satisfaction with a great performance and contribute to a superior artistic level.  This result has the same density as it did last year and speaks very highly of the excellent degree of professionalism of the singers.

*             Even the high cost of gasoline would not keep the majority of the singers from coming to rehearsals.

*             Although the implementation of additional tools to learn music was recurrent this year, numerous singers suggested that rehearsal and practice CDs with parts be provided.  If singers could rehearse privately, Dr. Z would not have to repeat himself so often.   Singers strongly recommended personal preparation time to know the notes as key to ensuring the performance of the chorus as a whole.

*             Changing the rehearsal time to an earlier time on Tuesday evenings was more prominently requested this year.  Some singers would appreciate the extra rehearsal time if it were dedicated to sectional rehearsals.  An almost equal number of singers would/would not attend.

*             The vocal placement process was handled professionally and met expectations although some questioned its purpose and other never went through the process.

*        Seventy percent of the respondents indicated that the MC required the right amount of time.

*             Some wanted to implement a buddy system for new singers.  Assign a veteran singer to a new singer, to help familiarize them with warm-up routines and overall having someone to turn to for all questions.

*             There is a desire to receive more rather than less communication.

*             Singers should be notified and allowed to audition for all solos in order to see more of a variety of soloists chosen.

*             The singers feel strongly that substandard voices should be eliminated and that those who don't attend rehearsals (2 would be the norm) be told they cannot sing. 

*             Emergency absences were understood by most singers; but unpreparedness, talk, lack of attention, or not knowing the score were mentioned numerous times.  Disruptions or singers who did not know their notes were strongly discouraged.  Singers were very serious about spending the time singing. One humorous singer even offered that absenteeism should only be considered in cases of heart surgery, kidnapping, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, or alien encounters.

*             74% of the singers felt that absences during concert week should not be allowed.

*             Members of the MC understood the pressures of having family obligations, work demands, and other lifestyle commitments that may interfere with their hobby but were encouraged by the professionalism that most singers displayed in being on time, attending rehearsals and wanting to excel in their singing.

*             Singers were encouraged to call another singer in its section if they were not able to attend rehearsals. 

*             While it was recognized that singers are not born sellers, sixty three percent of the responses indicated that singers should sell tickets for concerts.  Some objected vigorously but understood that concert halls needed to be filled.  Suggestions such as posting flyers in churches, advertising at music studios, contacting music teachers in the public and private sector, approaching AAA to promote concerts, partnership arrangements with other arts organizations, etc.  should all be explored.  Perhaps recognition for those singers that sell the most tickets or a tracking system that would credit a singer for the most tickets sold on line should also be looked into.

*             A majority of the singers were willing to go on line to review Dr. Z's marked score and thought it an excellent tool that was very beneficial to them.  

*             Sixty five percent suggested exploring paying annual dues or forming a membership program. 

*             While most singers enjoyed singing new compositions, a majority of them felt the concerts would be better attended if  the music performed was by well-known composers.  A majority of the singers liked the challenge of complex music pieces.

*            The singers felt that the concert selections were appropriate (46.2%), while others thought that they were challenging but had mastered them (46.2%)
 

                   Goal Two: 
Develop and maintain the diverse financial resources necessary to support and sustain The Master Chorale's continued growth and development.

(survey data unrelated to this goal)                      

Goal Three:   
Ensure that The Master Chorale has the organizational infrastructure required for its continued growth and development.

(survey data unrelated to this goal)

Goal Four:   
Increase public awareness and recognition of The Master Chorale.
   

*             Respondents stated definitely (62.8%) or maybe (34%) that they would like to do additional master chorale activities or concerts during the summer months.

*             74.5% would like to have a trip or tour either every other year or every third year and that it should be 6 to 10 days long.

*             65.5% felt that the Festival 2008 (August 1-16) was too long but 64% expressed the desire to sing at the festival if it were shortened to 10-11 days.

The Master Chorale’s Core Values:

Artistic Excellence:   Achieving the highest standards for both repertoire and performance. 

Dedication:               Sharing the joy of choral music through a community of dedicated singers, staff and volunteers.

Collaboration:           Fostering rewarding partnerships with individual artists, artistic and educational organizations, and businesses.

Education:                 Pursuing the highest artistic standards through ongoing learning and teaching.

Community ServiceEnriching the world in which we live through music outreach and service.

Diversity:                  Celebrating the diversity of our music, singers, audiences and community.

Integrity:                  Operating an effective and trustworthy organization as stewards for the resources provided to us.


 

© 2002-2008 The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay
Phone: 813-974-7726   --   Fax: 813-974-7439
30382 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620-3038

E-mail:
info@masterchorale.com