Blame the World, or Fix Our Choirs: It’s Our Choice
There are all sorts of things we tell ourselves to explain away the challenges so many lower voice choirs are facing these days:
“People are too busy” - “TV’s to blame” - “Kids don’t commit” - “No one under 60 appreciates good music” - and so on.
These are common perspectives, and of course it’s natural to wonder about external factors. But - instead of focusing on what’s outside our control - let’s think about factors we can influence:
Let’s ask ourselves “What can we do to make our choir truly inviting and inspiring?” and consider how we present ourselves, how we rehearse, how we perform, and how we welcome new members…
The truth is, some choirs are thriving — they’re growing, recruiting, staying relevant, embracing new approaches — proof that change is possible and can be positive, even transformative.
When we say, “That wouldn’t work for us,” what we often really mean is, “We’re comfortable with the way things are,” or “We’re hesitant to step outside our routine”, a mindset that isn’t just slowing us down… it’s closing us down!
Since 2012, about 150 lower voice choirs have closed their doors - a stark reminder that staying static can be risky.
Inertia can hold us back, but it doesn’t have to define us. Our choirs don’t have to be the next to close, but if we want different results, we must do something different.
The good news is, change doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It’s about discovering what works for us and having the courage to evolve.
And while it may seem scary, it’s also an opportunity: if we’re willing to adapt and innovate, we can ensure our musical communities remain vibrant and relevant, thriving and growing for many decades to come.
