Reconnecting with People
Before we start, I want to make one thing clear: while I refer to choral ensembles throughout this article, the principles are just as valid for worship teams, orchestras, handbell choirs, and any other musical ensemble.
Through my years of working with choirs (both in church and university), I have come to believe that building a true sense of community through choir is one of the most important aspects of our ministry. In fact, I’ve come to believe in it so strongly that I’m no longer willing to go without this important aspect of music making, and I don’t believe music can be at its best outside of a genuine sense of community.
I believe that we’re all in search of community – whatever our ages. We all long for a place and a group of friends who value and accept us. What exactly do I mean by community, and how can it be built? The following categories and comments which follow help to unpack this issue a bit.
Before we start, I want to make one thing clear: while I refer to choral ensembles throughout this article, the principles are just as valid for worship teams, orchestras, handbell choirs, and any other musical ensemble.
Through my years of working with choirs (both in church and university), I have come to believe that building a true sense of community through choir is one of the most important aspects of our ministry. In fact, I’ve come to believe in it so strongly that I’m no longer willing to go without this important aspect of music making, and I don’t believe music can be at its best outside of a genuine sense of community.
I believe that we’re all in search of community – whatever our ages. We all long for a place and a group of friends who value and accept us. What exactly do I mean by community, and how can it be built? The following categories and comments which follow help to unpack this issue a bit.