Mission, Vision, Values, and Diversity
MISSION STATEMENT
In the belief that choral singing nurtures the human spirit, the mission of Bloomington Chamber Singers is to provide excellence in performance, education, and community engagement.
vision statement
Bloomington Chamber Singers envisions a future in which we foster the transformative power of choral music for an ever-growing global community. From masterworks to lesser-known pieces, our repertoire serves to broaden horizons. We are stewards of a rich choral tradition, constantly challenging one another to keep our musical explorations relevant.
Values
As an organization, Bloomington Chamber Singers values:
excellence in the performance of choral music
personal growth, by offering a rich opportunity in this region for skilled amateur singers to perform a wide range of choral and choral/orchestral works under the direction of a professional conductor
creative integrity, including the use of period instruments and arrangements when appropriate
diversity, where all are welcome to experience the joy of choral singing
fiscal responsibility and financial security
continuity, where a committed core of veteran singers provides musical and administrative stability, refreshed by the energy and inspiration of new members
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bloomington Chamber Singers affirms our commitment to social justice.
Throughout our history, Bloomington Chamber Singers has performed music that enlightens the soul and transforms lives. We believe that music can be a powerful platform for social change. Our members share a deep sense of pride, passion, and belonging that honors a diverse tapestry, and are unified in our shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusion.
We will not be silent and will listen to the voices of the oppressed. We will not be silent and will sing music that helps to transform the human spirit, expand awareness, and pursue a vision of justice for people of all races, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Never our despair,
Never the least of us,
Never turn away,
Never hide your face;
Ordinary boy,
only all of us,
Free us from our fear.
Browne and Johnson, "All of Us"
Considering Matthew Shepard
© 2016 Booker Music
Keep listening with us.
About Bloomington Chamber Singers
Bloomington Chamber Singers (BCS) is a community-based, nonprofit corporation registered with Indiana and Federal agencies, and owned and governed by its singers, each of whom is a voting member of the Corporation.
BCS provides a rare opportunity for amateur singers to perform major choral works and to hone their craft under the guidance of a professional conductor. The excellence of the ensemble is reflected by the large number of individuals who audition each year, the group’s membership continuity, the consistently large audiences we draw from Bloomington and several surrounding counties, and our laudatory reviews. Over the years, BCS has increased in size, developed an effective governing infrastructure with appropriate financial resources, and most importantly achieved a well-recognized high level of musicianship and breadth of repertoire.
Art is one of the most characteristic human activities there is, enriching and improving us all. There is, simply put, no culture anywhere in the world that does not sing, and our activities provide something no other community organization does. We are not a religious group per se, although the greatest number of our concerts are centered on the religious music of the West because that is where the repertoire of our common cultural tradition lies. Our first choices are always aesthetic, but we are cognizant of the values of the communities we serve and try to choose pieces that are not only beautiful but valuable emotionally and intellectually.
In addition to our annual concert series, BCS enriches the community in other ways. During the holiday season we carol on the Courthouse Square and in downtown shopping areas. For many years, BCS has invited the public to join in an open sing-along of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. An average of 300 singers and listeners attend each year to enjoy this annual tradition, which benefits the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
