Memo on change in size of ensemble
Memo
To: Board of Directors
From: Mary Lee, Executive Director
Date: April 25, 2016
Re: Recommendation to change ensemble size
Directors,
The artists of Cantus have made a recommendation to reduce the size of the ensemble from nine (5 tenors, 4 low voices) to eight (4 tenors, 4 low voices). This is a recommendation based on:
The Executive Committee has reviewed this recommendation and determined that, as this most directly affects the ensemble and artistic excellence, the weight of the recommendation rests with the ensemble with final approval from the Executive Director. However, because this is a significant change, we are bringing this to board for feedback and counsel.
In addition to raising singer salaries in a tight year, the proposal will:
Some outcomes to address:
This change and our communications around it do provide an opportunity to articulate the artistic vision for the ensemble and share that with AAM, presenters and our donors. This positive message would be a key part of a Cantus 2020 fundraising effort, inspiring and animating audiences and donors as we hit our 25th anniversary in 2020-2021. See next page for a draft (and unapproved) example of this statement.
Cantus 2020 Artistic Vision
DRAFT
Mission: Cantus engages audiences in a meaningful music experience and ensures the future of ensemble singing by mentoring young singers and educators. Cantus was founded on the ideals of collaborative music-making: artists and staff work together to reach new levels of artistic excellence, innovation and audience engagement.
Vision: Our vision is to give voice to shared human experiences.
Looking to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Cantus in 2020 and recognizing that audiences expect increasing excellence and added value in their arts experiences, Cantus is committed to providing a music experience that inspires and engages our community. We do this by serving local and national audiences with programs that provide respite or joy, change perceptions, inspire imaginations and impact lives in a personal and meaningful way.
Upcoming artistic activities and changes:
To: Board of Directors
From: Mary Lee, Executive Director
Date: April 25, 2016
Re: Recommendation to change ensemble size
Directors,
The artists of Cantus have made a recommendation to reduce the size of the ensemble from nine (5 tenors, 4 low voices) to eight (4 tenors, 4 low voices). This is a recommendation based on:
- Continued improvement and professionalism (better technique, better vocal health) in the ensemble voices;
- Balancing the sound between high and low voices;
- A desire to keep advancing our goals for Cantus 2020. By reducing the size of the ensemble, we will redistribute the 9th salary to the eight and be able to raise singer salaries.
The Executive Committee has reviewed this recommendation and determined that, as this most directly affects the ensemble and artistic excellence, the weight of the recommendation rests with the ensemble with final approval from the Executive Director. However, because this is a significant change, we are bringing this to board for feedback and counsel.
In addition to raising singer salaries in a tight year, the proposal will:
- Reduce touring costs
- Continue to reinforce artist responsibility
- Provide incentive for retention as well as attracting new singers: Longer tenure helps the group perform better, and helps individuals perform their job more easily.
Some outcomes to address:
- Local audiences pay close attention to the ensemble and will notice the visible change. Many will assume we have cut artists over staff.
- Is the increase enough to stop the “revolving door”? IE, will returning singers be willing to commit for more than one year with us?
This change and our communications around it do provide an opportunity to articulate the artistic vision for the ensemble and share that with AAM, presenters and our donors. This positive message would be a key part of a Cantus 2020 fundraising effort, inspiring and animating audiences and donors as we hit our 25th anniversary in 2020-2021. See next page for a draft (and unapproved) example of this statement.
Cantus 2020 Artistic Vision
DRAFT
Mission: Cantus engages audiences in a meaningful music experience and ensures the future of ensemble singing by mentoring young singers and educators. Cantus was founded on the ideals of collaborative music-making: artists and staff work together to reach new levels of artistic excellence, innovation and audience engagement.
Vision: Our vision is to give voice to shared human experiences.
Looking to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Cantus in 2020 and recognizing that audiences expect increasing excellence and added value in their arts experiences, Cantus is committed to providing a music experience that inspires and engages our community. We do this by serving local and national audiences with programs that provide respite or joy, change perceptions, inspire imaginations and impact lives in a personal and meaningful way.
- Cantus is known for and delivers artistic excellence, leadership as a collaborative organization and compelling programming.
- We are known for performing excellence, an adventurous sense of discovery in our programming, and a commitment to access to our art form.
- Through commissions, multi-media productions and innovative programming, we influence and reshape the genre of the vocal ensemble.
- We create opportunities for collaboration and will always push beyond audience expectations.
- Advancing and promoting alternatives in music careers by sharing best practices in residencies at colleges and universities for the 21st century musician.
Upcoming artistic activities and changes:
- Chanticleer joint concert in October 2016
- Jeaf Beal commission for “No Greater Love than This” – fall 2016 and national tour program
- Cantus presents Romeo & Juliet at the Guthrie, Spring 2017
- “Discover of Sight” in collaboration with University of St. Thomas engineering department – fall 2017 and national tour program
- Gabriel Kahane commission for “Discovery of Sight”
- Ensemble revoiced and balanced from five tenors to four.
- Refreshed education outreach menu to include sessions on programming, entrepreneurship and auditioning.
