Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Your Chorus Vision and Mission
What’s a Vision Statement? What’s a Mission Statement?
Why Does My Chorus Need Either One?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision
What you see
Who you want to be
Where you want to end up
Mission What you do
Why you do it
Where your path lies
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
A Vision Statement
Gives you a picture of the future to live into
Inspires and unites individuals within a chorus
Is based on core values and an understanding of your chorus culture
Needs a memorable “hook” – can use images, sensory words, and emotions
Captures your dreams for your chorus
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
A Mission Statement
Declares your purpose as a chorus; why do you do this?
Describes the path you follow in your actions and activities
Is based on core values and an understanding of your chorus culture
Needs action words
Captures your chorus’ overall focus and goals
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision Statements: Examples
Oxfam: “A just world without poverty”
Human Rights Campaign: “Equality for everyone”
The Nature Conservancy: “Our vision is to leave a sustainable world for future generations.”
ASPCA: “That the United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness.”
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Mission Statements: Examples
Oxfam: “To create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice”
USO: “lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families”
CARE: “To serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world.”
PBS: “To create content that educates, informs and inspires.”
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Possible Sweet Adeline Chorus Vision Statements
(Our chorus) is the premiere a cappella organization for women in (our city).
(Our chorus) is a world where harmony infuses every part of life.
(Our chorus) is a magnet for women singers.
Others??
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Possible Sweet Adeline Chorus Mission Statements To perform at the highest level of
excellence we possibly can, as defined by the Sweet Adelines International judging categories.
To bring harmony to all communities in our area, especially those with limited means.
To attract young women singers to the world of barbershop.
Others??
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Sharing…
Bay Area Showcase Chorus is a vibrant, award-winning ensemble of women singers committed to creating musical magic in every performance. (who we are & want to be)
We embrace healthy competition and enjoy finding creative ways to share our passion for 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. (what we do)
We are dedicated to continuous improvement in a joyful environment of mutual respect, friendship, and fun. (how we do it)
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Sharing…
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Why Is It Important to Have a Vision / Mission Statement?
Your vision statement is a mirror for you to see yourself as you grow.
Your mission statement guides the decisions you make and the actions you take.
Together, these statements help you to stay on track, to set attainable goals, and to defuse individual issues.
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
What Areas of Chorus Life Are Affected by Your Vision/Mission?
EVERYTHING!
Goals
Rehearsals
Choice of Music
Administration
Activities/Events
Costuming
Performances
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Goals ◦ Are your overall chorus goals consistent with your chorus vision / mission?
◦ Is your chorus goal-setting process consistent with your chorus vision / mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Rehearsals
◦ Does the environment reflect your vision of yourselves?
◦ What’s the first impression that a guest gets?
◦ Is the director’s attitude/approach to rehearsals consistent with your vision?
◦ Are business announcements handled in a way that is consistent with your vision/mission?
◦ Do you spend your rehearsal time advancing your mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Choice of Music
◦ What do the songs you sing say about your chorus, to the public?
◦ Is your repertoire consistent with your vision?
◦ What kinds of music are best suited to your chorus vision and mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Administration ◦ Does the way you communicate and conduct business meetings reflect your vision of yourselves?
◦ Does your chorus organizational structure support your mission?
◦ Do chorus leaders embody and promote your chorus vision / mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Activities and Events ◦ Do other events move your vision / mission in the right direction? Consider:
Fund-raisers
Section rehearsals
Costume work groups
Choreo rehearsals
Show auditions
Education sessions
Parties and celebrations
Regional and International events
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Costuming
◦ Look at your chorus costumes through the ideas of a new audience member. What do they say about you? Is that message consistent with your vision / mission?
◦ How do you introduce new costumes, or updates? Is your costume process consistent with your vision / mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
Vision/Mission Statements Affect…
Performance
◦ Look at your chorus shows or community performances through the eyes of a new audience person. Is the chorus you present congruent with the chorus you envision?
◦ Does your choreography, characterization, and energy level represent your chorus vision?
◦ Are your goals for competition aligned with your chorus vision / mission?
Region 12 RAP – June 21, 2014
In Summary…
It’s good to have a vision to inspire and unite you.
It’s good to have a mission to propel you and keep you focused.
It’s REALLY good to use your vision and your mission to guide your day-to-day chorus life and decisions.
It can be fun to create them!