|
District NumbersThere is a continuing trend in the number of singers and choruses in each of our five districts. Michigan - 306 singers (332) in 10 choruses (11); New York Pennsylvania - 174 singers (178) in 6 choruses (6); Ontario - 148 singers (138) in 5 choruses (5); Upper Midwest - 464 singers (493) in 13 choruses (13); and Wisconsin Upper Michigan - 109 singers (126) in 6 choruses (6).Summary as of May, 2003Currently we have 1,201 (1,267) singers in 40 (41) choruses and 69 associate members (71). (Associates are our conductors and accompanists for whom dues are paid.) These numbers include, in addition to our adult chorus singers, a student member chorus of 65 singers - the Statesmen sponsored by the Eau Claire Male Chorus. Last year's numbers included 98 students in two member choruses. (The Visions chorus of Detroit did not rejoin this year.)In addition, we have 15 Affiliate members (most are individuals representing a chorus interested in tracking AMCA activities), 14 Life members (they have either paid the required dues or had the membership given to them as a gift), and two Honorary Life Members - Mrs. Gloria Valentine-Anderson and Mr. David Thomas. *Life Memberships in the AMCA are available upon approval to interested individuals at a one time payment of $125.00. Applications should be made to the Executive Secretary. LanSing UpdateIt is expected that an update on the Men of Orpheus' situation in connection with the aborted International Sing will be reported at the June 14th Board of Directors meeting in Milwaukee later this month. However, in conversations with their leadership, I understand that they have a plan to implement that will assist with their debt situation. We look forward to hearing more details at that time and a full report will be included in the Minutes of that meeting.The June meeting has been arranged to allow time for a full discussion of this event in the hope that some positive suggestions can be brought forward for future Big Sing events. One of the related issues will most likely be a discussion of just how our Association plans to market the promotional items that were purchased to sell at the Lansing International Sing. Delegates might give this some thought and discussion prior to attending the meeting. Executive Secretary's RetirementSince June 14th (2003) is to be my last meeting as your Executive Secretary, it is appropriate that I conclude with an expression of appreciation for the opportunity to have served in this capacity. While I have enjoyed my time in this office, I leave with great regrets that the "Blueprint for Progress" initiatives that I was instrumental in bringing forward and together with others, spent a large amount of time and effort in promoting, has not realized any significant results. There are probably a number of reasons why the plan did not work, but certainly paramount was the six month delay in implementing the plan that saw most of the grass roots volunteers lose interest and not respond to requests for assistance. The "Blueprint" initiative is all but dead with the one exception of the outstanding efforts on the part of member Doug Farley, who mounted a recruitment campaign that reached many potential chorus members and created much interest but unfortunately gained AMCA no new member choruses although there is still interest amongst a few. Cudos to Doug for his devotion to the cause!AMCA will be interviewing a candidate for the Executive Secretary's position on Friday, June 13th and are hopeful that he will be both willing and able to assume the responsibilities. This will be my last column and I thank those that supported my efforts to communicate by accessing "Interactive" and occasionally offering words of encouragement.
Most especially, I offer my sincere appreciation to our web manager, David Thomas, for his encouragement, dedication and patience over the past years without which this column would never had been possible.
- OR - Make A Comment | View Feedback Email Notification of (Feedback) updates! This column is planned as a regular feature by the Executive Secretary. See: Links to other columns by Bill. |
