Choral Consortium of San Diego

The aim of the Choral Consortium of San Diego (CCSD) is to bring together the area's choral organizations to improve communication and collaboration, to collectively increase public awareness of the abundance of wonderful choirs and choral concerts, and to encourage choral development through CCSD-produced singing events. The CCSD's overall goal is to provide impactful programs and services that are beyond the capabilities of individual choirs.

The Choral Consortium of San Diego develops programs to address various target audiences:
1) choral leaders: a quarterly educational and networking member meeting
2) intermediate singers: an annual Summer Chorus
3) beginning singers: Beer Choir San Diego gatherings
4) general public: free large biennial choral festival; website; free monthly e-newsletter
5) member choirs: website including comprehensive choral concert calendar; platform for members-only communication; discounted access to non-profit management training programs.

The Choral Consortium of San Diego achieves its goals through the dedicated work of its volunteer Board and Executive Director. CCSD's members are passionate about the value of choral singing and are willing to serve voluntarily to the extent that they can (in addition to their work with their individual choirs). Technical expertise is hired when needed (e.g., website administration).

CCSD is working to build a reserve for hiring of a future part-time paid employee to handle administrative duties, so that the Board can transition from a working board to more of a governing board.

The Choral Consortium of San Diego is increasingly recognized as a leading choral arts service organization, as evidenced by invitations to participate in arts advocacy and organizational events from the local to national level. The CCSD is quoted in articles about choral consortia in the United States and is contacted by choral leaders locally as well as in other areas nationally for guidance and information.

The primary metric by which the Choral Consortium of San Diego measures its success is the number of member choirs. In the 10 years since its founding, membership has grown to over 60 choirs, as well as about a dozen member individuals.

Additional feedback is anecdotal. For example, one of the region's leading arts reviewers indicated that he uses the CCSD's e-newsletter to plan which concerts he will review for future publication. Others have indicated they joined a year-long choir because of their experience at a periodic Beer Choir San Diego gathering.

The Choral Consortium of San Diego is proud and thrilled to see more San Diego area residents participating as singers and supporters of the choral arts.