HOUSTON MASTERWORKS CHORUS INC

New audiences, new venues, new music, new connections.

Houston community to create new programming partnerships: A combined concert with an educational component including some of the vocally talented students at The Lighthouse for Students (a nonprofit in the Sunnyside area).

Programming:
Audience Development: Lighthouse for Students, Chapelwood/Fair Haven area, Villa de Matel, Sugarland/Galveston; creative programming; audience participation; learning presentations prior to concert and video "educational moments"

Implementation of (2020) Strategic Plan

HMC Board of Director development

Singer recruitment - vocal training offered , annual auditions, target local colleges/high schools.

Partnerships - 2020-21 programming includes partnerships with Houston Arts Connect, Houston modern dance groups, community orchestras and choruses, college and high school choral groups. Community and religious performance arenas, restaurants, hospitals, prison.

Fundraising:
Grants - Federal, state and local
Foundations, corporations
Annual year-end campaign - Funds solicited from chorus, board, general public.
Ticket Sales, Program advertising
Corporate Matching
Selling/Donating Live-stream concerts

Marketing: consistently executes a well-developed marketing plan consisting of a content plan and editorial calendar including LinkedIn and YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Digital ads placed through Facebook, Chron.com, Houston Public Media, KSBJ.
Concerts promoted through Houston Public Media radio spots.

Reasonably priced tickets range from free to $20, reduced ticket pricing for military, season subscribers, seniors, students, and groups.

EXEC SUMMARY
HMC commits to developing greater inclusion and expanding diversity in who it attracts as chorus members, audience participants, key partnerships, and new board members. Historically, the masterworks genre has a relatively small circle of participants. HMC wants to connect with a broader audience who will come to appreciate the healing power of music.
With a fresh HMC vision and mission that supports our expanded direction, HMC hired Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. Paulo Gomes, in 2019. Dr. Gomes brings a broad perspective and Latin influence to our programming. The chorus will perform in new concert venues, including virtual, with plans to take smaller ensembles to events and to expand community outreach and give-back, to include: high schools and colleges perform with the chorus, performing in Texas Department of Criminal Justice, TX Children’s Hospital, etc. New music in new venues will build community awareness and assist in recruiting a diverse chorus and board of directors.
Over time vocal quality will improve through increased audition standards, investment in vocal workshops, and the ability to attract talent by casting a wider net. Processes, organizational structure, and duties and responsibilities have been fine-tuned.

Membership in Houston Arts Connect builds partnerships within the arts community and supports HISD music programs.

All chorus members and the board of directors will have responsibility to represent the organization, actively advocate for its vision and mission, identify and help build partnerships, and provide creative input. HMC will fund its programs through multiple mechanisms including grants, fundraising campaigns, dues, ticket sales, and donations. All chorus members, employees, and the board of directors play a role in finding ways to financial support the organization.

HMC is a resilient, fiscally responsible, 35-year-old nonprofit organization:

Active Board of Directors with 100% attendance and giving.
Active volunteer committees: nominating, development, marketing, and finance.

2021 Strategic Plan execution
2021 Board of Director Training

Artistic Director/Conductor developed three year programming to include new partnerships.
Expanding singer participation and skill level.

Continues successful fundraising through 2021 - 2022
Grants - State and local
Foundations, corporations
Annual year-end campaign - Funds solicited from chorus, board, general public.
Ticket Sales in person/digital
Program advertising
Corporate Matching

Successful Accomplishments so far:

2020-21 Grant approvals
Completed 2020 Annual Campaign - Board, Chorus, General Audience, Individual
Free concerts provided through all of the pandemic
Positive 2021 (June 30) Year end financial projection
First Annual Houston Choral Festival - United in Song was held in December 2019

What's next?
Performing in Pearl Harbor at the 80th Anniversary Commemoration Concert December 2021
Continue to acquire new partners to share the cost
Research new sources of funding
Create the first Young Singer Competition to be held in September 2021

Perform by invitation to Madrid, Spain 2023