Who Knew a Virtual Conference Could Be This Fun?
When live, in-person conferences have been cancelled all over the world due to COVID-19, you would think an alternative virtual event would be an underwhelming second choice.
Not with Chorus America.
Over the course of four days in June, the Chorus America 2020 Virtual Conference featured multiple sing-a-longs, a gala, online auction, and of course, a fundraising campaign #RaiseDollarsRaiseVoices!
Events were live-streamed through YouTube while more than 1,100 virtual attendees kept a steady flow of comments rolling in the chat window.
Dressed in formal attire during the virtual gala, master of ceremonies Jonathan Miller along with Chorus America President Catherine Dehoney raised their glasses in many toasts, presented awards, and introduced musical performances from talented choirs like the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC).
Musical Call to Action
Halfway through the gala, YPC’s Elizabeth Núñez, Jim Papoulis, and Sophia Papoulis performed one of the most creative fundraising calls to action Give by Cell has seen in our 14-year history. Singing the text-to-give short code “56512” in Broadway style and vocal warm ups, attendees were asked to donate to Chorus America by texting the word CHORUS to 56512.
(WARNING: this catchy jingle will get stuck in your head!)
During the gala, Board Chair Brian Newhouse explained the many ways donated funds would be used such as scholarships, free choral resources to members, and membership subsidies for choruses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Newhouse also highlighted a benefit of virtual meetings: an unlimited guest list where geography doesn’t get in the way.
Performing arts organizations like choruses are especially impacted by COVID-19 because of its limitations on gatherings. However, virtual conferences like Chorus America show that people can stay connected, inspire each other, feel joy, and even donate during virtual events.
Feeling generous? Support Chorus America’s valuable mission today by texting CHORUS to 56512.
