Here is a photo of the opening of the biennial World Choir Games held on July 4 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the first time the "Olympics of choral music" has been held in the United States. The opening ceremonies coincided with the nation's 236th birthday. This was fitting, but also flattering, for it brought 362 choirs from 48 countries to sing "happy birthday" to the U.S.

A baker's dozen of Nashville Singers members presented an eight-song set of music to 250+ Tennessee music and arts educators last Thursday at Belmont University's Massey Hall.

One attendee remarked, "You guys had me laughing one moment from songs like Blew By You, and Ob La Di, Ob La Da, and then crying from your stirring and powerful performance of Danny Boy. You were simply amazing!"

The level of entertainment and singing translated into very robust CD sales in the lobby after the performance.

Nashville Singers remains grateful for the important work of music educators not only in Tennessee, but across the globe.

 

(L to R) Bryan Patrick, Ed Luke, Todd Wilson

All seven members of the Nashville Singers Board of Directors traveled to Cadiz, Kentucky this past weekend for the second annual board retreat and planning session.

The weekend kicked off with a dinner at Cracker Barrel. It just so happens, a lady across the room from our table was celebrating a birthday. The board, with a good mix of two basses, two baritones, two leads and a tenor performed Happy Together for the party. People from other surrounding dining rooms gathered with cameras to capture the performance. After some hooting and hollering from the crowd, we headed back to the Super 8 dining room to meet for a few hours.

The next morning, we shifted the meeting to the Prizer Point Marina restaurant.

(L to R) Sloan Yarborough, Tim Mullican

Summary of Board Agenda Items

• Bryan Patrick led discussions were held about a new chorus T-shirt for members and fans and a costuming plan for the photo session and annual concert.  
• Bruce Cokeroft gave a report on mechanical licenses being secured for learning media, and presented new member orientation materials for review and feedback.  
• Treasurer Ed Luke presented a YTD Financial Report.  
• Tim Mullican was directed by Board Chair Sloan Yarborough to explore any local organizations that may be conducting a used musical instrument donation, refurbishment, and redistribution program, specifically evaluating the need for such a program, potential partners, and whether Nashville Singers should support or lead such a program. Used instruments would be collected and redistributed to "at risk" youth who may not be able to afford to buy or rent an instrument on their own.
• In preparation for the July 23rd teleconference with the advisory board, Sloan Yarborough led discussions about our 2013 spring fundraiser event. Details came together nicely. Stay tuned for details as they become solidified.
• The venue task force presented a recommendation for a venue for our 2012 Season of Harmony concert. Details should be announced in next week's newsletter.  
• Todd Wilson presented a status report on donated equipment, reviewed recent requests for master classes from local schools and music programs, presented a summary of the activities and accomplishments of the organization in the first half of 2013, and led discussions about the importance of a "future" planned giving program. Additional documents presented by the Executive Director included a Gift and Donor policy, a revised 2012 budget, an initial draft of the 2013 budget, a fund development plan to help achieve the financial objectives of the organization in 2013, and a revised strategic plan, with a projection of income and expenses through the end of 2020. To follow best practices in nonprofit management, Todd also suggested the board adopt a policy requiring an annual evaluation of the CEO, and presented a proposed process, policy, and survey form for consideration.  

(L to R) Bruce Cokeroft, Doug Morrison

After adjourning the meeting, the board went down to one of the slips and sang four songs for a very receptive audience of some of Ed's friends at the marina.  

 

Sloan, Doug, Bruce, Tim, Bryan, and Todd then traveled over to the deck of Ed's motor home for more informal discussions and some hot dogs and burgers before adjourning to head back to Tennessee.  

 

Kudos to Bruce for capturing some photos, the board for their service to our organization, and to Ed Luke for coordinating the logistics again this year. 

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