OUTREACH
Everyone’s lives are better with singing in them, particularly choral singing—and it’s a big world! So, I reach out beyond my daily work in a variety of ways. Below are a few of them.
New York Choral Consortium
What a privilege to serve as Chair of the New York Choral Consortium since 2016! The talented individuals who serve on this board are committed, as am I, to the health and vitality of the vast choral scene in our fair city, which means our work encompasses projects as varied as DEI leadership; serving choirs of all sizes, ages and styles; and, of course, the ever-popular, annual BIG SING!
New York City: It’s a good place in which to sing!
Choral Journal
For many years now, I have contributed a monthly column, “PROJECT : ENCORE News,” to the Choral Journal, published by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Established in 1959, the Choral Journal serves as the premier international publication for ACDA members. Its feature articles undergo rigorous anonymous peer review by the editorial board, while column articles are carefully refereed by dedicated column editors. It is a great boon to our wonderful PROJECT : ENCORE composers to have their work promoted through this valuable publication.
Sounds Choral
Several times each year, I host the nationally syndicated radio show Sounds Choral, produced by WWFM, which provides me with yet another microphone for choral music, allowing me to share this music about which I am passionate with a broad audience, and, hopefully, enabling it to touch them. Past shows can be found in the links below.
“Deborah adds a fresh, very warm, and personal touch to her Sounds Choral programs, produced by WWFM. Her experience and knowledge in choral music-making here in the NJ-NYC corridor have produced fascinating and unique episodes, many containing choral works of our time.”
—David Osenberg, Producer of Sounds Choral on The Classical Network, WWFM
Commitment to the Next Generation
Years ago, in addition to my work within the NYCC that resulted in the growing BIG SING Jr., and my work with young composers through the Ember Ablaze Composer Lab, I took on leadership of the NJ-ACDA High School Choral Festival, which I coordinated for many years. During those years, we saw the festival grow in breadth of engagement throughout the state. We also saw the integration of sight singing as an adjudicated element of the festival significantly impact the importance of healthy process in training singers throughout the state. Success!