ECU: 2009

Strategic Plan Update

January 20, 2009

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Elgin Choral Union – Mission Statement

We are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in creating and performing choral music for the joy, enrichment, and education of our membership and our audiences

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Elgin Choral Union – Core Values Commitment

Personal Responsibility Time & Talent Volunteerism Financial Commitment Passion

Excellence Classical Music Focus Continuous Improvement Grow/Enrich/Educate Professionalism Artistic Passion

Integrity Diversity Caring & Sharing Inclusiveness Accountability Openness Respect

Celebration Enjoyment Ein Prosit

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Board Retreat: September 2008

Reviewed 2008 strategic plan Set goals for 2009 in

Financial Development Marketing Membership Governance and Organizational Development Artistic Development

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Elgin Choral Union – Goal Context

The 2009 goals support our strategic plan and vision to: Become the premier community chorus in the

MidwestDevelop Grammy-winning skillsLearn and perform a diverse and interesting

repertoire Strengthen our relationship with the ESO Become the ESO’s chorus of choice Become a Community Arts Leader

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Major Goals Financial Development (K. Hattan)

Increase grants/corp sponsorships $25 - 50k Increase fund raising events Establish friend raising events Improve development administration, operations and

communications Marketing (M. Kropp)

Develop a variety of marketing tools Begin market research project with singing members and

audience Perform branding exercise Develop committee skill sets

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Major Goals Governance and Organizational Development

Develop and expand board management skills Create succession plan for Board and Committee Chairs Focus on external recruiting efforts

Review and revise By-Laws Begin policies and procedures review and implementation

Artistic Development (O. Menoyo) Develop consistent vocal quality of chorus and concerts

Music Director: fundamentals at Tuesday practices Glossary of music terms Section fundamentals

Increase numbers of concert performances 2 performances of Christmas concert and of either spring

or fall concert Improve our Sound and Reputation

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Major Goals Artistic Development Committee & Music Director

Improve Intonation (this is more than everyone on the same pitch) Ease of Learning (we must master our music) Musical Understanding

Enhance Sectional Sound (unity is not just for altos anymore) Dynamic Range (power, sensitivity and phrasing) Encourage participation

Develop Vocal Skills (enhance your natural talent) Diverse Repertoire (simpler is not always easier) Larger Audiences Recording skills (the next step to better exposure)

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Major Goals Artistic Development Committee & Music Director

ESO example Improving through leadership Commitment attracts more talent Musical understanding and flow of information

You are the TALENT Membership provides continuity We need you to stay Encourage participation and community involvement

Develop Stronger Artistic Product Ease of learning Diverse Repertoire Partner with more organizations

Summary and look forward Board continues to set goals and plan for the future

Attainable for the next two years Reachable for the next three – five years Lofty for the next ten – fifteen years

You are critical to fulfilling those goals Participate

“I can do it” attitude Pride in consistently excellent performances Envision the success and celebrate the reality

Practice in between rehearsals Prepare mentally and physically

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Questions

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