National Collegiate Choral Organization

National Collegiate Choral Organization is a professional organization that aims to promote and support collegiate choral music, providing a platform for American Choral Directors Association members, National Association of Teachers of Singing members, and other choral professionals to share ideas and best practices. The organization was founded in 2005 by a group of choral directors, including Tim Sharp, Pearl Shangkuan, and Donald Nally, who were inspired by the success of similar organizations such as the International Federation for Choral Music and the Chorus America. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has since become a leading voice in the field of collegiate choral music, with members from institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and University of California, Los Angeles. The organization has also collaborated with other prominent music organizations, including the League of American Orchestras and the National Association of Music Merchants.

● History

The National Collegiate Choral Organization was established in 2005, with the first national conference held at Colorado State University in 2006, featuring performances by the University of Michigan choir and the University of Southern California chamber choir. The organization's early years were marked by significant growth, with the addition of new members from institutions such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of Texas at Austin. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also been influenced by the work of notable choral conductors, including Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, and Helmut Rilling, who have all made significant contributions to the field of choral music. The organization has also been shaped by the contributions of musicologists such as Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Samuel Barber, who have all played a role in promoting American choral music.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The National Collegiate Choral Organization's mission is to promote excellence in collegiate choral music, providing a platform for choral directors, students, and other music professionals to share ideas and best practices. The organization's objectives include supporting the development of new choral music, promoting diversity and inclusion in collegiate choral programs, and providing opportunities for professional development and networking. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also been influenced by the work of organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Composers Forum, and the Chamber Music America, which have all played a role in promoting American music. The organization's mission and objectives are also aligned with those of institutions such as the Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, and Eastman School of Music, which are all dedicated to promoting excellence in music education.

● Membership_and_Participation

The National Collegiate Choral Organization has a diverse membership, including choral directors, students, and other music professionals from institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and McGill University. Members of the organization have access to a range of benefits, including discounted registration fees for conferences and workshops, access to online resources and publications, and opportunities for professional development and networking. The organization also offers membership categories for students, including the National Association of Student Conductors and the American Choral Directors Association Student Chapter. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Music Educators National Conference and the National Association of Music Educators, to promote music education and advocacy.

● Conferences_and_Workshops

The National Collegiate Choral Organization hosts a range of conferences and workshops throughout the year, featuring performances, clinics, and presentations by leading choral conductors and music professionals. The organization's national conference is held biennially, with recent conferences hosted at institutions such as University of North Texas, University of Washington, and Rutgers University. The organization also offers regional conferences and workshops, which provide opportunities for members to network and share ideas with colleagues from their region. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also collaborated with other organizations, including the International Society for Music Education and the World Choral Council, to promote international cooperation and exchange in the field of choral music.

● Publications_and_Resources

The National Collegiate Choral Organization publishes a range of resources, including the National Collegiate Choral Organization Journal, which features articles, reviews, and research on topics related to collegiate choral music. The organization also offers online resources, including a directory of collegiate choral programs, a database of choral repertoire, and a range of educational materials and worksheets. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Music Library Association and the International Association of Music Libraries, to promote music research and scholarship. The organization's publications and resources are also informed by the work of musicologists such as Charles Ives, George Gershwin, and Duke Ellington, who have all made significant contributions to American music.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The National Collegiate Choral Organization offers a range of awards and recognition programs, including the National Collegiate Choral Organization Award for Excellence in Choral Music, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of collegiate choral music. The organization also offers awards for student conductors, including the National Association of Student Conductors Award and the American Choral Directors Association Student Conducting Award. The National Collegiate Choral Organization has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Grammy Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, to promote excellence in music performance and education. The organization's awards and recognition programs are also aligned with those of institutions such as the Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival and School, and Interlochen Center for the Arts, which are all dedicated to promoting excellence in music education and performance.

Category:Music organizations