Winner of Chorus America’s 2010 Education Outreach Award, Chanticleer demonstrates how to grow an education program that touches the lives of the next generation of singers

There is plenty of evidence that singing in a choir helps students succeed in school, work, and life. And yet, today choral programs are under siege—competition for school dollars, time in the school day, and a narrow focus on just a few subjects covered on standardized tests all pose significant challenges to the future of school choirs.

An influx of new programs are beginning to recognize the value of keeping boys singing—through changing voices and for a lifetime.

Through interviews with random, "ordinary" audience members, we discover how they found their way to choral concerts and what keeps them coming back for more—article includes practical recommendations for choral leaders.

Participation in a children's chorus yields a return on investment that might seem hard to quantify at first. Parents talk about the many rewards—growing confidence, enhanced musical knowledge and skill, an ability to work together in an accepting, nurturing community, opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures, close friendships—and the challenges of such an investment.

There is perhaps no more fitting metaphor for bridging discord than voices joined in harmony.

Choruses are pouring more resources and creativity into education outreach programs that have a far-reaching impact on students, teachers, schools, and communities—as well as on the choral artists who deliver them.

How Minnesota's VocalEssence and composer Eric Whitacre helped high school students, choral directors, and community members of all ages discover the power of contemporary choral music through a festival and community sing event.

Eric Whitacre muses on how he gets inspired to compose, his special connection with young people, and what he thinks about the future of choral music.