Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access
Program and perform concerts in at least fifteen communities across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota that reach audiences from ages 12-80 years, including performances at two schools that do not have an active choral program and two schools representing over 50% students from communities of color. Design each performance to engage 100% of audience members in the experience of creating music/art as active participants, not just as listeners. One Voice had a busy year of performance and outreach with nearly three engagements per month, including performances by the full chorus and Ovation touring ensemble. The majority of One Voice activities occurred in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area and included both core city and suburban locations. Greater Minnesota locations included Bemidji, Bigfork, and Little Falls. Audience statistics and demographics are monitored via visual inspection and recorded at each performance and outreach event, through sales reports at ticketed events, through survey data for outreach programs, and through audience feedback following ticketed performances. School demographics are available through Saint Paul Public Schools. 2: Utilize choral music as a tool to engage Minnesotans in authentic dialogue, transform assumptions, and offer tools to challenge deeply held prejudices. Design each performance to engage 100% of audience members in the experience of creating music/arts as active participants. One Voice gathers qualitative feedback on engagement through participant surveys for school and community outreach events and audience surveys for marquee concerts. A few excerpts from this year's activities: Dude! They are awesome! They make my life better. They are way nicer and more accepting than straight people. I love these fabulous people! Student from Creative Arts High School: I feel like One Voice has gotten stronger every year. The personal stories about OUT in our Schools and the Minnesota composers really resonate with the mission. Audience member, Minnesota Voices: They're wonderful musicians with a diversity of styles of music, many of which had to do with equality among all people. We both had so much FUN singing amidst this group and visiting with them before and after the rehearsal and performance.
One Voice performed 33 concerts and outreach events in sixteen neighborhoods and communities in Minnesota. Audiences ranged in age from young children to people in their 80's. About 10 percent of our audience is children and youth. One Voice performed at three schools,one with no active choral program. Two were in their first year of choral programming.The schools serve a diverse population, with over 50% students of color. 2: All One Voice concerts and outreach events include sing-alongs, which are always popular with our audiences. Lyrics for sing-alongs are included in programs, video projections, and other media such as music on a stick, which was used at our Minnesota Voices concert as a reference to the Minnesota State Fair. Our 25th Anniversary concert also included an interactive exhibit where audience members could share their favorite memories of One Voice over the years. Engagement is a key component of One Voice outreach activities. When we work with schools or community groups, we schedule time for meals and social interaction where stories can be told and relationships built. For GLBTQ students or community members who may live in fear or isolation, they see that there is an adult community where they can feel welcomed and affirmed. For those who struggle with fears regarding GLBT people, they have an opportunity for positive interaction, which is often transforming.
Other
local or private