This is what our big meeting last night was about. It went really well; I feel we’re headed in some exciting new directions.
So, this is the new vision:
To broaden and expand community singing at the Village, while also presenting the highest quality and purest musical expression possible when broadcasting worldwide.
Our goal is to have MORE people singing — and in more ways — than before the pandemic. To help accomplish this we proposed three levels of involvement, depending on a person’s life circumstances, individual inclination, and energy level. Each individual gets to choose what’s right for them.
LEVEL 1 – Community All-Sing Choir
Fun and spontaneous; melody only (or parts if you want to); once a quarter sing-alongs
LEVEL 2 – Village Choir
Community attunement; singing in parts; two evenings a month; informal performances
LEVEL 3 – Performance Ensemble
Commitment and follow through; regular weekly rehearsals; perform for Sunday services, as well as possible outreach and recording
What’s really fun is that more ideas came up during the meeting, from people who are enthusiastic about helping to make them happen — specifically regarding more involvement for children and families, as well as more support for “newbies” who are just learning the music.
All in all, it’s an adventurous new phase for music at Ananda Village.