ECU: 2009 Strategic Plan Update January 20, 2009

2 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

3 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

4 Board Retreat: September 2008 Reviewed 2008 strategic plan Set goals for 2009 in Financial Development Marketing Membership Governance and Organizational Development Artistic Development

5 Elgin Choral Union – Goal Context The 2009 goals support our strategic plan and vision to : Become the premier community chorus in the Midwest Develop Grammy-winning skills Learn 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

6 Major Goals Financial Development (K. Hattan) Increase grants/corp sponsorships $ k 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

7 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

8 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)

9 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 10

Questions 11