|
|
TriangleSings! is an online service that gathers and shares information for the central North Carolina choral arts community: singers, audiences, conductors, administrators, boards, accompanying musicians, educators, reviewers and supporters. The focus is solely on vocal ensemble music, and on activities within an hour and a half's drive of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill: west to Winston-Salem, south to Fayetteville, east to Wilson and Rocky Mount, north to the Virginia border.
The website's purpose is to support, unify and advance choral music...helping people plan their singing and concert-going, expand their horizons and stay in touch. In the words of the late choral conductor, Robert Shaw: "As soon as we find one another, then we can find the miracle."
What does the site offer?
TriangleSings! is an up-to-date, comprehensive, regional choral clearinghouse, with five main components:
- The calendar of events, linking to concerts, operas, musicales, sings, choral festivals, multimedia productions – all types events that feature ensemble singing. Each listing gives information about the program, performers, location and admission.
- A directory of ensembles, arranged alphabetically and by geography, specialty and rehearsal day. Each group has a page detailing its musical focus, composition, director, rehearsals, events and contact information.
- The auditions/calls calendar for singers, linked to postings, with info on requirements, works being prepared, etc.
- An email newsletter, Choral Notes, for monthly reminders and announcements.
- The resources page, where enterprises and individuals advertise goods and services, and where you'll find links to choral-related national and regional organizations.
Where does the information come from?
To ensure both active participation and accurate information, all ensembles, events and singing opportunities are described by material sent by the organizations, via
online forms. Choruses and other presenters are responsible for their listings being current, complete and correct; all opinions expressed or claims made are theirs.
We do not rely on printed material or other websites. The information is, with rare exceptions, "original," provided by those directly responsible. Submissions are checked and gently edited before being posted, usually within 24 hours. This oversight helps make certain that information is thorough, reasonably impartial and consistent. It also protects TriangleSings! and its users from potential "mischief."
Who gets into the Chorus Directory?
The Directory is for Member Groups: choirs, opera companies and other vocal ensemble organizations that are based in, or within an hour and a half of, the Triangle area. Members may be of any size, type and level, as long as their work is of interest to, and shared with, the community.
There are two general requirements:
- Ensemble membership must be open, within the group's vocal and musical requirements, and not require affiliation with a school, church, residential community, etc.
- At least once a year, the ensemble must offer a public performance that is an "event" beyond a worship service or class; or, for groups that gather to sing (with no actual performances), sessions must be open to all participants and observers.
There is no charge for a Directory listing. Member Groups agree to: keep their information current; regularly post events and calls; and let their singers and patrons know about TriangleSings!
What goes on the Calendars?
All presenters and organizations – not just those in the Chorus Directory – are invited to publicize activities that involve ensemble singing. Listings are free, though many groups support the service with contributions or as Calendar Sponsors.
The Events Calendar lists Members' performances, their fundraisers that involve singing and upcoming events, and their workshops or lectures open to the community. In addition, the Calendar lists events with vocal ensemble music presented by any school, orchestra, theater company, religious institution, community organization, employee association, visiting group, etc.
Music that is part of a worship service generally is not eligible, though exceptions may be made for works 45 minutes or longer, or for special circumstances or venues. Except as described above, the Events Calendar does not list activities that are not performances. However, the website's newsletter may feature relevant lectures, presentations by Resources sponsors, appearances by renowned singers, vocal competitions, scholarship and grant initiatives; in addition, the sponsors of those activities and of singing workshops, camps, seminars, symposia, etc., are welcome to place listings in Resources.
The Auditions & Calls Calendar publishes a variety of local singing opportunities. Although the emphasis is on choral singing, listings may include various aspects – volunteer or paid, solo or ensemble, religious or secular, long-term or one-time. Member Groups and others are welcome to post auditions and calls for singers.
There's a free newsletter?
Once a month – more often as activities and circumstances warrant – TriangleSings! sends out an email newsletter. Choral Notes highlights current listings in the two calendars, and makes other local choral-related announcements.
These updates go to "subscribers" – meaning anyone who wants to sign up. The mailing list is confidential and secure. For further information and to subscribe, please go to the Newsletter page.
What is the "Resources" page?
Resources is a marketplace, connecting singers and ensembles with individuals and businesses who have choral-related goods and services.
Resources listings may be sponsored for as little as $10 per month, in four categories: Voice/Singing Instruction and Services; Recording, Photography and Videography; Music Supplies and Accessories; Recording, Photography and Videography; Choral Festivals, Seminars, Getaways. For those interested in a listing, details are at Resources Underwriting Form.
Who's responsible for the service?
TriangleSings! is run by Carol Robbins, a local choral singer who simply thought such a website was an irresistibly good idea. Working with her are liaisons from about 60 active Member Choruses, and representatives of almost as many other ensembles and event presenters.
The website is indebted to the founders of two other regional online services: Dick Rhindress of Berkshire Hudson Singing, and Steve Friedman of Vocal Area Network. For website design and computer programming, thanks go to UniqueOrn Enterprises, Eastwood Arts and Robert Kintz. Classical Voice of North Carolina (CVNC) serves as fiscal agent, enabling TriangleSings! to receive tax-exempt donations.
Who is using the website?
According to SmarterStats as of spring 2008, over the past year TriangleSings! averaged approximately 44,900 hits, 21,600 pages viewed and 10,400 visits per month. The most heavily trafficked months are May and December, with upwards of 50,000 hits each. Another measure of audience is subscribers to the Choral Notes newsletter, which number more than 2,000.
In addition, there is anecdotal evidence that people use the website...through emails and comments overheard at concerts:
- "TriangleSings! is making a real difference in, and for, the choral arts. It's a great resource."
- "Congratulations. Looks like you have created a truly valuable and unique service to choristers, conductors and music lovers."
- "TriangleSings! led me to the chorus of my dreams."
- "All that wonderful concert information, ours for just opening our email and heading to TriangleSings!"
- "Don't worry, the concert starts at 7:30 – TriangleSings! says so."
Does TriangleSings! do anything else?
Every now and then, an opportunity arises for choral advocacy, beyond the narrow focus of the website. So, TriangleSings! founded and cosponsors the Triangle Youth Chorus Trophy. The Trophy, a cash grant and other prizes are presented annually in April to honor young ensembles and their conductors.
Another form of community participation is the website's sponsorship of the "Great Sacred Music" program, broadcast live Sunday mornings on WCPE-FM.
How can others help TriangleSings! continue?
Monetary contributions – of all sizes – are invited...and needed. Though the website is operated pro bono, there are ongoing, replacement and upgrade expenses. You may provide this most welcome form of assistance as a tax-deductible donation, or as an underwriter of a Calendar month or Resources listing; more information is at Supporting TriangleSings!
Another way to help is to get the word out. Please subscribe to Choral Notes and forward it to others. Tell singers and people who enjoy live performances about the website. Mention TriangleSings! in programs, posters, flyers and other websites.
And, keep on singing, or if you're not a singer, keep on listening...at choral performances throughout the Triangle and beyond.
|
Disclaimer: The majority of information in TriangleSings! is gathered directly from choruses and other event sponsors; supplemental sources are rarely used. We make considerable effort to ensure all information is correct . . . but errors are made, and sometimes changes occur about which we are not informed. We appreciate your notifying us if you observe mistakes of any kind – and are sorry for any inconvenience due to errors. |
For comments and corrections, please contact TriangleSings!
Copyright © 2002-2008 by TriangleSings!
All rights reserved
|
Events Calendar