Submitted by: Kathryn Roberts,
Membership Coordinator, Gateway Chorus

Virtual choir projects have been a very good distraction while we wait out the pandemic. They have even been an effective membership retention and attraction tool for Gateway. We’re very pleased that our membership slightly increased over the last year; I believe this is because rehearsals have purpose and a reward by making virtual choir performances. For instance, we had a variety of guests join us for a song we called “Christmas Chopsticks,” and other diddies. Lucky for us, a few guests continue to Zoom in for rehearsals from a distance, which gives Gateway great delight! 

The sense of community and the pure joy of being ourselves is so important during this global pandemic, as I’m sure you’ll agree; we need the mental health benefits even more these days. 

Since the summer, Gateway Chorus keeners increased their technical skills to coordinate and edit a handful of virtual choir performances. Making these videos has musical benefits, such as keeping our vocal instrument tuned up and limber. And that’s important - because we'll be singing in person again (soon, right?!). But we also have a ton of fun learning how to make videos, brushing up on or learning new songs, and the best part is to contribute antics in the videos! ahem… as instructed, of course. 

Then finally, there's the ultimate reward of viewing the end result! Sharing the videos is so important too because we have family and friends who enjoy the entertainment! 

See “Christmas Chopsticks” here: https://youtu.be/GaX31BBtZtA