St. Petersburg Men's Chorus

Mission Statement


A Mission of Excellence, Community and Diversity

The mission of the St. Petersburg Men's Chorus is to entertain, educate, unite and uplift our audiences and members through music that is distinguished for its innovation, diversity and artistic excellence.

 

  • ENTERTAIN - Presenting quality male choral music and other musical activities that make a distinctive and significant contribution to the musical landscape.
  • EDUCATE - Celebrating a positive image of the gay community and partnering with artists and organizations that share our values and mission.
  • UNITE - Attracting a diverse audience and membership and building bridges to a greater awareness of our shared humanity.
  • UPLIFT - Touching hearts and changing lives in a nurturing and affirming environment through the universal and unifying power of music.

 

This auspicious pronouncement is found in the By-laws of this organization. Its purpose is to explain to you exactly what the Chorus is about. The St. Petersburg Men's Chorus is more than just a choir and definitely more than an aggregation of persons whose only purpose seems to be the satisfying of their singular and collective egos through singing and being seen in public.

 

This Statement tells you that we have a definite, worth-while purpose and that having achieved membership, you will also support the goals and purposes of the organization.

 

Underlying this Statement are our DREAMS and VISIONS.

 

What is a DREAM? An implied reality; a goal to strive toward, and in striving, accomplish.

 

George Bernard Shaw said it best: "Men see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I see things as they could be and ask, 'Why not?'" Every member of this organization is entrusted with the task of realizing - the DREAM. It is a task whose ramifications deem it a sacred trust.

 

What is a VISION? An implied possibility; fuel for dreaming. It is the impractical, almost "dark" side of the arts; a side that scares those individuals who prefer to think of themselves as grounded, and down-to-earth. VISION dwells purely in the realm of imagination where anything can, does and will happen. It is not for the meek or the faint of heart. Without an investment in the vision held by the organization, no amount of dreaming will bring you closer to an acceptance of the possibilities that vision can and will inspire.

 

Think on this. If these traits are not a commonly shared goal of the membership, little of lasting worth can be accomplished. It is absolutely important that you, as an individual and as a group believe in, subscribe to, and wholeheartedly support this marvelous Statement.

 

St. Petersburg Men's Chorus - our '20 Tenets,' or philosophy

 

We, "The St. Petersburg Men's Chorus," believe:

 

  • That a well-rehearsed membership is essential to the general welfare of our Chorus.

 

  • That a cohesive environment promotes creativity, self-expression, and the development of a professional yet enjoyable chorus experience.

 

  • That we must provide members with access to the resources, services, and technological tools that will enable them to achieve their musical goals.

 

  • That we can measure our success by the degree to which our members become self-sufficient learners and contributing members of this group.

 

  • That plans and decisions must be based on an informed consideration of what will best serve our Chorus and the community.

 

  • That all levels of the chorus organization must openly engage in sharing ideas and suggestions to develop innovative ways to improve our programs and performances.

 

  • That interaction between all members of our Chorus must be marked by professionalism, intellectual openness, and mutual respect.

 

  • That we must hold ourselves and our members to the highest ethical, intellectual and musical standards.

 

  • That all members of our Choral organization are entitled to sing, learn and work in an environment that is free from physical, verbal, sexual, and/or emotional threat or harassment.

 

  • That members learn best in a choral climate that is both singer-centered, nurturing and relaxed.

 

 

You, the member, believe:

 

  • That active participation will bring the greatest payoff in the total experience both for me and the chorus as a whole.

 

  • That I am only a part of a larger group and that the collective is the reason this organization exists.

 

  • That I have talents and experiences that I willingly bring and agree to utilize if asked for the betterment and achievement of the chorus.

 

  • That understanding my participation must be dedicated and that I must give as much as possible plus a little more.

 

  • That my musical knowledge and experience must be shared with members that may not be as educated or experienced as I, and I am bound to help where needed to enhance not only those members experience but the group potential as well.

 

  • That the goals and strength of this organization rest solely on my participation and ability.

 

  • That every member makes it a priority to be well informed and well planned in all aspects of the group's business, plans, goals and accomplishments.

 

  • That every individual member is responsible for their own personal, professional and musical behavior.

 

  • That I collectively own this organization and I thoroughly understand pride of ownership.

 

  • That I will have fun and enjoy myself.