Those of us who are involved in marketing our chorus to the world, all deal with some of the same challenges. It really doesn't matter whether you represent a small chorus or a large one. We all have two major hurdles to tackle, and it all begins with how we view our own group.

The first challenge for each of us as marketers is to understand and believe that the Sweet Adeline chorus we represent is a legitimate arts organization. Until we view ourselves as musical performers and equals, how can we expect to be accepted as such in our community. Why would a high school want us on their spring concert in a combined show? How could we possibly believe that the area philharmonic would want us as part of their performance? How we view ourselves makes all the difference in how well we market the chorus, from the words we use in a press release to how we speak about an upcoming show in an interview with the media. We represent a great product!

Some individuals involved in the arts community may not have been exposed to four-part harmony, barbershop style, and we need to understand that we must deal with a preconceived notion of who and what they think we are. This is the second part of the challenge. The difficulty is in convincing the listener or reader that we're not just another women's singing group. Somehow we must convince them to listen to our music, and give them a reason to include our chorus and support our efforts.

Even though some individuals thought they knew what they were going to hear, when the listener hears and begins to understand the complexity and beauty of a cappella, four-part harmony, they will begin to enjoy what we all love about our music. Before we can accomplish this however, we must believe in the worthiness of the listener's attention and present our chorus in a prepared and professional manner.

Often, when Sweet Adeline choruses compete for the community's art dollars, we have been viewed as "a square peg trying to fit into a round hole." Whoever said that ALL musical groups must be "round?" It's true that we are unique. We won't pretend to sing arias or do choreography in toe shoes, but we have a special gift to present to the audience, one that is entertaining and full of heart.

We have a beautiful musical craft to share, and we must persist...we are singers worthy of community support!

 

Back to Publicity Tips