Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Dibble.
Hi Sandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Choral Consortium of San Diego was founded in 2010 by leaders of area choirs, in response to a need for better communication and coordination among the choirs, particularly in scheduling concerts on non-conflicting dates. In 2014, we incorporated, formed a Board of Directors, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Membership dues were instituted for choirs and later modified to include memberships for individuals, including music teachers and accompanists who can be listed as a resource for the choral community. The organization now has approximately 80 member choirs!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Performing Arts were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many choral organizations have struggled to get both audiences and singers numbers back up to pre-pandemic levels. Rising costs of living have left people with less time and funds to devote to artistic pursuits as well as attending concerts. This is, however, an opportunity as well for an organization like CCSD, which is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the artists and arts organizations who continue to make music despite these challenges. We aim to leverage the talents, skills, and resources of all our members with the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
CCSD offers choruses an opportunity to share resources, promote each other’s concerts, and develop community-wide programs (such as the biannual San Diego Sings! festival, CCSD Summer Chorus, Beer Choir San Diego, and World Singing Day San Diego) to highlight the many opportunities to sing in choirs. Dues are kept low ($50 per year) to provide accessibility, with membership free to choirs with special circumstances, such as serving the homeless.
CCSD allows people who want to sing to see the broad range of options in our region. Our website helps singers find the best fit–location, genre, rehearsal schedule or other factors.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The arts and creativity are part of what makes each of us human- and as such, the outlook is positive! That said, we need to be nimble and adapt to changing realities and the needs of choirs and choral organizations which are trying to navigate ever-changing times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sdsings.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choralconsortiumsd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choralconsortiumsd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChoralSD
