Getting the Most from Your GALA Choruses Membership 1

Table of Contents Mailing List3 Discussion Groups5 GALA 411 Advisors6 Festival7 GALA Leadership Symposium8 Managers & Directors Retreat9 Web Site Resource Center10 Chorus Operations Survey14 Chorus Benchmarking Tool15 Job Bank16 2

The first key to getting value from your GALA membership is to stay current on the events and programs offered. EBlasts are use to communicate information about upcoming events and programs. Details can be found on the GALA web site and Facebook page. Stay Current on Events and Programs 3

To join our list go to the GALA Choruses web site home page and use the “Join Our Mailing List” box. Join the GALA Mailing List 4

Join the GALA Discussion Groups The GALA discussion groups are one of the most valuable aspects of membership. The groups allow you to obtain instant feedback on a particular topic or problem from your chorus colleagues. You can join the discussion groups using links available on the GALA web site. 5

Use the GALA 411 Advisors The artistic director-in-residence program has been expanded to include advisors on several additional topics. The current team is artistic advisor Bob Mensel, chorus manager advisor Jeff Heine, board development advisor Eve Campbell and youth chorus advisor Susan Haugh. The GALA 411 advisors are available to member choruses for mentoring on a variety of topics. The clinics will be free but the chorus is asked to cover travel and lodging expenses. Details on the GALA 411 program and how to contact the advisors and request their services are all included on the GALA web site. 6

Festival is the signature event of GALA Choruses. Festival 2016 will be held in Denver July 2-6, Attend Festival Denver BannersBoettcher Concert Hall Photos courtesy of Denver Visitor’s Bureau 7

Attend GALA Leadership Symposiums Leadership symposiums are held annually (other than Festival years) providing an opportunity for education, inspiration and just plain fun! The 2014 conference will be held August 7-10 in Cleveland which coincides with the Gay Games. Check out the web site for symposium details. 8

Annual Managers & Directors retreats are held in January of each year. The schedule for the weekend includes: Repertoire reading sessions Feedback session and reception with the GALA Choruses Board Networking opportunities with GALA Board, other conductors and LGBT chorus administrators Attend the Managers & Directors Retreat 9

Visit the Web Site Resource Center The GALA web site includes an extensive list of books providing excellent background materials on running a successful chorus. 10

Explore the Information in the Resource Center The Resource Center is the heart of the GALA web site. Check out the sample section below! 11

Participate in the Member Chorus Operations Survey GALA is collaborating with Chorus America to offer the 2014 operations survey. Topics to be covered will include compensation, operations, board practices, management practices, effectiveness measures and performance and audience measures. All member choruses will be asked to participate in the survey. The results of the survey will be free to those who participate. 12

Use the Chorus Benchmarking Tool GALA Choruses has adapted a benchmark study to be used as an analysis tool for member choruses. The study covers all aspects of chorus management and is an excellent starting point for a strategic planning cycle. It is designed to gather input from singers, staff and Board members and assist the chorus in identifying its most critical areas for improvement. 13

Publicize Your Job Openings in the GALA Chorus Job Bank Member choruses can submit job openings in their choruses to be posted on the GALA Choruses web site. 14