What is a community in choir form?  This question has been on my mind the past year as the new Artistic Director of the Binghamton Downtown Singers.  The Singers welcomed me with open arms and jumped into a new way of rehearsing, singing, and communicating.  For me, it has been both exciting and challenging to lead such a dedicated choral ensemble. Exciting, because I get to be in front of a choir and make music with people who are extremely dedicated to choral singing. Also, I get to direct, shape, and bring to life pieces of music that I have enjoyed throughout my life.  Challenging, because I am relatively new to leading such a large choral ensemble, and leading them through an enjoyable, educational, and emotional choral performance is not easy. So, what does community mean in a choral setting? I think this past year has shown me that firstly, it is the music and stories we bring to life. Secondly, it is the connections made between the choir members who are communicating this musical story. Thirdly, it is the choir's relationship with the audience in a performance and our ability to lead them on an emotional journey as well.  Lastly, and most importantly, it is the way in which we give back to the community we sing in.  Yes, our performances are a way of giving back, but what else does a choir do for a community?

Messiah 2023 was a change for the singers, with me stepping in as Artistic Director. Spring 2024 was a challenging emotional journey for the choir as we sang Sing for the Cure, a modern oratorio dealing with cancer and its effect on people's lives.  It is my goal as the Artistic Director to find new ways to give back to the community with our time as well as our voices.  The Downtown Singers have a long legacy of giving to the community since its inception in 1983, and I hope to be able to continue that legacy and add to it.  I hope to find new and exciting music to bring to our audiences. I hope to continually be challenged by the question of what a community choir is and means for our singers and our community.  Messiah 2024 is sure to be a wonderful performance, and I am excited by our upcoming Spring 2025 concert.  As I look to future years ahead with the Downtown Singers, I know I will continue to grow, but I hope to continue to grow the outstanding legacy and connection the choir as with you, our community as well.

With thanks,
Robert Manners, Artistic Director