We have some extraordinary arts people here in the Tri-Cities, and some wonderful organizations, but it will come as no surprise that I have a special place in my heart for the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers. Several years ago, the board worked hard to create a fantastic statement of MCM's mission, vision, and values, and the organization takes these into account with every decision that is made. You can read them in full at
the Mastersingers website. While the vision and mission ("Transforming lives through the power of choral music") are great, it's the values that I love the most - they are listed at the bottom of this post. I believe that the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers are unique in our area in stating their comprehensive values so clearly and publicly, and I admire their adherence to those values.
Even while the Mastersingers pursue excellence in their art form, they are committed to making that art accessible to everyone. That does not mean diluting the art to make it more commercially and generically palatable, but rather inviting everyone to participate, and then working to eliminate barriers to participation. You can't make everyone love choir concerts, but for those who do - or who might - the Mastersingers do everything they can to allow everyone the opportunity to attend. The dismal state of arts support in this country requires that groups charge a ticket price in order to produce the art, which often results in people who do not have the resources missing out on the art - it's a terrible system. The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers have a dedicated and active Outreach and Education committee that works to ensure that barriers to participation in MCM events are minimized whenever possible. This includes offering free K-12 tickets to all of their season concerts (MCM is the only local group that does this), as well as a group ticket discount, and pay-what-you-can open dress rehearsals when it's possible. I'm sure they would offer free tickets to everyone, all the time, if they could.
There is an incredible (and expensive) MCM event coming up at the end of September, the
Nuclear Dreams concert inside the B Reactor at Hanford. This oral history of the Hanford site is based on the dreams of people who lived through that era, with texts by Nancy Welliver and music by Reginald Unterseher. The choir had our first rehearsal retreat this past Saturday and I can tell you this concert is going to be something very special. The scope and logistics of having the concert inside the B Reactor, which is a vital component of this art experience, requires an unusually high ticket price that will prevent some people from being able to attend. The Mastersingers would like everyone to be able to experience this concert, but logistically and financially it is not possible. Does that mean MCM should not do the concert at all, or dilute this experience so that more can participate? Even if more people could afford to come, they would not all fit inside the tiny venue. All of this is evidence of the continuing dilemma of arts organizations, which anyone who has worked on the inside should understand. I have confidence (and maybe a little inside knowledge) that the creative MCM team is already working on how to share this concert experience with everyone. There is zero doubt that it is the goal of the Mastersingers to bring Nuclear Dreams to every Tri-Citian - no arts organization wishes to prevent people from experiencing their art. I am sure it will be performed again in the Tri-Cities in a less-restrictive venue (maybe even in a new Performing Arts Center), so that everyone can experience this moving work that is so personal to our community.
MCM VALUES
We value inclusivity and embrace diversity.
We are committed to music as a bridge across cultural, economic, and social differences; and, to expanding the diversity of the choral repertoire.
We value artistic achievement and innovation.
The ensemble is committed to: excellence in choral performance and repertoire; supporting and inspiring singers, conductors, and composers; and, developing new audiences through innovative approaches and outreach efforts.
We value collaboration.
We are committed to building partnerships and sharing our enthusiasm with the local arts and educational communities.
We value participation and community engagement.
We believe that choral singing can foster understanding and serve as a catalyst for positive change.
