Participation in a children's chorus yields a return on investment that might seem hard to quantify at first. Parents talk about the many rewards—growing confidence, enhanced musical knowledge and skill, an ability to work together in an accepting, nurturing community, opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures, close friendships—and the challenges of such an investment.

There is perhaps no more fitting metaphor for bridging discord than voices joined in harmony.

We all know that thanking our donors is more than good manners—it is a critical part of the donor relations process. But it is just the beginning of a longer- term effort to engage donors more deeply in our organizations.

No matter where your chorus is on the road toward artistic excellence, you can take steps to get better—a diverse sample of choruses tell their inspiring stories.

We asked choral singers all over the continent to tell about their "mountaintop" experience as a choral singer. The responses were heartwarming, tear-jerking, hysterical, awe-inspiring, and... a great reminder of why we sing.

Composer Michael Shaieb's oratorio, "Through a Glass, Darkly," is making choral music a vehicle to address methamphetamine addiction in the gay community. When the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC set out to perform it, they did a lot more than just learn the music. Read about the comprehensive outreach initiative they developed to bring this growing social problem to light.

Think choral music is only found in drafty churches or formal concert halls? Think again! These innovators are stretching our imaginations and taking choral performances to the next level.

After more than a decade as chief executive of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Allison Vulgamore took a sabbatical to travel to a prison in Morocco for boys. She shares her transformative experience of preparing them to sing in a concert without the benefit of a shared language.

Personal stories can be a vital way to communicate the value of your chorus.

Choruses are pouring more resources and creativity into education outreach programs that have a far-reaching impact on students, teachers, schools, and communities—as well as on the choral artists who deliver them.