MCSF Member's Handbook, 2023-2024

Welcome

Dear Master Chorale Singers,

WE’RE BACK! I’m so excited for Master Chorale’s 21st Season, which will be filled with an array of captivating choral works that promise to inspire and uplift by embracing the richness of the human spirit.

Our opening concert juxtaposes the timeless beauty of Fauré’s Requiem with the poignant and powerful message of Joel Thompson’s SevenLast Words of the Unarmed. This meaningful program reflects themes of hope, compassion and the pursuit of justice, reminding us of the importance of empathy and unity in our world.

Our December program, Comfort & Joy, will delight with a blend of familiar and nostalgic carols and the world premiere of a new composition for guitar and chorus by the exceptionally gifted Miami composer Alvaro Bermudez.

In January, we will join the New World Symphony in a single performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. This iconic masterpiece, with its triumphant “Ode to Joy,” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Beethoven’s genius.

The Great Mass in C Minor is a remarkable composition that stands as one of Mozart’s most riveting and monumental choral works. Its combination of grandeur, emotional depth, fusion of Classical and Baroque styles, and touch of operatic make it a captivating work of epic proportions.

Our season ends with Considering Matthew Shepard by American composer Craig Hella Johnson. This powerful and moving composition tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a young man whose tragic fate sparked a global conversation about hate, love, and acceptance.

As we start another busy year of music making, I’m reminded of a brief quote by Frank Herbert, author of the popular Dune novel series: “A beginning is a very delicate time.” Whether you’re a new member of the Master Chorale or a veteran, I encourage you to start this season with enthusiasm, dedication and discipline. The Master Chorale of South Florida is your choir, your family, and your voice.

Warmest regards,

Brett Karlin Artistic Director & Conductor

Welcome

Dear Friend and Choral Colleague,

Welcome to our 21st Season! We’ll be singing a broad range of exciting music this year, including glorious works by Mozart, Beethoven and Fauré and powerful contemporary pieces by Joshua Rist, Joel Thompson and Craig Hella Johnson. There’s something for everyone.

Finding suitable performance venues continues to be a challenge. None of our regular Boca Raton venues are available this season, so we are moving to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. This is a large, contemporary space with a big congregation. We hope many of their members will come to hear the masses by Faure and Mozart that we will be singing there.

The Master Chorale is a dynamic, volunteer-run organization with an annual budget of about $550,000. Ticket sales cover only a small percentage of this amount. Audience surveys indicate that 75% of ticket buyers are our friends and family members, so it’s up to us to encourage these sales. We also ask you to sell ads in our concert program (they are not expensive), support us financially, volunteer when we ask for help and encourage people in every area of your life to attend our concerts. This is the only way we can accomplish what needs to get done and continue to grow.

If you are new this season, we hope you’ll quickly learn what the rest of us know: The only thing better than hearing the Master Chorale is singing with the Master Chorale! Welcome to the family. Let’s have another great year!

Sincerely,

Holly Strawbridge, President (and Tenor) Master Chorale of South Florida

From Beethoven to Broadway, Bach to Bernstein, the Master Chorale of South Florida performs works by the full range of beloved classical and contemporary composers, along with some lighter fare.

The Master Chorale is a highly select, auditioned ensemble comprised of singers from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Originally founded in 2003, the Chorale is thriving under artistic director and conductor Brett Karlin.

The Master Chorale communicates the transformative and unifying power of choral music by performing a rich and varied repertoire. Since its premiere performance of Mozart’s Requiem (in honor of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus), the Master Chorale has delighted South Florida audiences with classical music’s greatest works. These have included Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Brahms’ Ein Deutches Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Bach’s Mass in B Minor. In response to audience demand, the Chorale recently added a concert of lighter fare to its yearly concert series, performing such delights as Broadway favorites, movie music and Gilbert & Sullivan.

In addition to its own concert series, the Master Chorale is in high demand for featured guest performances with other musical organizations. Throughout its history, the Chorale has collaborated with the Cleveland Orchestra, New World Symphony, Russian National Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli, Itzhak Perlman, Franz Welser-Möst, Giancarlo Guerrero, and James Judd, among many others.

The Master Chorale is an avid proponent of maintaining a strong cultural fabric in South Florida and supports its community by engaging local solo artists, orchestras, and other nonprofit organizations.

About Us

Our History

The Master Chorale of South Florida was created in 2003, when the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra (FPO) and Chorus folded. Within months, a core group of singers created business, marketing and fundraising plans, incorporated the Chorale as a non-profit organization and hired Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, former choral conductor of the FPO and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, as its first artistic director and conductor. Dr. Scheibe relocated to California in August 2008. His position was filled by Dr. Joshua Habermann and, subsequently, Dr. Karen Kennedy. Alexander Schumacher, who had served as associate conductor of the Master Chorale, served as interim artistic director, while the Board of Directors conducted a national search.

In July 2013, Brett Karlin was named artistic director and conductor, and, under his leadership, the Chorale has taken on exciting new directions and is moving confidently into an exciting future.

2004 The Master Chorale of South Florida’s first concert: Mozart’s Requiem.

2007 The Chorale performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with The Cleveland Orchestra and Franz Welser Möst in their Miami Residency’s premiere concert.

2009 The Master Chorale collaborated with legendary violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman to perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

The Chorale was invited to collaborate with another artist of international renown, Andrea Bocelli, for the first of what would become a yearly event.

2016 The Chorale’s performance of Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass was selected as one of the Top Ten Performances of 2016 by Classical South Florida Review.

2017 As a “Choir of Excellence and Distinction,” the Chorale was invited to sing at Florida American Choral Directors Association Conference in Orlando. A fund in honor of Roslyn T. Osborn was created, and the Chorale commissioned its first annual composition by an American composer, Death Be Not Proud.

The Chorale received distinction of “Most Improved Organization” by Classical South Florida Review.

2018 As part of the annual commission fund, Master Chorale premiered a new choral work, We Reply, by Dominick DiOrio.

The Chorale was invited to collaborate with the Palm Beach Symphony for a featured performance of Borodin’s Polovtsion Dances at the Kravis Center.

The Chorale hosted Cocktails & Carols, which later evolved into the Holiday Soiree, a holiday fundraising gala.

2019 The Chorale’s performance of Haydn’s Creation was selected as one of the Top Ten Performances of 2019 by Classical South Florida Review.

Milestones

As part of its annual commission fund, Master Chorale premiered a new choral work, As Long As We Are Here, by Jake Runestad.

2021 Master Chorale returned to concert halls with “undimmed virtuosity” in performances of Mozart’s Requiem, Hailtork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, and Jose Mauricio Nunes Garcia’s Te Deum.

The Chorale kicked off its new Free Family Concerts Educational Initiative with “Meet Mr. Mozart” and “Carmina for Kids”.

The Chorale was invited to collaborate with the Palm Beach Symphony for a featured performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Kravis Center.

2020

In March 2020, following blockbuster performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the Master Chorale suspended rehearsals due to COVID-19. In place of live concerts, the Chorale produced a series of virtual performances that lasted through April 2021, keeping singers and audiences engaged.

2023 Master Chorale celebrated its 20th anniversary season with critically acclaimed performances of Verdi’s Requiem and launched its new annual initiative, Concerts for a Cause.

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Our Vision

To inspire and engage diverse audiences through the transformative power of extraordinary choral performances.

Vision, Mission & Core Values

Our Core Values

Artistic Excellence Achieve the highest standards of excellence in our repertoire and performance, through continuous learning and teaching.

Our Mission

To present concerts of choral music ranging from the classical masterworks to contemporary and commissioned compositions at the highest level of musical excellence; to be inclusive in all aspects of the organization; to unite and inspire audiences across generations and cultures; and to enrich the cultural lives of audiences and singers through performance, education, and community engagement.

Inclusivity Continue to expand the diversity of our singers, audiences, repertoire, and Board.

Collaboration Foster intentional and rewarding partnerships with individual, multicultural, and emerging artists and with like-minded and diverse community organizations.

Integrity Operate an effective and trustworthy organization that stewards our resources in accordance with our beliefs and principles and adheres to best practices that guide not-for-profit cultural organizations.

Rehearsals

Monday rehearsals begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. An organized, well prepared, efficient rehearsal can transform a diverse group of singers into a committed, knowledgeable, and refined ensemble.

Chorale members are expected to attend every rehearsal as scheduled on the calendar for the season. Please be in your seat and ready to sing at the appointed hour. Master Chorale business is conducted prior to rehearsals, during rehearsal breaks, and/or after rehearsals, including distribution of music and tickets and merchandise purchases. Please note that signing out tickets and making financial transactions may only occur prior to rehearsal, during break, or on the singer’s section of the website.

Members are expected to allow for rush-hour traffic, stormy weather, crowded parking, issuing of music, socializing, locating your place on the seating chart, etc. Please arrange your personal schedule to make score preparation, and rehearsal and performance attendance priorities.

To assist your planning, write all dates, times, and performance venues of our concerts in your calendar, discuss these dates and concerts with friends and family, and set aside time for regular practice.

Retreat Rehearsals

Retreat Rehearsals are held periodically throughout the season, typically on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sundays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We use this time for intensive sectionals and tutti rehearsals to ensure the artistic integrity and musical excellence for all performances. This rehearsal time is vital to our success.

Membership Expectations

Membership Dues

Master Chorale singers will pay membership dues determined annually by the Board of Directors each season. Members will also be responsible for purchasing music and concert attire). The cost of membership dues is communicated to each member prior to the first rehearsal of the season. Membership dues must be paid by the fourth week of rehearsals. In the event of financial hardship, a member may communicate specific circumstances to MCSF staff or board members to approve an alternative arrangement.

A member will not be permitted to participate in any concert until all financial obligations to the organization have been met. Membership dues are non-refundable.

Volunteering

The Master Chorale relies on volunteers from the chorus to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be performed by paid staff members or professionals. Many opportunities to volunteer will be presented throughout the year. Some tasks are ongoing, others require periodic work and a few are one-time-only. Please offer your help when the task and time commitment suit your schedule. You’ll find that volunteering with other chorus members will make you feel more connected to the Chorale and invested in our success.

Ads & Tickets

Two of the tasks we ask every singer to help with are selling ads for our concert program and selling tickets to our performances.

At Master Chorale, our commitment to artistic excellence is the cornerstone of all our musical endeavors. As a chorus, we come together to create high-caliber and captivating performances that resonate with our audiences. To achieve this, our attendance policy is rooted in the principles of artistic integrity and dedication to the chorus.

Absences

All members of the Master Chorale are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and other designated events. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and members are encouraged to communicate any anticipated absences to the Chorus Administrator via email at the earliest opportunity. As a professional organization we do not regard absences as excused or unexcused. If a singer misses a rehearsal, regardless of the reason, it is considered an absence (with one exception listed below). Singers who are absent are expected to review a video recording of the rehearsal that will be distributed each week.

Religious Exemptions

Absences as the result of an individual singer’s religious holiday conflicts do not count towards the attendance policy. We only ask that singers email the chorus administrator about such exceptions at the beginning of each concert series.

Absences Related to Illness

Members participating in rehearsals and performance activities are expected to assess their health prior to attending Master Chorale functions to ensure a safe and healthy rehearsal environment for everyone. After self-

Attendance Policy

assessing personal health, any singer experiencing symptoms of illness must NOT attend MCSF events. There will NOT be an area in rehearsal venues for sick members to sit and observe live rehearsal. Ensuring that MCSF rehearsal and performance venues are safe and healthy environments for staff and singers is paramount.

Rehearsal Attendance

When rehearsal begins, the chorus administrator will take attendance. If a singer arrives late, they must check-in with the Chorus Administrator. Consistent tardiness will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Notification

Singers who miss rehearsal will receive an absence notification email. The purpose of these emails is to confirm that the absence was not counted in error, as well as to keep singers informed about their total number of accrued absences for the current concert series. Please email the Chorus Administrator of any planned absences, so sectional rehearsals and seating charts can be modified accordingly.

Concert Series Absences

Regular attendance and active participation in Master Chorale rehearsals is essential for maintaining a high standard of excellence in our performances. Absences are specific to each concert series and reset for each repertoire.

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First & Second Absence: Members who miss rehearsal are expected to review the rehearsal video(s) and practice materials provided in the Singer Resources folder.

Third Absence: If a member accumulates a third absence, they will have a brief conversation with the Artistic Director at break or immediately following a rehearsal. This will be an opportunity to address any challenges or extenuating circumstances and a plan for maintaining regular attendance moving forward.

Multiple Absences: If a member accumulates a significant number of absences (e.g., four or more),they will schedule a brief Repertoire Review with the Associate Conductor to ensure they are keeping up with music for the current concert series.

Please note: Communication is Key - MCSF has an attendance policy to ensure high-caliber musical preparation for all performances, but there may be flexibility for extenuating circumstances.

Attendance Policy

Concert Absences

A performance absence due to extenuating circumstances will not count towards the attendance policy. It is a privilege to be able to demonstrate the culmination of weeks of hard work in a performance setting, and it is assumed that missing the performance is itself the penalty.

Artistic Integrity

The Artistic Director is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the highest level of musical excellence in the chorus at all times and makes decisions that serve the best interests of the chorus as a whole. In an effort to preserve the artistic integrity of the chorus, the Artistic Director may use various strategies, including but not limited to, revoicing singers, reauditioning singers, and adding singers to achieve optimal choral balance. Decisions will be made thoughtfully and in alignment with the chorus’ commitment to artistic excellence.

Harassment, Discrimination & Bullying

We are committed to a supportive musical environment where all members have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We expect our members to demonstrate respect for each other and to refrain fromany form of harassment, intimidation, bias, discrimination, or bullying. This includes unwelcome remarks, gestures or physical contact, the display or circulation of offensive or derogatory pictures or other materials, and any type of offensive or derogatory jokes or comments (explicit or by innuendo).

Copyrights, Trademarks & Brands

We comply with all copyright and other intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights, trademarks and brands. Members must never use audio, video, logos, marks, or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture without prior approval from the artistic director.

Code of Conduct

Professional Decorum

All members are expected to comport themselves in a professional manner. All electronic devices, including cell phones and personal recording devices, are to be turned OFF during rehearsals and performances. Singer interactions with guest artists, performance venue staff members, and guest conductors should always be polite and respectful.

Substance Abuse

We believe that substance abuse is incompatible with the health and safety of our members and require that members use good judgment and never consume alcohol or drugs in a way that leads to impaired performance or inappropriate behavior, endangers the safety of others or violates the law. Illegal drugs at our rehearsals, retreats or at performances are strictly prohibited.

Violation

If a member violates the Code of Conduct, the artistic director may remove that singer from a specific concert, ask them to take a leave of absence or dismiss them from the Chorale.

Brett Karlin, Artistic Director

Leading performances praised as “intense, richly detailed…polished and well-crafted” (Miami Herald), “finely nuanced and expressive” (South Florida Classical Review), and “integrating choral and instrumental sonorities with clarity and impact” (Palm Beach Arts Paper), Brett Karlin is quickly establishing himself as a dynamic conductor of choral-orchestral masterworks. Having worked with a wide variety of ensembles, Karlin is a passionate performer of large-scale symphonic masterpieces, while equally at home with historically informed performances of distinctive Baroque repertoire.

As the artistic director of the Master Chorale of South Florida, Karlin leads 120 singers through choral-orchestral masterworks and prepares the choir for collaborative performances with other artists and ensembles, including The Cleveland Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman, Eric Whitacre, The Florida Orchestra, New World Symphony, Andrea Bocelli, and Kristin Chenoweth, among many others. Now entering his 11th season with Master Chorale of South Florida, Karlin will conduct the 120-voice

Staff & Leadership

chorus, orchestra, and guest artists through classical monoliths— Fauré’s Requiem, Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor, and Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9—as well as contemporary works, including Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed and Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard.

In addition to these appointments, Karlin has previously held the positions of artistic director of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, music director for the Broward Symphony Orchestra, chorus master for Florida Grand Opera, and mentored the next generation of classical musicians as the director of Florida’s Singing Sons and Seraphic Fire’s Miami Choral Academy. Karlin also maintains guest conducting engagements with a variety of choral, orchestral, and academic ensembles, including The Symphonia, Lynn Philharmonia, Seraphic Fire, and several All-County/Honor Choir ensembles.

In 2009, he became the assistant conductor for Seraphic Fire, where he assisted with the ensemble’s critically acclaimed and 2012 Grammy-nominated CD, A Seraphic Fire Christmas. Karlin also served as assistant chorus master and singer for the Professional Choral Institute's recording of the London version of Brahms' Ein Deutches Requiem, which received a 2012 Grammy nomination for "Best Choral Performance."

Karlin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Voice from Florida State University and Master of Music from University of South Florida. An avid lover of music from the Baroque era and historically informed performance (HIP), Karlin can be found tuning harpsichords and listening to J.S. Bach when not working with ensembles. Page 11

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Staff & Leadership

Kyra Stahr, Associate Conductor

Kyra Stahr has founded her career as a conductor, educator, and vocalist on compassion and empathy, encouraging singers to approach music from a place of vulnerability.

Stahr believes in the humanity of choral singing and motivates ensembles with authenticity, courage, and determination. Stahr is currently a DMA candidate in Choral Conducting at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where she studies under Dr. Amanda Quist. She serves as a graduate teaching assistant and is the Associate Conductor of the Master Chorale of South Florida.

Stahr earned her MM in Choral Music from University of Southern California (USC) where she studied under Dr. Cristian Grases, Dr. Tram Sparks, Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, and Dr. Nick Strimple. At USC she was Associate Conductor of Oriana, Associate Director of the South Bay Children’s Choir, served on the Thornton Student Council, and was ACDA student chapter president. She was selected for the 2022 ACDA Eastern Graduate Conducting Masterclass and was awarded the 2022 USC Chamber Singers Ensemble Award, 2023

USC Choral Music Departmental Award, and 2023 Pi Kappa Lambda Eta Chapter Masters Student Award.

Prior to her time at USC, Stahr graduated from Miami University where she studied under Dr. Jeremy Jones and Dr. William Bausano. She earned her B.M. in Music Education and Vocal Performance and a dual minor in Special Education and Musical Theater. At Miami, she led an inclusive choir for adults with disabilities and was awarded the 2017 “Outstanding Future Music Educator” honor, graduating summa cum laude.

Stahr is from Arlington, Virginia where she was choral director at Bishop O’Connell High School, building the program and earning a Social Emotional Facilitator certificate. She served as the Virginia Senior Honor Choir registration chair and adjudicated for the Virginia Middle School Honor Choir. In 2019 she guest conducted the Shenandoah All County Treble Chorus and was the Northern Virginia Diocesan Youth Honors Choir director in 2020.

Recent engagements include presenting a roundtable discussion at the 2022 Chorus America conference and giving presentations at the 2023 California Music Education Conference and the 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul.

Kyra is looking forward to upcoming presentations for NAfME, College Music Society, and regional ACDA conferences in 2024. In addition to her teaching and conducting, Stahr co-founded and cocreated the podcast “conduct(her),” amplifying the voices of women and women-ally conductors while exploring the gender divide in the field of choral music.

Staff & Leadership

Susan Dodd, Principal Accompanist

Susan Dodd currently serves on the piano faculty of the Diane Bish Center for Music and the Arts. She is also the organist at the New Presbyterian Church in Wilton Manors and serves as principal accompanist of the Master Chorale of South Florida, where she performs choral-orchestral masterworks with the 120-voice symphony chorus.

Ms. Dodd has performed throughout Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as for many schools and churches in the area. At Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, she accompanied multiple musical productions and toured and recorded with the King’s Choir. For many years, she accompanied Forrest J. Willingham’s The Songs of Broadway Company throughout the South Florida hotel and condominium circuit.

Ms. Dodd is a member of the Broward County Music Teachers Association, the Florida State Music Teachers Association, the Music Teachers National Association and the American Guild of Organists. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Previously, Ms. Dodd was a member of the piano faculty and staff accompanist at Broward College. In 2004, she was named Broward College’s Adjunct Professor of the Year. Having served as staff organist at various churches, she is currently substituting at churches in the south Florida area and maintains a private piano studio.

Ms. Dodd earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Piano Performance with honors from Florida Atlantic University and her Master’s degree in Accompanying from the University of Akron (Ohio).

Kathy Sedlack, Chorus Administrator

Kathy Sedlack joined the Master Chorale of South Florida as chorus administrator in January 2018. She had retired from the School Board of Broward County after 36 years as an exceptional student education teacher, school psychologist, district coordinator of preschool programs, assistant principal and principal. In 2012, she was one of four finalists for Broward County Principal of the Year. The arts in general, and ensuring children are exposed to the arts early in life, have always been important to her. As a district coordinator of preschool programs, she worked with the Broward Center to bring a first-of-its-kind “reading readiness through arts education” program to preschool students.

After moving to a school-based administrative position, she continued to support arts education by working with the Broward Center to provide students with an opportunity to experience musical productions during school hours, as well as on weekends with their families. She also pursued ways to continue arts education during and after school at a time when budget constraints made this difficult. She succeeded, eventually finding a way to expand her school’s music education program to include a keyboard lab. Throughout her professional career, she volunteered for Florida’s Singing Sons Boychoir for more than 22 years as a choir parent and board member, traveling with the tour choir nationally and internationally.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education from Auburn University, Master of Education in School Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

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Section Leaders

Soprano Section Leader Erica Williams etw03@aol.com

Alto Section Leader

Anna Lise Arvelo annalise@mac.com

Tenor Section Leader Brock Burbach Bburbach@broward.edu

Bass Section Leader Stuart Rosenthal rosenthalstuart@ehillel.org

Orientation Leaders

Soprano Orientation Leader Kimberley Hinton khinton21@cloud.com

Alto Orientation Leader Daniela Abratt-Cohen daniela.abratt@gmail.com

Tenor Orientation Leader Greg Scherba Gsc4tlaud@gmail.com

Bass Orientation Leader Michael Still Stimicha1@aol.com

Social Media

Facebook Page: Master Chorale of South Florida Members Group

Facebook Group: Master Chorale of South Florida Members Group

Instagram: @themasterchoraleofsouthflorida

MCSF Website www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org

Password to Singer’s Section (bottom of page): MCSF

Contacts & Additional Information

Rehearsal, Performance Information & Absence for Any Reason

Kathy Sedlack, Chorus Administrator kathy@masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org

Specific Musical Questions

Kyra Stahr, Associate Conductor kyra@masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org

Suggestions for Improving the Chorale Experience

Holly Strawbridge, MCSF President holly@masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org

Questions About Music, Repertoire & Aristic Goals

Brett Karlin brett@masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org

MCSF Mailing Address

Master Chorale of South Florida 6278 N. Federal Highway, #351 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308-1916

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Master Chorale of South Florida is comprised of both performing members and outside directors, who do not sing with the chorale. For grant purposes, a minimum of 51% of the total board must be comprised of Broward County residents.

Role and Responsibilities: Board members are expected to understand how the Master Chorale raises funds to support its mission and to participate in the execution of specific fundraising strategies to elicit contributions and gifts, obtain sponsorships and grants, and sell tickets to Master Chorale concerts and events. They are also expected to understand where the revenues are going, what is being funded, and to understand the financial profile and financial returns of all fundraising events.

Officers

Holly Strawbridge, President

Joseph Wert, Vice President

Mark Glickman, Secretary

Carolyn DeSanti, Treasurer

Board Members

Emmanuel (Manny) Berger

April Green

Gary Carlin

Ronald Herron

Bert Lutomski Harriet J. Ottenheimer

Julio Rodríguez

Jenna Weisberg

Committees

Executive Committee: Oversees the long-and short-term operations of MCSF. Directs the management of the Board and its standing and ad hoc committees. Oversees the performance of the artistic director and determines his/her annual compensation arrangement.

Artistic Advisory Committee: Determines the repertoire and themes for self-produced concerts, brainstorms innovative ideas for artistic collaborations and helps cultivate the reputation of the Master Chorale through unique projects, such as recording, tours and special performances.

Concert Operations Committee: Oversees and coordinates the sale of tickets to singers and general public. Manages all operations related to concerts performed by the Chorale, including box office, stage management, front-of-house and printed programs.

Development Committee: Develops and executes an annual development plan to generate funds through grants and individual commitments to the Master Chorale.

Finance and Audit Committee: Prepares an annual budget, provides monthly financial statements, contributes to grant applications and grant reporting, completes financial reporting as required by law.

Governance Committee: Works with the Executive Committee to ensure the Board executes its governance responsibilities in accordance with its bylaws, IRS requirements and best governance practices for similar organizations.

Hank Sadof

Brett Karlin (ex officio)

Membership Committee: Assists with singer recruitment and retention through a variety of activities, and oversees outreach to alumni.

Publicity and Marketing Committee: Builds audiences and brand recognition of the Master Chorale through traditional and emerging communication channels, marketing platforms, advertising media, etc.

Special Events Committee: Develops, plans and executes special events to generate revenue as well as brand recognition in South Florida.