Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 1148
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 07:55 am: |    |
100210
THE CHOIR HAS MANY VOICES !
by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, OH
When the Mormon Tabernacle Choir appears in their home venue, or here in Cincinnati, they number some 326 voices [a stage full!!!!]. Heard an interview with the Director one time, in which he mentioned he could “hear each voice, and miss those absent”! Whoa! But I am sure this is true-- and each singer hears those around about. The same is true for orchestras, etc.
The point here is that EACH single voice has a direct impact, and while swallowed up in the mass, has a distinct place and makes a positive contribution. But then, each voice adds just a touch to the overall sound. In addition, at times that one single voice may have the task of being a single voice [solo] to emphasis or accentuate a phrase, or as a distinct contribution to a duet, quartet, etc. So that one voice is really in a way, multiple voices, adaptable to the cause at hand.
Oh, and voices come in many, many “flavors”, each distinctive, each wonderful, each so vital and beautiful for the right use! Bass to coloratura; mellow to booming; chilling and thrilling!
Now CSI can “field” some 14,000 voices in a manner like the MTC or perhaps like Woodstock! But again the singular voice of each member carries a message, and has an influence on any listeners. Unfortunately some choose to remain mute; some hum; some to grump, and gripe; some with little to say, some with a lot [and do- frequently] ! Where do you fit?
Recently had a cold contact from an association person who asked me to speak “specifications” for his group. Turned out well [despite technical broadcasting glitches to another site] and seems to have both satisfied the group, the convener and piqued his interest [newly emerging] in specs. He has asked for more “speak” and details! One voice did this, not because of the oratory but because of latent interest laying “out there”, a willingness to do, and a meager contact with CSI, and “stir to taste”!
Was this, though, a high success? In a way, because the system worked. But again, no! In that the weakest link in the whole scenario is the single voice, even if it speaks true, long profoundly and meets expectations. This is a mere blip for CSI and attests to the value of a Speakers’ Bureau, but it also places the single voice in a very difficult place. Suddenly the essence that CSI is, does and has done is exposed in one single place, voice and presentation-- it is isolated, lonely, frightening and weird! Is there any possible “CSI” follow-up [from any of its sources] on such events [a report or review, of sorts, follow-up or any acknowledgement, etc.?]. Wouldn’t a direct contact from some CSI entity to the conveners [i.e., follow-up of some sort] be of value and add confidence and image? Is it valid to show support for the person thrown into such lions’ dens, not as praise but as a way to carry CSI’s overall image and credentials a little further than the speakers’ listing. OK, pure PR, if you wish! A point of “reach out” from a local or regional source, expanding the one voice effort to capitalize on it, at any rate!
This is not a plea for vain glory, but rather asking about closure of sorts, whereby CSI at various levels has more indication and knowledge about what individual members are doing. A way, to not only support, but to encourage and give back for service to both the close-by and the whole organization. For that single voice speaking to any number could be reflected and ripple many times over when the audience members talk to others about what they heard-- i.e., what CSI has and what was brought to them via a single member/voice! That then becomes a network to the benefit of every CSI group!
‘Course if a “voice” screws up a presentation, others in CSI might catch flack for that, too! |
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