I sent the following message to Kathy Carmody last week -- she's Region 11's
liaison to the International Board of Directors. Kathy's response follows my
letter.
Debbie Curtis
------------------------------
Hi Kathy!
I was asked last week about the survey International did about the
size designations for small, mid-size and large choruses.
In our contest this past weekend, we had 12 small choruses, 2 mid-size, and
2
large choruses competing. Our small chorus numbers average around 25 or so,
and they feel it is nearly impossible to compete against a chorus with 40
members (just under the mid-size cut off).
International asked for feedback about the size designations, but we haven't
heard anything about the results. I told the small chorus director who
asked
me about it last weekend that I would try to find out if a decision had been
made.
Can you help?
Thanks,
Debbie Curtis
Region 11 CTC
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your note and I'll try to answer your question. The issue of
numbers for small, mid, and large choruses is a topic that the International
Board, the EDC, and the Judge Specialists have discussed at great length,
trying
to come up with the best solution. We are very aware that there is concern
among
the membership about these designations. We have agreed, after considerable
debate, that we will revisit the issue after it has been in place for a while
longer...probably two years.... and determine if the numbers need to change.
So often board decisions are hard to accept and we are tempted to reverse
or
change our minds. What we've learned, sometimes the hard way, is that
decisions
take time to settle with the membership and we would be shortsighted to make
another change too soon. Please feel free to write and express your feelings
and
those of your region to the Int'l. Board, and your letter will be taken
seriously. We need and want to hear from the membership. You'll notice I'm
copying in our new International President, Carole Kirkpatrick, just to keep
her
informed of your concern.
Thanks, Debbie, and I look forward to seeing you in June.
In Harmony,
Kathy
