Chorus Connection is more than a place to store member data for community choruses; it's a comprehensive chorus management tool that empowers choruses to build a real community for their members! The system enables choruses to communicate effectively with their members, engage singers in a meaningful way, and keep members invested in the organization.

This article will give Membership Committees a framework for using Chorus Connection as a tool to engage singers.

Use the Membership Directory to Build a Community

In your free trial or Chorus Connection account, navigate to: Chorus Connection>Members

Get to Know Your Members

Getting to know your members is the most important step in building a community. The Membership Directory gives you an insight into fun facts and information about your singers. Use this information to engage and connect with the members. If you plan member networking events, you can even use this information for a fun party game!

Celebrate Birthdays, Anniversaries, or Other Important Dates

Every member has a spot on their profile to list their birthday and their choir anniversary. Use this information as a way to celebrate your members! Post birthday/anniversary announcements on the Bulletin Board or Dashboard, sing "Happy Birthday" in rehearsals, or even post announcements in the concert programs. You can even use Custom Fields to keep track of other important dates.

Use Files to Keep Members Informed

In your free trial or Chorus Connection account, navigate to:  Chorus Connection>Manage>Files

Store Important MEMBER Documents and Materials

Using Files in Chorus Connection, set up a "Member Documents" folder. Upload your member handbook and any other members-only materials such as:

• Rehearsal and practice expectations
• Attendance requirements
• Performance guidelines
• Member responsibilities
• Member benefits
• Member dues 

Create a New Member Onboarding Folder

Do you have or are considering implementing a new member onboarding program? The folders within Files can help you sub-categorize important information for new singers. Upload any new member assignments, presentations, or materials here. These folders can even be restricted and hidden from other users in the database.

Save Member Opportunities for Involvement

Successful Membership Committees are experts at motivating singers to participate in chorus activities. In Files, create a folder for member involvement opportunities. Materials might include:

• Volunteer opportunities
• A guide to promoting the concerts to friends and family
• Marketing and social engagement opportunities
• Information about donating to the annual fund
• Sample email to send to friends interested in joining the choir
• Corporate sponsorship packet and advertising rates to send to their employer

Sample File Organization

• Member Materials
  • Subfolder: New Member Materials
    • Subfolder: New Member Onboarding - Month 1
    • Subfolder: New Member Onboarding - Month 2
    • Subfolder: New Member Onboarding - Month 3
  • Subfolder: Rehearsal and Practice Information & Guidelines
  • Subfolder: Performance Information & Guidelines
  • Subfolder: Member Involvement Opportunities

Use Bulletin Board & Dashboard to Keep Members Engaged

In your free trial or Chorus Connection account, navigate to: Chorus Connection>Manage>Bulletin Board and Chorus Connection>Manage>Admin Settings>Dashboard

Get Feedback

Ever needed feedback from the chorus? Use the Bulletin Board as a way to get immediate feedback directly from the members. You can also use the Bulletin Board or Dashboard as a way to direct them to an outside survey, if needed.

Send Member Shoutouts

Acknowledgement is key to running a successful volunteer-based organization like a community chorus. Singers and chorus volunteers like to be recognized for their efforts. Use the Bulletin Board or Dashboard as a way for you or other members to give shoutouts and praise to fellow choir members! "Sopranos were rockin' it today!"

Post Weekly Challenges for Members

Challenge members to stay involved with the organization by posting "weekly challenges" to the Bulletin Board or Dashboard. Challenges might include inviting friends to the concert via Facebook, introducing yourself to someone new in the chorus, or practicing their most difficult passage in the music. Weekly challenges are a great way to keep members motivated and they help the chorus in small, but meaningful, ways! 

Use Groups to Effectively Communicate with Members

In your free trial or Chorus Connection account, navigate to: Chorus Connection>Manage>Groups

Set Up Member Groups

The Groups tool in Chorus Connection allows you to create and segment members into email distributions lists. For example, you may wish to create a Group for your Membership Committee so you can communicate and plan effectively. Or perhaps a "New Members" group to be used in new member onboarding. (Note: Sections already have their own email lists.)

Keep Track of Action Items in Email Archives

Once you have sent emails out to your Membership Committee or other member lists, all emails related to that distribution list are then archived in Chorus Connection's email history area. You will be able to see a full list of emails sent to distribution lists in which you are a member. Easily monitor activity and keep up with action items from the most recent communications without having to sift through your email inbox!

Use the Calendar to Plan Member Events

In your free trial or Chorus Connection account, navigate to: Chorus Connection>Manage>Calendar

Plan Member Networking Events

Events are another great way to build a sense of community with your members! Use the Calendar to schedule networking events for the chorus. Every event can be segmented based on your Groups. So if, for example, you have a new member event, you could set up an event that is only visible to your new member group!

There are so many ways that Chorus Connection can help Membership Committees succeed. We'd love to show you around Chorus Connection and help you customize it to meet the needs of your chorus. Book a demo today with our Chorus Management Specialist, Kenny, to learn more!