Chicago Chorale started out, twenty years ago, as a group of friends gathering one night a week to sing together, rehearsing music to be sung for an audience of more friends. We didn't know where we might go, how we might grow. Our success surprised all of us, and fed our hopes, our plans, our dreams. We had no blueprint; we had no money; we had no sponsoring organization directing our activities or holding us to any particular expectations. Our members had ideas, and expertise in various fields; and our surrounding community seem interested in listening to us. We had many strengths. But we were a tangled mess in terms of focus and direction.
Megan Balderston, Managing Director of Chicago Chorale (Photo Credit Erielle Bakkum)
It was a major step for us, after a few months, to sit around a table and decide we needed to get organized. And it was another major step, a few years later, to realize that relying upon volunteers to handle all that organization, was hobbling us. Volunteers wear out. Our succession of presidents— Stephen Baker, Jana French, David Houggy—were being severely stressed. I lacked the expertise and personal qualities to supply the necessary administration. We were too big, too ambitious, too growth-oriented, to continue as we were doing.
That group around the table decided to hire, on a very part-time basis, a university graduate student to help us get things done. That student graduated and was replaced by another, who also graduated. That’s what students do. But in the meantime, we were putting together enough money to talk about hiring a professional part-time administrator. We drew up a job description, advertised the position, and hired Megan Balderston.
Megan had several years’ experience in the Chicago arts scene, but wanted to step back from the intense, full-time administrative work she had been doing. She had two young children and other irons in the fire, and was looking for a part-time position. She was just the person we were looking for, and she became an essential part of our team. She knew how to write grant proposals, how to handle donors and supporters. She knew how to work with designers, printers, and venue administrators. She had the skills and experience to move us to the next level.
Chorale’s growth continued, much of it fed by Megan’s work, and the demands of managing that growth ballooned. It became increasingly clear that we needed a full-time managing director to keep us on a productive path, and to guide us into the future. Sadly, this ballooning was not what Megan wanted or needed, and she has decided to step back and let a new person take up the reins of this galloping horse.
Megan— we are grateful for your hard work, your enthusiasm, your belief in what Chorale can accomplish. You have earned a rest and the opportunity to try something new. Our partnership— yours and mine— has been fruitful and positive, and has meant so much in Chorale’s growth and success. I’ll miss you. Thanks for everything.
-Bruce