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Q: How did the concept of the "All of Us" Choir originate?
A: The "All of Us" Choir was born in 2016 at Boston Symphony Hall. Craig wrote a beautiful 21st-century chorale for people to stand up and sing from the audience. It's a powerful moment when suddenly, people you're sitting next to stand up and start singing. It makes the audience feel like they're truly part of the performance. The concept has evolved since then, becoming a tradition in Considering Matthew Shepard performances.
Q: What has been your experience in organizing the All of Us Choir for the upcoming performance?
A: It's been incredibly exciting. We aimed for 600 singers, but we now have over 700 people signed up! The response has been overwhelming. Every group I invited said yes immediately.
We have a diverse range of participants, from the Conspirare Symphonic Choir to Huston-Tillotson University, a historically underrepresented institution. We also have high schools, the University of Texas Austin, Austin Community College, and even the Gay Men's Chorus of Austin participating. It's not just a few students from each choir - entire ensembles are coming to be part of this experience.
Q: How do you feel this project is impacting the community?
A: It's having a profound impact. For the educational institutions involved, teachers see this as an important opportunity for their students. Some schools are even using this as a way to rebuild their music programs, excited about their students being part of something so significant. It's about being part of the greater Austin community and the Conspirare family.
This project is energizing audiences, communities, and music programs. It's becoming a generative force that brings people together through music. The enthusiasm we've seen really reinforces the truth of "All of Us" - it shows that we really are all in this together.
Thank you to Joey Martin and our Philadelphia All of Us coordinators, Rollo Dilworth and Jay Fluellen.
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