The Value of Love

I had never given much thought to the existence or the benefits of the collaboration of professionals and amateurs.  Leadbeater and Miller said that "amateurs work like pros with a sense of obligation and necessity, but create intense experiences of creativity and self expression."  After reading the examples of pro-am collaborations, it occurred to me that I participate in at least one of these communities.  The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus is comprised of approximately 125 members who are active in the arts community, some paid public school choral directors and church choir directors, and some (former) paid soloists.  Participation in the chorus is voluntary but requires an audition, a commitment to many rehearsals, a rigorous concert schedule, and a love for music.  The collaboration of many paid professionals, the choral director, a chorus manager, paid orchestral musicians, and a maestro, and many, many hours of private practice and group rehearsals, the concerts come together beautifully.  Without a doubt the group having the most fun, are the volunteers, the chorus.