Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Our Next Concert Season

At Newport Sings, the work we do on stage is only part of the story. Behind every powerful, moving performance is a season of careful planning, teamwork, and dedication. As we look ahead to our next concert season, we wanted to share a glimpse of the thought, creativity, and effort that go into preparing a season that brings our community together in song.

Building on Last Concert Season’s Momentum

Artistic Director Elizabeth shared that she’s especially excited to keep growing from the energy of the 2024–2025 season. “Each concert, the groups sound better and better,” she explains. “One singer told me that at the start of every semester, she opens the folder of music and thinks, ‘there’s no way we’re going to learn all of this!’ I love that challenge—because it’s so rewarding to see the joy and pride we feel when we conquer it.”

That spirit of challenge and growth drives our singers and leadership alike. Every new season is a chance to learn, stretch, and celebrate what we can accomplish together.

Curating the Perfect Program

Selecting the music for the season is both an art and a science. Elizabeth uses the energy of the previous season to inspire the next one. “I think about the number of rehearsals we have, the successes and challenges we faced, and how many songs we can reasonably prepare,” she says. She also considers the difficulty level of each piece and potential themes the ensemble wants to explore.

Collaboration is key: singers themselves get to recommend pieces and share their ideas, ensuring the music feels meaningful and exciting to everyone involved.

Hours of Rehearsal, Moments of Magic

Audience members might not realize just how much rehearsal goes into the music they hear at a Newport Sings concert. Each performance is the result of over 20 hours of rehearsal and preparation. But it’s not just about learning notes and rhythms.

“Our rehearsals focus on creating a unified and balanced sound, which takes a lot of practice and repetition,” Elizabeth explains. “We approach our music-making as a team. That connection deepens our bond with the music and with each other—and I think it makes for a more impactful performance.”

Summer Planning: Laying the Groundwork for Success

While audiences often think of fall as the start of the season, the work truly begins in the summer. The Newport Sings team spends months getting everything ready before rehearsals begin in September.

That planning includes:

• Creating the season calendar

• Securing rehearsal and concert locations

• Selecting themes for ensembles

• Choosing and ordering music

• Preparing music folders for singers

• Communicating with singers about expectations and schedules

• Organizing welcome picnics and potlucks to build community before rehearsals start

Beyond the music, there’s the essential work of securing funding through grants and donations. These resources ensure our programs remain accessible, sustainable, and of the highest quality.

Why It Matters

All of this preparation is done with one goal in mind: to deliver performances that move, delight, and unite our community. At Newport Sings, we believe choral music is a powerful force for connection and joy. Every rehearsal, every planning meeting, every piece of sheet music ordered is part of that mission.

Interested in joining us? Whether you’re a singer ready to take on a new challenge or an audience member looking forward to another season of beautiful music, we’d love to welcome you. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming concerts—and if you're inspired to support our mission, consider making a donation or volunteering your time. Together, we can make the next concert season our best yet!

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