The Benefits of Commissioning a Piece for your Children's Choir

​Commissioning a custom piece of music is exciting for any ensemble. As a violinist, I recall times I've had the opportunity to premiere music from living composers and it was very rewarding; to realize, for the first time, an artist's vision is inspiring. And to have the composer present for rehearsals and performance brings an unmistakable creative energy and anticipation to the work. ​

For children, the opportunity may be even more magical; I say this not from memories as a little girl, as I never had that experience. But having been to a few different children's choral rehearsals and performances, I can say it's at least equally exciting for the kids as it is for me.

Here are 5 benefits of commissioning a piece for your children's choir.

1. Teaches Professionalism from an Early Age

One of the greatest benefits of being involved in music from a young age is the professionalism it instills. Diligent personal practice, being on time and attentive for rehearsals, doing your very best for the performance - this repeating cycle teaches highly valuable habits and tools for adulthood.

Singing a custom piece adds another layer of standards for effort and behavior. It's not just you, the music, and your conductor anymore! It's you, a special piece of music entrusted to your care, your conductor, and the composer. It's an opportunity to rise to the occasion! And children do.

2. Brings Awareness that Art is Living (Not Dead)

I'm not sure at what age I was aware of living composers; but it wasn't until my freshman year of college that I learned you can actually go to school for composition, and began to explore contemporary music.

Today, kids are aware of plenty of living artists through pop culture. Contemporary classical music? Not so much. But the endorphin-inducing, fast art of pop culture isn't the only outlet for artistry. Personally experiencing an alternative shows kids that art is living, not dead.

3. Inspires Musical Excellence

Custom music inspires students to strive for musical excellence. In an age of increasing mediocrity, where are children being inspired to excel?

My husband is a very gifted man. He was at the top of his class his whole life, without ever studying or trying. Even at one of the most renowned schools for accounting in the country, he barely cracked open a textbook and breezed through his degree.

Yet, he looks back at this time of his life as a period of regrettable mediocrity. Why? Because mediocrity isn't just about results; it's relative in a sense.

Striving for excellence is good no matter how talented or untalented you are in the given area. The outcome between strivers will never be equal, and that's not the point; it's the effort, the striving, that's matters most. After all, we're called to multiply what God has given us, however little or great that may be! 

Sometimes, though, in order to shake things up and pull away from mundane routines and low expectations, we need a bit of inspiration. This could come from an encouraging teacher, a friend who surpass our abilities, or a piece of custom music in sung choir.

4. Exemplifies Growing Up to be an Artist

This one comes from having the composer present in a rehearsal. It's not just a name on the top right of your music, it's a real living person! On top of that, it's an adult, a grown up, who creates music.

I believe more art at the center of our culture would make us significantly better off. As alluded to earlier, though, I'm not talking about pop music and art. I'm also not talking about the ugly, inaccessible avant-garde.

Commissioning custom music for choir and having the composer present shows children that you can grow up not only to be an artist, but one who creates beautiful things. The more children who see this, the more artistically rich ours and their future will be.

5. Creates Memories, and is Just Plain Fun!

The benefits I've listed so far may sound a little lofty. Well, this final benefit is super obvious: singing a custom piece of music will be very memorable for your kids, and the fact is it's just plain fun!

It's a unique experience, it breaks the regular routine, it's exciting. It's something kids will always look back on as special - the time they sang a piece that was written for them. Perhaps the time they got to meet a composer. One of many fun experiences in children's choir!

Closing Thoughts

Commissioning custom music for your children's choir has many benefits; I only touched on those related to the kids. It also helps the musical economy, and our struggling culture at large.
​
If you've read this far, you may be ready to commission a piece for your children's choir. The process is easier than you may think; if you've never done it before, start by finding the composer you'd like to commission. Reach out to show your interest, at least 6 months before you expect the music and longer for prominent composers, and take it from there.

Composers like myself are happy to work out a schedule and price that work within your choir's needs. And the benefits, as you've seen, will be many!

CONTACT