I sing in a local glee club, and over the years it’s become a remarkable source of learning—not just about music, but about leadership, collaboration, and growth. While we come together for the joy of singing, what I’ve learned from a volunteer choir goes far beyond the notes on a page.
Just Enough Structure
One of the clearest lessons is the value of just enough structure. Our choir has a board, committees, and passionate artistic directors, but the framework is light and purposeful. It keeps us organized and ensures essential tasks are handled— marketing, community outreach, rehearsals, and performances—without stifling creativity or initiative.
What I’ve learned is that structure is most effective when it enables people to act, rather than constrains them. It provides clarity and support, but also creates room for members to step up, take responsibility, and lead in ways that may not be in any formal description.
Leadership Beyond Titles
Leadership doesn’t always come with a formal role. Some of the most meaningful contributions come from members who notice a need and respond—welcoming newcomers, managing logistics, or organizing socials. This experience has taught me that action often matters more than titles, and that leadership is about creating opportunities for others to contribute and shine.
Growth Through Effort
The choir is always striving to improve—musically, collaboratively, and in the way we engage our community. Our artistic directors provide rehearsal videos and audio tracks that help everyone learn and grow. Recent performances, like at Maplewoodstock, a major local music festival, weren’t solely lucky breaks. They were the result of years of consistent effort, skill-building, and patient persistence. Growth, I’ve learned, is a process: it comes from small, repeated steps and a mindset that values curiosity, learning, and humility.
Collaboration Beyond the Choir
Our work extends beyond our own group. We collaborate with schools, township committees, guest musicians, and audiences. These experiences have shown me that partnerships beyond your immediate circle can create opportunities and outcomes that no single person or team could achieve alone.
Key Takeaways
From this choir, I’ve learned lessons that extend far beyond music:
- Just enough structure enables action and creativity.
- Action matters more than titles.
- Small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful outcomes.
- Growth requires curiosity, patience, and humility.
- Collaboration extends beyond your immediate team.
Reflection
Founded in 1946 as an auxiliary of the American Legion in Maplewood, NJ, the Maplewood Glee Club is a volunteer men’s choir united by a love of music, camaraderie, and community. Guided by passionate artistic directors, the choir fosters learning, growth, and performance opportunities, while supporting initiatives like the John A. Plumer Memorial Scholarship for rising high school seniors pursuing music. No auditions. No stress. Just singing, performing, and connecting—with each other and the community.
Bibliography
- Bellman, G. M., & Ryan, K. D. (2009). Extraordinary groups: How ordinary teams achieve amazing results. Jossey-Bass.
- Donat, A. (2023, November 24). Harmony across the ages. Matters Magazine.
Article by: Ian Foster – People Assured
Research and writing supported by Google Search, Microsoft Copilot, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.