Artistic Discipline as the Pathway to Connection - by Chris Maunu

In my recent experience conducting an ACDA National Honor Choir, a profound connection was unlocked. Unlike the all-state and festival choirs I’ve conducted, where singers often share regional backgrounds, this choir brought together students from literally every corner of the country. With such a diverse mix of experiences and perspectives, the depth of connection that formed in less than four days was striking. Through the demands of extremely challenging repertoire, highly intense rehearsals, and the shared commitment to every minute artistic detail, these youngsters became deeply invested in each other.

Each rehearsal was more than just a technical exercise; it was an evolving conversation through the musical process. Singers learned to trust one another through a myriad of new exercises, ways of thinking, and an impossibly hard-to-impress conductor. This process required risk and the need to stretch themselves beyond their perceived limits. At first, the discipline required may have seemed like a pursuit of perfection, but beneath the surface, the true challenge was creating something uniquely meaningful together. By the final performance at the Meyerson, they weren’t an honor choir; they were a choir—a group of individuals who had built something real through tireless effort and focus.

One of the examples of this came in our work on Zanaida Robles’s THE SUMMIT IS NIGH. This brilliant commission demanded precision, featuring intricate rhythms, a complex harmonic palette, and an expansive vocal range. The text, drawn from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Slow Through the Dark, speaks of perseverance in the face of difficulty. Though these are some of the most talented high school singers in the country, they still predictably struggled with the complexity of the rhythmic interplay and an unfamiliar harmonic language. The challenge became a shared experience, deepening their investment in both the piece and their fellow singers. Overcoming a shared struggle made the final performance even more powerful—not just as an artistic achievement, but as a testament to their collective growth. This mindset applies to every choir, no matter their starting point.

Another noteworthy moment came through our work on my SILENTIUM. In a world where it is easy to let external forces dictate our thoughts and emotions, this piece invited a return to personal reflection. While choral music often emphasizes a unified sound and communal vision, SILENTIUM required singers to embrace both individuality and cohesion. The music demanded introspection and trust, asking each singer to bring their own interpretation while maintaining connection with the ensemble. In this way, SILENTIUM reinforced that discipline in music isn’t just about technical accuracy—it’s about presence, intentionality, and creating space for both personal expression and collective artistry. In many ways, it reflects the world we aspire to build.

Choirs are not just groups of singers; they are communities forged through shared effort and artistic purpose. While the emotional power of choral music often seems like a given in performance, I assuredly say it is not a given. It is discipline in a well-planned process that makes this depth of connection possible. Far from being restrictive, discipline creates an environment where singers support one another’s growth, listen more deeply, and commit to something beyond themselves.

At its core, artistic discipline requires commitment—commitment to preparation, focus, and engagement. When each singer takes responsibility for knowing their role in the music, refining their individual technique in the best way they can, and bringing personal engagement and energy to rehearsals, they demonstrate respect for both the ensemble and the music. This shared investment builds trust, reinforcing the idea that every individual plays a crucial role in the group’s success.

Choral singing is inherently collaborative. Discipline teaches singers to listen—not just to their own voice, but to the voices around them. Tuning, balance, and “blend” require active awareness and adaptability. By the way, “blend” is a noun, not a verb in my opinion. It is a resulting state that happens when many things line up concurrently. Not shying away from color and resonance—but singing “into” each other’s sounds is key, as long as there is agreement on color. As singers hone these skills, they develop a heightened sensitivity to the ensemble’s overall sound, creating a deeper sense of connection, as well as interdependence.

Mastering technical elements such as phrasing, dynamics, and diction isn’t about rigid control—it’s what allows for greater emotional depth. When singers approach the music with care and intentionality, they can express it with more nuance and sincerity. This shared pursuit of artistic depth brings choir members closer, both to the music and to one another.

Beyond the music itself, artistic discipline strengthens relationships. The routine of rehearsing together—facing challenges, making adjustments, celebrating progress—builds trust. Over time, singers come to rely on one another not just as musicians, but as collaborators and friends.

Ultimately, artistic discipline isn’t about rigid structure or technical perfection. It’s about commitment—to the music, to growth, and to each other. When choirs embrace this mindset, they foster a culture of mutual respect and artistic exploration, creating something far greater than the sum of its parts.