Raising Voices for Democracy: How Choral Organizations are Inspiring Communities to Vote

Election Day is here in the United States and exercising the right to vote is an important way to ensure that our voices are heard on the issues that matter most. Choruses have long embodied the spirit of community and unity, and many are taking extra steps to inspire their communities to harness their power and have their voices be heard. Here’s how four choral organizations are amplifying the message of democracy and encouraging their communities to get out and vote.

VOX Femina Los Angeles:

In October, VOX Femina Los Angeles went on a “Get Out the Vote” tour with two stops, one in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the other in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this tour the singers performed Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata. The goal of the tour was to empower listeners to vote and make their own voices heard. The organization just launched it’s 28th season on Sunday, November 3 with a concert called “My Voice Be Brave” centered around pieces celebrating the bravery needed to create change.

Suffrage Cantata, Movement V: Forward Into Light performed by VOX Femina Los Angeles

Gaia Music Collective:

New York City-based creative community Gaia Music Collective, in partnership with Rock the Vote and Live Nation Women, also went on tour to 18 different locations across the US and created pop-up community choirs at each location. The organization invited community members to sing “A Beautiful Noise” by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile and participate in early voting together. These pop-up choruses were open to all and did not require any audition or pre-requisite, just a dedication to their community.

Denver Women’s Chorus

The Denver Women’s Chorus partnered with One Colorado for their November concert, Do You Hear the People Sing. This concert centered around a message of civic engagement and encouraged listeners and supporters to go to the polls and have their voices be heard. The organization also participated in One Colorado’s “Hops to the Polls” series which is designed to motivate the Colorado community to learn about what they can do to unite and get out the vote.  

The Crossing

The Crossing released a project “The Crossing Votes: 2024.” This video and recording is based on the poem “Cloud Anthem” by Richard Blanco. When writing about this project on their website they reference their past project “The Crossing Votes: 2020” and how many of the issues that were at the forefront of our minds during that election and time are still with us for this election. The purpose of “Cloud Anthem” is to inspire change and action with grace. We have freedom and we have choices.