Building My First Season: The Journey to 2026–2027
Just over a month ago, I stepped into the role of Music Director of the Healdsburg Chorus. Since then, one of my primary tasks has been creating the Chorus's 2026–2027 season—my first season with this remarkable organization.
I will admit that when I began, I was both excited and intimidated.
Programming a concert season is unlike putting together a single performance. A season tells a larger story. It reflects the values of an organization, serves the needs of its singers, and creates meaningful experiences for audiences. It is both an artistic and practical exercise, requiring equal parts imagination and restraint.
What surprised me most was not how many ideas I had, but how many ideas I had to abandon.
There were themes I loved that never quite developed. There were pieces I desperately wanted to program but couldn't make fit the larger narrative. There were concerts that looked exciting on paper but didn't feel right for this particular chorus at this particular moment in its history.
I quickly learned that creating a season is often a process of elimination. Every "yes" requires many "no's."
One of the most rewarding parts of this process was hearing from some of our singers. Some suggestions immediately sparked new ideas. Others confirmed directions I was already considering. A few challenged my assumptions about what singers wanted from their Chorus experience. And yes, there were also suggestions that simply didn't fit the artistic vision, the practical realities of the ensemble, or the themes that were beginning to emerge.
That's part of the process, too.
Not every idea can make it into a season, but every idea contributes to the conversation. Even the suggestions that weren't ultimately selected helped me better understand who our singers are, what inspires them, and what they hope to experience as members of the Healdsburg Chorus.
As I listened, researched, and reflected, I found myself returning to one central question: What kind of musical experiences do I want our singers and audiences to share together?
The answer led me toward programs that celebrate connection, community, beauty, and the simple joy of making music together. These ideas ultimately shaped the season that will soon be announced.
What excites me most is that this season is not just about repertoire. It is about people. It is about welcoming new singers, deepening friendships, strengthening our artistic standards, and continuing the Healdsburg Chorus's nearly four-decade tradition of bringing our community together through music.
There were certainly moments during the process when I felt stuck. I stared at long lists of pieces that didn't quite fit. I changed concert titles multiple times. I revised repertoire lists over and over again. More than once, I thought I had settled on a program only to scrap it entirely the next day.
But those detours were valuable. They helped clarify what this first season needed to be.
Now, as the plans come into focus, my excitement continues to grow. Soon the music will move from spreadsheets and score study to rehearsals and performances. The pieces will take on a life of their own through the voices of our singers, and together we will begin creating memories that I hope will stay with us for years to come.
As someone who has only been with the Chorus for a short time, I feel incredibly honored to help shape this next chapter. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from singers, board members, volunteers, and supporters, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.
This is my first season with the Healdsburg Chorus. It was built with input, ideas, enthusiasm, questions, and even a little disagreement along the way. That collaborative spirit is part of what makes community music-making so special.
I have a feeling it is going to be a very special year.
— Don Scott Carpenter
Music Director
Healdsburg Chorus