Foreword by Eric Whitacre

Innovation in the Ensemble Arts caps a trilogy of volumes that delves into the building blocks necessary for a vibrant, growing music organization.

In the first volume—Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts: Helping Others Find Their Voice—author Tim Sharp examines the mentor/ protégé dynamic and its critical impact on the lives of ensembles and their conductors. In the second volume—Collaboration in the Ensemble Arts: Working and Playing Well with Others— he challenges us to think beyond our traditional confines and to expand our worldview to one that encompasses creative new ideas, concepts, and connections.

Now Innovation in the Ensemble Arts lays out the techniques of transformative renewal that enable music educators to lead individual ensemble members in the personal growth that fuels the ensemble’s contributions to the community. Sharp establishes a mindset that can lead to ongoing relevancy and create public value for today’s ensembles.

Tim Sharp (BM, MCM, DMA), an active choral conductor, researcher, and writer, is Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the national professional association for choral conductors, educators, scholars, students, and choral music industry representatives in the United States. He is also Artistic Director and Conductor of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus. In language informed by years of research and personal experience, this book leads us through “Stages in the Process of Innovation,” “Foundational Pillars for Building an Innovation Mindset,” “Creativity versus Innovation,” and “Moving from Innovation to Impact.” Along the way, Sharp presents concrete and practical plans for turning insight into action.

Innovation in the Ensemble Arts is not only thought-provoking and inspirational, but it also illustrates how to generate momentum that can propel music ensembles forward in the pursuit of musical excellence.