May 11, 2010

Dear members and friends of the River City Mixed Chorus,

I would like to let you know about a decision I have made recently regarding my plans for the future. Over the last few years, I have been feeling the need to create more time for myself. Specifically, I have noticed that there are personal creative goals, such as writing, recording, and touring, that have been put on the back burner for some time now, and that in order to pursue some of these goals, I need to let something go to give myself more space and flexibility. Although this has not been an easy choice, I have decided that the June 2010 concert will be my last concert with the River City Mixed Chorus.

This has been a difficult decision because I have so truly enjoyed working with River City, and I will miss it a great deal. I am not letting go of this position because of any conflicts or dis-satisfactions between myself and the group. Rather, this is a choice about making room so that I can start a new chapter in my life.

Speaking particularly to those who have worked alongside me over the past many years, I hope that you will not take this as an indication that I have not had enough help or assistance. On the contrary, the board, the assistant director, the committees, and the many volunteers who I work with have all been very dedicated and supportive, and indeed I would not have been able to be a successful director without them. However, having two jobs has meant that, even with a lot of help, I find my attention pulled in different directions, such that while I may have managed to monitor what is happening in these two positions, I have had little energy for other areas in my life. My other job as music director of First United Methodist Church is a full-time position. Because the River City Mixed Chorus position is ¼ time, this is the aspect of my work life that I feel I can let go.

My current contract with the River City Mixed Chorus runs through August 31, and the board and I have agreed that I will stay on through that point in order to help with the transition. I will be helping in the search for a new director, and I will be helping to develop a plan for next season so that the new director will be able to come into the position with plans already in place. (Of course, they will also have the freedom to make adjustments as needed.)

It has been a wonderful ten years for me with the chorus. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities that have been a part of this time, and I will greatly miss being a part of this special group. I have stressed to the membership of the chorus that I want them to continue to thrive and grow, that this is a time for them not to scatter but to come together and find renewed commitment and energy as they create a new future together with new leadership. What I would most like for people to say about me is this: That I brought the chorus to a place of commitment and stability such that they were poised to grow to a whole new level in the time that came after me. It will be a difficult transition for all of us, but in the long term I think this could be a real opportunity for renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

I have formed many friendships within the chorus, and my hope is that they will continue. I will still be living in Omaha, I will still be the Director of Music Ministries at FUMC, and I will still be supporting the chorus in whatever way that I can.

Thank you all for your love and support! You have made my time with the chorus unforgettable.

Wishing you all the best,

Mark Kurtz