When the position opened up, Rebecca Goldman quickly emerged as a candidate whose background fit right in; spring concerts coming up this weekend

By Jim Flint

When Rebecca Goldman first attended a Southern Oregon Repertory Singers concert, it was because she had a friend in the choir. Not long after that, she assumed a leadership role for the organization as interim executive director.

Taking over for Jessica Bailey, who resigned to take on another project, Goldman is excited about her new job.

“I left that concert feeling honored by the experience,” Goldman said. “Each member of the choir takes such care to produce the best performance possible. The attention to their craft is palpable.”

Bailey’s last day was Jan. 31. The organization had originally planned a monthlong search in January for a new executive director, but shifted gears before the search got underway.

Quick change of course

“It was an interesting occurrence,” board President Ellen Hamer said. “We started to form a search committee but changed course because Jessica and Rebecca have a mutual contact in Santa Cruz. Rebecca was recommended to us, and it was a transition opportunity.”

Board secretary Lola Egan said Goldman stood out to the Rep Singers’ leadership during interviews.

“She shared propositions for us, was very impressive and has a very strong background with development, media and computer skills,” Egan said.

Another factor that made Goldman a prime candidate for Rep Singers was a recommendation by longtime Artistic Director Paul French.

“She interviewed with Paul, and they spent two hours together and there was an instant connection,” Hamer said. “He was very happy about her.”

After accepting the position of interim executive director, Goldman worked with Bailey during the month of January, helping to provide a smooth, no-gap leadership transition.

‘Fits our needs’

“She has a wealth of talent, training and background that fits our needs,” Egan said.

Goldman was hired to lead the organization for six months, after which she and Rep Singers’ leaders will evaluate her staying on long term.

Goldman holds degrees in philosophy, art and critical thought. She previously served as an executive producer for a theater company, and worked as an editor, writer, educator, art producer and communications consultant.

At the time of this interview, Goldman was preparing for the ensemble’s spring concert this weekend, March 22-23.

“I’m also excited to lead Rep Singers into our 40th year,” she said, “a time of renewal, appreciation and expansion.”

Goldman said next season begins in October and will feature two major commissioned works.

“One will be the world premiere of a choral symphony by English composer Peter Relph, whose astonishing ‘Requiem’ we performed two years ago.”

Enjoys being a catalyst

Goldman approaches her role as one of creativity and making connections.

“I try to lead by listening to team members, encouraging their ideas and then making plans to execute them together,” she said. “It’s fun to be a catalyst among creative people.”

Goldman’s goal is to expand marketing and outreach strategies as a way of building the Rep Singers’ audience.

“In an initiative of our marketing committee, led by board members Lola Egan and Erik Wiggins, we hired a new local marketing firm, Waggle Web, to integrate our marketing efforts and expand our online presence,” she said.

“Board member Jane Kenworthy has been wonderfully successful at writing grants and is now joined in that effort by board member Laura Rich. And our newly refreshed outreach task force, led by board member Betsy Bishop, is planning more events, including two upcoming at Mountain Meadows on April 19 and May 10 at the Manor.”

She said Rep Singers is interested in reaching out to schools, churches, retirement communities, and service groups.

“If anyone has specific ideas, please let me know at [email protected],” she said.

In December, Goldman attended all of the choir concerts in the Rogue Valley.

The beauty of choral music

“For me, choral music is extraordinary,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity to become present and aware that we are all alive together, listening to beauty brought about by excellence.”

Goldman said she studied sight singing a bit in college at UC Berkeley.

“My best friend at the time was an opera singer who gave me voice lessons,” she said. “I was very shy, so she would go hide in the closet sometimes so I wouldn’t be self-conscious while I sang.”

Now, as she takes the helm of Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Goldman isn’t the one hiding — she’s front and center, ready to lead.

Freelance writer Jim Flint is a retired newspaper publisher and editor. Email him at [email protected].