VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

VocalEssence and The St. Olaf Choir are proud to announce the formation of a new Minnesota High School Honors Choir for grades 11-12 mixed voices. The statewide Honors Choir participants, selected from fall 2008 competitive CD auditions, will participate in a residency project with composer Eric Whitacre in March of 2009. They will have the opportunity to sing Whitacre's music, conducted by the composer himself as well as by Anton Armstrong, Philip Brunelle and Sigrid Johnson.

The March residency will culminate in a grand festival concert on the stage of Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2009, featuring the Minnesota High School Honors Choir, VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, and The St. Olaf Choir, each performing separately and combining for a grand finale.

The Honors Choir will utilize downtown Minneapolis venues and facilities for rehearsing, performing, meals, and lodging beginning Friday, March 20, and ending on Sunday, March 22.

Timeline for the Minnesota Honors Choir is as follows:

Audition Materials will be posted for download from this site by September 1, 2008
Audition Deadline November 1
Student selection and notification December 1
Repertoire mailed January 1
Rehearsals scheduled March 20-22
Orchestra Hall Finale Concert March 22

Downloadable audition requirements, application forms, fees and costs, and other project information will be available online by September 1, 2008.

Honors Choir Coordinator: Bruce Becker, formerly of Apple Valley High School
Staff Associates:
Marie Spar Dymit, White Bear Lake High School
Susan Zemlin, Blaine High School
Mark Nelson, Annandale High School
Michael Ellingsen, Blue Earth Area High School