In over 5o years, we celebrate our recognition not only locally and regionally, but nationally and internationally for innovation, leadership, and advancement of this art form. Within the strength of our position as a leader in this field, our challenge is to remain relevant and responsive within the rapidly changing demographic landscape. This Strategic Plan…  Read More →

VocalEssence seeks to develop future singing generations in ways that are reflective of and responsive to diverse constituencies. We will offer inclusive and accessible artistic opportunities at the core of our creative engagement. The table below highlights our intentions drafted in our 2018-2020 Strategic Plan to advance inclusion, access and equity. Through our recent 8-month…  Read More →

Learning and Engagement Manager phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 rhiannon@vocalessence.org Rhiannon Fiskradatz is a lifelong theatre artist whose work across a broad range of mediums displays a penchant for cross pollination. After earning a theatre arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2002, Rhiannon built her multifaceted career performing physical theatre &…  Read More →

Dancer/Choreographer Roxane Wallace is active in the arts as a performer, dance instructor, and choreographer.  Originally from California, she holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California at Berkeley.  Constantly engaged in her field, she has worked with numerous choreographers and directors of both regional and international acclaim and earned the “Best Dancer” title in…  Read More →

Arts Educator/Performer/Choreographer/Literary Artist Karla Nweje is an arts educator, choreographer, performer, and literary artist.  She holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Brooklyn College/CUNY. As a literary artist, Karla is a published author and contributing writer to literary publications and writes/presents interactive workshops and assemblies for youth.  After obtaining teaching credentials, she worked as a…  Read More →

Vocalist/Composer/Percussionist Dr. Timothy Berry began singing in his father’s church at age 5 where his mother was the pianist and choir director. He has played hand drums since age 12.  His eclectic performance background including: The Urban Flavor Band; Leigh Morris Chorale; Penumbra Theater; MN Opera; Contempo Dance Physical; Minnesota State University Repertory Dance Theater;…  Read More →

Thank you for your consideration of a gift of stock to VocalEssence! Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to unite our community through song. Below is the information that you may need for the stock transfer. Please ask your broker to identify the source of the gift by providing your name on the…  Read More →

VocalEssence will provide a secure environment for collecting donations and maintaining internal controls governing the safekeeping of all confidential donor financial and personal information. In all financial information systems and financial transactions, VocalEssence will work to protect the financial information of donors and earn the trust they have placed in the organization. VocalEssence does not…  Read More →

Director of Finance and Operations phone 612-547-1455 fax 612-547-1464 jeff@vocalessence.org Jeff Bina comes to VocalEssence with a background in arts administration and finance as well as radio production and music performance. Prior to VocalEssence, he spent four years with the professional men’s vocal ensemble, Cantus, serving as their Operations and Finance Manager. Here, he grew…  Read More →

Director of Marketing and Communications phone 612-547-1459 fax 612-547-1484 amanda@vocalessence.org Amanda Timmer joined VocalEssence in 2014.  As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Amanda plans and oversees communication strategies that promote all that VocalEssence creates. Prior to joining the VocalEssence staff, Amanda earned a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from Minnesota State University,…  Read More →

VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting new choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in assisted living communities and senior centers. Activities include choral rehearsals with conductor Rob Graham and accompanist John Jensen for 12 weeks, culminating in an on-site concert for friends, family, residents and community…  Read More →

The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was developed by VocalEssence in 2007 to celebrate and recognize outstanding leaders who are in the field empowering young people through direct contact, making a way for them to be as successful as they can be. It was named after the…  Read More →