By the end of July, Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle will have recorded and presented 100 “Musical Moments” featuring 100 composers who have featured with VocalEssence over the past 51 years! Also, on July 18 Philip will be featured virtually in a program honoring him as Musician of the Year by the Society of American Music. And for a happy conclusion this month Philip and Carolyn’s daughter will return to the USA with her family after 17 years in South Africa at the CapeTown Opera; she will become Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Even as Associate Conductor and Director of Learning and Engagement, G. Phillip Shoultz, III, is putting final editing touches on the very special video premiere performances for the VocalEssence Gala, he is continues to connect us through unique online singing experiences and provide leadership to the choral and vocal arts community. Take 5 with GPS daily livestream has reached a new milestone, and to date, includes 107 consecutive mornings of Phillip showing up to sing and create with people from all around the country and world. His exciting new Take 5 with GPS Live Choir experiment will release its first video very soon.
This week, Phillip returns to the University of St. Thomas teach three conducting courses to music educators enrolled in the graduate program. He has taken a leadership role in the ChorAmor community and remains in high demand as a speaker and presenter, having most recently presented Hearing Soul: Exploring the Rich Tradition of Black Choral Expression as part of the Westminster Church series.
Upcoming presentations include:
- Sharing pedagogical insights and discussing issues of racial equity in the choral arts on Music (ed) Matters Podcast and as part of the Music (ed) Matters Professional Development Series during the first week of August.
- “How Can We Keep from Singing” as part of the Voices United conference for the Delaware, Maryland/DC, and Virginia chapters of the American Choral Directors Association (August 6-7)
- A four part interactive webinar series, Table for More: Making Room in the Singing Arts Conversations on Race, Access, inClusion, Equity