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Where in the World Are the Conductors? June 2023

June 19, 2023

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Philip Brunelle:

The past month has been another busy one for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director.  This is the time for auditions for the Ensemble Singers as well as new singers for the Chorus–so many hours have been filled with this important task.  Putting the final touches on the 2023-2024 season (subscriptions are available now!) have always been a priority–making for a fantastic 55th season!

We continue to interview candidates for the VocalEssence Board and the list of possibilities is inspiring!  The annual Chorus America conference in San Francisco was a great opportunity to meet colleagues and discuss plans for the future.  It was also a wonderful moment to honor Mike McCarthy, long time honorary VocalEssence board member and 20 year treasurer for Chorus America; how special it was that Kay McCarthy could attend this event honoring her husband, Mike.

A poignant occasion was the memorial service for Jeanne Patterson on June 12. Jeanne was VocalEssence first business manager (when it was Plymouth Music Series) and served in that role for 20 years.  She was a phenomenal person who helped launch this intrepid choral organization.

A special celebration this month was the occasion at Cay Shea’s wonderful home marking the successful conclusion of our Bridge to the Future campaign.  Speakers from our Vintage Voices and Singers Of This Age (SOTA) programs spoke eloquently about our work in these areas and Natalia Romero, one of our Ensemble Singers, enchanted the audience with her singing.

And, don’t forget to tune in to Philip’s Renaissance Man podcast. The latest episode features a conversation hosted by the Minnesota chapter of the American Choral Directors Association at St. Olaf College to speak with students interested in choral directing and choral music composition. Therees Hibbard serves as the host and interviewer in this fascinating discussion. Click the button below to listen.

RENAISSANCE MAN PODCAST

G. Phillip Shoultz, III:

Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III (GPS) wrapped up the month of May leading VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (SOTA) in performances for the Ignite Teacher Launch, Best Prep Gala, ComMUSICation 10th Anniversary concert, and the Westminster Town Forum where they were able to meet Dr. Cornell West. After transplanting over 30 hostas over the Memorial Day weekend, GPS traveled to San Francisco and presented on the Longfellow Singing from the Heart initiative as part of the Chorus America Conference. Speaking of Longfellow, GPS was a part of history as he led the 22 graduates, faculty, staff, and members of the student body in singing for graduation. June will conclude with SOTA members taking two tours–one to St. Peter and Worthington, and the second to Chicago, with stops in Wisconsin. The singers will also join GPS as participants in the Bach Roots Festival, where he serves as a Bass soloist, Assistant Director, and one of the leaders for the Emerging Artist Program.

Posted in: Together We Sing

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