Carlson School of Management Flash Mob, Deck the Halls

Mark Fideldy plays "A Mighty Fortress"

Another organ performance by MCTC Choir bass Mark Fideldy.

Mark Fideldy on YouTube

Great organ performance by MCTC Choir bass Mark Fideldy.

Eric Ericson conduz "The Real Group"

A match made in heaven.

Let Music Fill the Air!

This is the opening piece of the Minnesota Chorale's Bridges concert, performed this past November at the SPCO.

MCTC Choirs present An Early Winter Concert Dec 9

Minneapolis Community and Technical College will present an Early Winter Concert featuring the MCTC Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble Friday December 9 at 7:30 pm in the Whitney Fine Arts Theater, 1424 Yale Place, on the MCTC campus in downtown Minneapolis. The concert, directed by Dr. Elizabeth Pauly and accompanied by Christopher Wolter will feature the choirs’ characteristic blend of European art music with folk and traditional music from across the globe.  Pieces include compositions and arrangements by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw, Monte Mason, Harry Belafonte, and Giovanni Croce among others.  The choirs will be joined by guest artists percussionist Thomas Reimer and flautist Donna Hryniewicki.  A reception in the Fine Arts lobby will follow immediately after the concert. Light refreshments will be served.  Children are welcome.  Admission to this concert is free, but the choirs ask that you bring a non-perishable food donation that you may deposit in the marked bins outside the theater.  Food donations will go to the Hennepin County Emergency Food Network. 

Minnesota Chorale presents InChoir: Messiah Sing-a-Long

MESSIAH SING-A-LONG

Minnesota Chorale and soloists, 

Kathy Saltzman Romey, director

Lynn Trapp, organist

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 6:30-8:00PM

St. Olaf Catholic Church

215 S 8^th Street, downtown Mpls.

(free parking in the Energy Ramp at 3^rd Ave & 4^th St)

In this citywide event, everyone is invited to fill the air with the sounds of George Frideric Handel’s most famous creation, the much loved oratorio, Messiah.  Bring your own score or borrow one here. Come to sing-a-long with members of the Minnesota Chorale or just come to listen

Freewill offering taken. Reception follows.

Bernice Johnson Reagon on the Power of Collective Singing

Bernice Johnson Reagon, founding member of Sweet Honey in the Rock was interviewed on MPR's midmorninging today. She is a wonderful singer, scholar and teacher and has influenced many of us. This is an interview well worth your time.

Minnesota Chorale Presents Bridges: Join the Dance!

Breaking News - This just in! Would you like a discount on your tickets? Here's how: Go to https://mnchorale.secure.force.com/ticket Choose the date you wish to attend. Once the next window opens up, enter the number of tickets you want at the adult rate (full price). The next window that appears has a field for discount codes; enter the word singer. This will reduce the adult price from $20 (+$2 handling) to $15 per ticket. Join the Dance!, this year's Bridges program, focuses on Minnesotans with physical disabilities. Clients of the Courage Center--Minnesota's largest provider of rehabilitation services to people with disabilities--will be paired with Chorale singers in the creation and performance of choreographed works, set to music sung by the Chorale. Under the direction of Chorale artistic director Kathy Saltzman Romey, these sure-to-be memorable performances will feature the premiere of a new work by composer Mary Ellen Childs, commissioned for this program. Dancers from the Dance Exchange of Takoma Park, Md., will lead singers and dancers in the creation of these works, using the Dance Exchange’s nationally acclaimed methods in developing community-based art. Founded in 1976 by choreographer Liz Lerman, the Dance Exchange has extended the frontiers of dance, specializing in community residencies that explore significant social and personal issues through dance. About the Bridges Program The Chorale's Bridges series, begun in 1994 to build musical and social bridges to diverse populations, has been acclaimed as a national model for choral outreach programs. Bridges is a series of musical initiatives that harness the richness and diversity of the global choral repertoire to engage cultural communities and raise awareness of pressing social needs. Each year, the Chorale identifies key program collaborators, whether a community, an organization, an artist, or some combination of these. It then identifies appropriate occasions and venues, locates or commissions suitable repertoire, and tailors a range of outreach, education, and performance activities to accomplish the goals of the program. The cumulative results of more than a decade of Bridges programs include a widening of the audience for choral music in the Twin Cities and a web of organizational and individual connections centered on music but reaching far beyond it. Two public performances are scheduled: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Music Room, SPCO Center Hamm Building, Third Floor 408 St. Peter Street St. Paul, MN 55102 Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4:00 p.m. St. Richard's Catholic Church 7540 Penn Ave. S. Richfield, MN 55423 Tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors, students, and VSA) and may be purchased online or by calling the Chorale at 612.455.2100. This will be a lovely program - the music is just great - Mary Ellen Child's piece is delightful, and we'll be singing a wonderful piece by Jocelyn Hagen called "On My Dreams" that your director hopes to program for Vocal Ensemble in the not too distant future. Other pieces include Bob Chilcott's arrangement of U2's MLK and Frank Ticheli's Earth Song. I really encourage as many of you to come as possible - it will be a really wonderful experience.

Minhua Chorus 20th Anniversary Concert

This looks like a fun and interesting concert.

First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis Presents: Requiem by Bob Chilcott

Date: Sunday October 30th, 2011

Time: 10:30 A.M.

Place: First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis 

900 Mount Curve Ave

Minneapolis, MN 55403

What: The FUS Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, music director Barbara Brooks; Soloists: MCTC Faculty member Debra Gilroy is the soprano soloist, Donald Barbee is the tenor soloist.

Why you want to be there: The music will be stunning, and several of your MCTC choir colleagues will be performing in this event.

LET'S DO THE TIMEWARP AGAIN!!!

You've heard rumors, you've held your breath, you've tried to stop thinking about it because it would just be too great if it were really true, and too sad if it weren't, but yes... yes... yes - The MCTC Theatre Department will be producing The Rocky Horror Picture Show early this winter!!!

Veteran director Justin Kirkeberg (Artistic director and founder of Candid Theater) is excited to be working on this project, and is looking for singers (he notes that it wouldn't hurt if you can dance a bit, and hey, who can't do the Timewarp?)

Auditions are coming soon - here are the details:


Auditions
All auditions will be held in the MCTC Whitney Fine Arts Theater, 1424 Yale Place
Wednesday November 16th 7-9PM
Thursday November 17th 7-10PM
Friday November 18th 4-6 PM
Saturday November 19th 12-1 PM

Callbacks:
Saturday November 19th 1-4 PM

If you are audition for a choral part only please audition on Thursday
the 17th from 7-10 or Saturday the 19th from 12-1

Please come prepared to sing a contemporary rock/pop song acapella and
dress for movement.

Rehearsals:
December 19th- Feb 7th
Monday-Thursday 6-10 PM (some Fridays as needed)
Saturday 12-5PM
Rehearsal schedules will be determined by demands of role offered

Performances
Feb 8-10th at 7PM
1 & 7 PM on the 11th


This is an opportunity not to be missed! And for a little inspiration, here's a clip from the 1975 film:

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

This video of Jobs' commencement address to Stanford University graduates in 2005 is, to me, moving and inspiring.

15th Annual Cancer Kids Fund

Find details about this great event here: Dr. Liz's Music Blog

Give Get Sistet Performs House Concert

The Give Get Sistet - featuring Valandra, Mankwe Ndosi, Libby Turner Opanga, and MCTC's own Sarah M. Greer (voice faculty at MCTC), will perform as part of a special house concert event on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 pm.

This event should be really wonderful. For more information, check the event website at http://www.sarahmgreer.com/GGS/ggs-rsvp.html.

As this is a house concert, you will need to contact them ahead of time for address and directions.

MCTC Choir Retreat Sept 17

What could be better than a good part of your day singing, developing your choir musicianship skills, and hanging out with people who love to sing as much as you do?

MCTC Choirs Annual Retreat

When: Saturday September 17 from 12-4:30

Where: On the MCTC Campus, L3100, L3400, F2700*

Lunch will be provided.

Dress in comfortable clothing

Agenda for Choir Retreat Sept 17, 2011

Time: 12-4:30

Locations: L3100, L3400, F2700

12:00-1:00                  Lunch, Choir business meeting (Patrick), L3100

1:00-1:40                   Getting to know you activities (Sara and Olivia), L3100

1:40-2:20                   Session: Diction for Singers (Liz) L3100

2:20-2:30                   Break

2:30-3:00                   Session: Movement (Ellie Ahmann) L3400

3:00-4:30                   Music Rehearsal (Liz) F2700

*All room locations are on the MCTC Campus. For campus maps, go to this link: http://www.minneapolis.edu/campusmaps/index.cfm

This event is required for all choir members. 

Minnesota State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

Choir Members - This is a wonderful singing opportunity - check it out!

1990 ~ Twenty-Second Annual Minnesota State ~ 2011

Sacred Harp Singing Convention

SATURDAY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – 25, 2011

Town Hall, The Landing, Shakopee

9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days

~ ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS FREE EVENT ~ ~ NO PREVIOUS SINGING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY ~

~ TUNEBOOKS will be available on loan, or you may purchase a book for $20.00 ~

~ POTLUCK DINNER ON THE GROUNDS provided by local host singers both days ~ ~ CHILD CARE will be available ~

THE SACRED HARP continues a 200 year old American tradition

of singing non-denominational hymns and songs written with shaped note heads. Singers sit in a hollow square facing the center and sing four parts, a cappella, with uninhibited vigor.

~ THE LANDING-MINNESOTA RIVER HERITAGE PARK (formerly Murphy’s Landing)

is located at 2187 Highway 101, one mile east of Shakopee; enter at the far west gate, not the main gate.

~ MORE INFORMATION is available at http://freude.com/mnfasola/

~ JOIN US FOR OUR REGULAR SINGINGS ~

2nd Sundays: St. Sahag Armenian Church, 203 N. Howell St., Saint Paul, 5-7 p.m.

4th Sundays: University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays: University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Minnesota Chorale to appear at Galleria's "Fashion's Night Out"

The Minnesota Chorale will make an appearance at the Galleria in Edina's "Fashion's Night Out" this coming Thursday, Sept 8. The event will feature a variety of fun things to do, including food sampling from participating restaurants, live models, trunk shows and more. Your conductor will be part of this event, which I can promise will be both intriguing and entertaining. I can't say more right now - it is "hush hush", but for more info about the event, check out this link: http://www.galleriaedina.com/eat/fashions-night-out-2011/.

Flash mob at Copenhagen Central Station. Copenhagen Phil playing Ravel's...

I love this - another great flash mob!

MCTC Choirs Getting Ready for Fall

Now is the time to start thinking about how you will put one of the MCTC Choirs into your fall schedule. There are openings available in all parts in both choirs. The music we will be singing this semester is fabulous, and we have great activities planned, from a retreat in September to a Messiah Sing-a-long in December.

To contact us, or to get more info, check out our website: http://web.me.com/empauly/MCTCChoirs/About_the_Choirs.html.

PS22 Chorus "FIREWORK" Katy Perry (Oscars Press Conference)

I love the commitment that these kids put in - they sound good, and they sell the song.

MCTC Choir Calendar

Minnesota Chorale to Sing at Harmon Killebrew Memorial

The Minnesota Chorale has been honored with an invitation to sing at the public memorial service for Harmon Killebrew at Target Field on May 26th.

For details, go to this link: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110523&content_id=19448878&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min.

Send Hope to Japan Benefit Concert

On March 11, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. The need for shelter and food for the victims of this natural disaster continues. To support relief efforts in Japan, members of the Minnesota Chorale and the Minnesota Orchestra are joining together to present a benefit concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, at Benson Great Hall of Bethel University. A free-will offering will be collected at the door. The concert, "Send Hope to Japan," includes choral selections by Brahms and Mozart, led by Chorale Artistic Director Kathy Saltzman Romey, as well as music for orchestra.

Link to concert poster

Sing Carmina Burana with the Minnesota Chorale

Would you like to sing Carmina Burana?
Minnesota Chorale presents its final InChoir session of the season on April 9th. These events are always a great deal of fun, and a chance to sing a really great work. For location, time and more info, check out Minnesota Chorale - Education - InChoir.

MCTC Music Department presents A Spring Choral Concert

Minneapolis Community and Technical College will present a Spring Choral Concert featuring the MCTC Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble Friday April 29 at 7:30 pm in the Whitney Fine Arts Theater, 1424 Yale Place, on the MCTC campus in downtown Minneapolis. The concert, directed by Liz Pauly and accompanied by Christopher Wolter will include compositions and arrangements by Ernani Aguiar, Jan Sandstrom and Charlie Parker among others.  Songs will be sung from all over the world, in languages ranging from Japanese to French.  Special Guest - percussionist Tom Reimer of Zoo Animal. A reception in the Fine Arts lobby will follow immediately after the concert. Light refreshments will be served.  Children are welcome.  Admission to this concert is free, but the choirs ask that you bring a non-perishable food donation that you may deposit in the marked bins outside the theater.  Food donations will go to the Hennepin County Emergency Food Network. 

Guerilla singing Minneapolis MCTC April 13

A student at MCTC just happened to have his video camera with him and caught the choirs in one of their random singing events. Check it out.

Eric Whitacre: A virtual choir 2,000 voices strong | Video on TED.com

Composer Eric Whitacre describes how he went from pop star aspirations to choral composer extraordinaire and documents his experimentations with Virtual Choirs in this wonderful TED talk. 

Eric Whitacre: A virtual choir 2,000 voices strong | Video on TED.com

Minnesota Chorale presents InChoir

One of Minnesota Chorale's most delightful outreach programs is InChoir. With InChoir, the Chorale provides participants the best of all possible worlds - the opportunity to sing side by side with a world class choir in rehearsal, and to listen to and engage in thorough and insightful scholarship about the works being rehearsed.


There is still time to attend one of these great sessions this season. Next up is Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem on March 14 at 7:00 at Hennepin United Methodist Church. 


All InChoir events are free and open to the public. For more information, check their website at: http://mnchorale.org/pro-inchoir.htm


Also not to be missed: 

The Minnesota Chorale

in concert at Sundin Music Hall

 Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem)

by Johannes Brahms

directed by Kathy Saltzman Romey

pianists are Barbara Brooks and Mary Jo Gothmann

with readings by acclaimed author Juanita Garciagodoy

Friday, March 25 and Saturday March 26, 2011

at 8:00 p.m.

For more information, check out the web at: http://www.hamline.edu/hamline_info/sundin/The_Minnesota_Choral.html

Sing for a Cause: Remembering Our Stars Choir

This sounds like a fabulous opportunity:

Sing with the Remembering Our Stars – community choir conducted by Kathy Saltzman Romey on Saturday, April 16, 2011 as a part of the Alzheimer’s Association Remembering Our Stars - Lighting the Way Galaat the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Ballroom. The event will be attended by 750 guests, and will be hosted by Diana Pierce of KARE 11, with guest speaker Chris Nowinski.

The event producers are seeking 100 singers of all ages and vocal ability to fill the stage in support of those suffering from Alzheimer's. Funds raised at the annual gala will help people in our region facing Alzheimer’s and related diseases by supporting the Association’s critical programs, services and Alzheimer’s research.

The choir will sing two songs including “Wanting Memories” by Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey In the Rock. Another selection will be announced very soon.Music for the songs and rehearsal tracks (by voice part) will be available on the Remembering Our Stars Choir website http://www.stagetimeproductions.com/alz/. More information about the event can be found on this site as well.

Top Ten Sing-A-Long Songs (But LOUDLY) During the Helland Center Construction

This list comes courtesy of Craig Hergert. Since we are all suffering through the Helland Center construction, I say, let's at least get some fun out of this.

Here is Craig's original top 10

10. I Feel the Earth Move (Under My Feet)
9.  Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
8. You Make Me Wanna Shout
7. Do You Hear What I Hear?
6. All I Need is the Air that I Breathe
5. Shake, Shake, Shake
4. Knock Three Thousand Times (On the Building if You Want Me)
3. The Sounds of Silence (one for you irony fans)
2. Maxwell's Silver (Jack)Hammer
1. We Gotta Get Out of This Place


I am adding "Shake, Rattle and Roll"
from other choir members: 
"Light" and "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey
"Come on, Feel the Noise"


If you have more to add, put them in the comment section!

Artist Wing Young Huie to collaborate at MCTC

The MCTC Fine Arts Division is sponsoring a collaborative art project with MCTC students and internationally known artist Wing Young Huie.  You may know his work from the Lake Street photography project of five or six years ago, or the University Ave project from this summer. Wing asks people to interview and photograph each other holding a sign with an interview question response.

I'd really love to encourage you to participate in this project - I think it sounds really, really cool. Dates are March 1, 2, 7, 8 or 9 between 10:30 and noon in the T Building Skyway by Josephine's.

For more information, check out his website at http://www.wingyounghuie.com/about.html.

Winter Blues? How about a little singing to chase them away?

Join music faculty members Liz Pauly and Sarah Greer and the MCTC Choirs for a session designed to help chase away the winter blues. By the time you leave this session you will have learned several fun songs made to be sung in community, participated in group improvisations, and learned some breathing, posture and stretching exercises to help calm and relax your winter-weary body. 

Singing for Stress Relief

Time: 10:30-12:00

Location: F2700

Date: February 24, 2011 - Student Success Day

This event is presented as part of Student Success Day on the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campus. 

MCTC PRIDE presents MCTC's very first drag show in the Plaza Cafeteria Feb 11

PRIDE is excited to present MCTC's very first drag show in the Plaza Cafeteria on Friday, February 11! The performance starts at 6, with a Q&A panel at 8 p.m.

VocalEssence Community Sing with Dr. André Thomas

Sun, Feb 27, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
3355 North 4th Street
Minneapolis 55412

Sing with distinguished composer, educator, and conductor André Thomas as he leads an evening of African American spirituals, including "Keep Your Lamps," "Walk In The Light," and "If You’re Happy/Amen." Open to singers and non-singers, this community event is free, but advance registration is required.To reserve tickets, phone 612-547-1456.

This will be a truly wonderful event. Dr. Thomas is a charismatic and gifted conductor with deep knowledge of the music. For more information about André Thomas, check the VocalEssence website at http://www.vocalessence.org/node/1677

This event is presented by VocalEssence and Augsburg College, in partnership with Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

VocalEssence Presents: Community Sing with Gerardo Rabago

Community Sing with Gerardo Rábago

Incarnation Church/Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

3817 Pleasant Avenue South, Minneapolis 

Sing with internationally renowned Mexican conductor Gerardo Rábago as he leads an afternoon of Mexican folk songs.  An incredibly engaging teacher and talented conductor, Mr. Rábago is certain to lead an enriching and enjoyable session of singing, learning and camaraderie. Open to singers and non-singers, this community event is free, but advance registration is required.

This event is presented by the VocalEssence in partnership with Incarnation Church/SagradoCorazón de Jesús.  Participants can also save $5 on tickets to the VocalEssence “Song of the Stars” performance conducted by Gerardo Rábago on Friday, January 28 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

For more information, or to register, check the VocalEssence website, http://www.vocalessence.org/community_sing_rabago