Artistic Council & Education Outreach Reports
Communications – Paul Scholtz
Cantus Activities Week by Week
Communication highlights
Press, Media, and other Comments
Production – Zac Colby
Christmas shows are going REALLY well with two positive reviews and lots of happy audience members.
Programming – Chris Foss
We are continuing the process of programming America Will Be. After a first round of repertoire selection and submission, we are now going through a second round of repertoire search to up the numbers of pieces that are composed (or with lyrics by) women, and races other than white or African American. We are also looking for pieces that share a more modern take on gender issues (rather than only the suffrage movement). The call for scores was equally successful in number of pieces submitted this round, but as of this point, we are finding trouble choosing pieces of acceptable subject matter. The overall goal is have music chosen and parts assigned before the winter break.
Marketing materials for 18-19 touring shows are being revised for ultimate distribution to AAM before winter break. This includes Stranger in the fall, Lessons and Carols for our Time at Christmas, and For the Beauty of the Earth in the spring.
Covers votes are in, and we will be choosing the top vote-getters to pair with Sgt. Peppers for the covers show in June. We’ll also be assigning arrangers/producers for all the pieces in order to give folks more time this year to work out plans/arrangements before rehearsal starts in April.
We’ve gotten some information about what the presenters in Korea and China are wanting as far as programming. We’ll be approving a draft of programs to send off before winter break.
Our collaboration with the St. Thomas school of engineering continues, and we will schedule a couple times in January and March to test out new versions of their tech they are currently building (turning sound waves into visual information).
Education Outreach – Sam Green
High School Residency
Out of a pool of 9 applicants (2 more than last year!) we have selected 3 schools we recommend for High School Residency 2017-2018.
-Fridley High School -- Nikki Zeleny, director
We are excited to continue a relationship with Fridley due to their diverse population (36% white, 36% African-American, 7% Hispanic, 7% American Indian, 7% Asian, 7% Middle Eastern) and also with our potential continued partnership using their school as a concert venue.
-New Prague High School -- Ryan Uttech, director
New Prague is a second time applicant that we were pleased to select for the first time. Their growing choral program boasts 80 strong singers in their top choir, although diversity is not a strong suit of theirs. (10% of their student population is labeled as "diverse.")
-Minneapolis South High School -- Laurie Meyers, director
South is a 2 time past participant in the HSR Program. Laurie is a terrific educator and a valued collaborator with Cantus. Her choirs have been steadily growing, and continue to be rich with diverse students (40% students of color).
Another added advantage to this line up of three schools, is that we again have 1 Urban school (Mpls South), 1 suburban school (Fridley), and one ExUrban school (New Prague).
We will be meeting with these directors first thing in January to set up our year together.
National Outreach
Last week, we had an hour to work with the Madrigal Singers of South Milwaukee High School while on tour. The small group (14 singers) was not very strong vocally, but it gave us a LOT to work on! David Geist has proved to be a natural at masterclassing; the students immediately began singing with more physical engagement with David’s coaching. Zac Colby spent several minutes encouraging the students to use connection in their phrasing, accentuating larger groups of notes, and eradicating their previous plodding. Chris Foss’ activity illuminated the power of facial expression while singing. The choir sounded much more confident, although not quite polished, after we worked with them. Good follow up questions during Q&A as well!
Spread the word that Cantus offers a variety of educational outreach opportunities locally and around the country each year. If you know educators/organizations interested in working with us, refer them to education@cantussings.org, or contact Sam at sgreen@cantussings.org.
Cantus Activities Week by Week
- November 27 - Xmas rehearsal, Tour (Hesston, KS)
- December 4 - Tour (Topeka, KS, Ft Myers, FL, South Milwaukee, WI, Redwing, MN)
- December 11 - Xmas performances (St. Bart’s, MacPhail, Ordway, Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater)
Communication highlights
- Live-streamed our open rehearsal with MPR’s Choral Stream.
- Preliminary offer submitted to Sweet Honey through their agent.
Press, Media, and other Comments
- Star Tribune Review/Preview http://www.startribune.com/best-classical-concerts-of-the-week-spco-s-modern-messiah-classy-christmas-concerts-by-cantus/405685176/
Production – Zac Colby
Christmas shows are going REALLY well with two positive reviews and lots of happy audience members.
Programming – Chris Foss
We are continuing the process of programming America Will Be. After a first round of repertoire selection and submission, we are now going through a second round of repertoire search to up the numbers of pieces that are composed (or with lyrics by) women, and races other than white or African American. We are also looking for pieces that share a more modern take on gender issues (rather than only the suffrage movement). The call for scores was equally successful in number of pieces submitted this round, but as of this point, we are finding trouble choosing pieces of acceptable subject matter. The overall goal is have music chosen and parts assigned before the winter break.
Marketing materials for 18-19 touring shows are being revised for ultimate distribution to AAM before winter break. This includes Stranger in the fall, Lessons and Carols for our Time at Christmas, and For the Beauty of the Earth in the spring.
Covers votes are in, and we will be choosing the top vote-getters to pair with Sgt. Peppers for the covers show in June. We’ll also be assigning arrangers/producers for all the pieces in order to give folks more time this year to work out plans/arrangements before rehearsal starts in April.
We’ve gotten some information about what the presenters in Korea and China are wanting as far as programming. We’ll be approving a draft of programs to send off before winter break.
Our collaboration with the St. Thomas school of engineering continues, and we will schedule a couple times in January and March to test out new versions of their tech they are currently building (turning sound waves into visual information).
Education Outreach – Sam Green
High School Residency
Out of a pool of 9 applicants (2 more than last year!) we have selected 3 schools we recommend for High School Residency 2017-2018.
-Fridley High School -- Nikki Zeleny, director
We are excited to continue a relationship with Fridley due to their diverse population (36% white, 36% African-American, 7% Hispanic, 7% American Indian, 7% Asian, 7% Middle Eastern) and also with our potential continued partnership using their school as a concert venue.
-New Prague High School -- Ryan Uttech, director
New Prague is a second time applicant that we were pleased to select for the first time. Their growing choral program boasts 80 strong singers in their top choir, although diversity is not a strong suit of theirs. (10% of their student population is labeled as "diverse.")
-Minneapolis South High School -- Laurie Meyers, director
South is a 2 time past participant in the HSR Program. Laurie is a terrific educator and a valued collaborator with Cantus. Her choirs have been steadily growing, and continue to be rich with diverse students (40% students of color).
Another added advantage to this line up of three schools, is that we again have 1 Urban school (Mpls South), 1 suburban school (Fridley), and one ExUrban school (New Prague).
We will be meeting with these directors first thing in January to set up our year together.
National Outreach
Last week, we had an hour to work with the Madrigal Singers of South Milwaukee High School while on tour. The small group (14 singers) was not very strong vocally, but it gave us a LOT to work on! David Geist has proved to be a natural at masterclassing; the students immediately began singing with more physical engagement with David’s coaching. Zac Colby spent several minutes encouraging the students to use connection in their phrasing, accentuating larger groups of notes, and eradicating their previous plodding. Chris Foss’ activity illuminated the power of facial expression while singing. The choir sounded much more confident, although not quite polished, after we worked with them. Good follow up questions during Q&A as well!
Spread the word that Cantus offers a variety of educational outreach opportunities locally and around the country each year. If you know educators/organizations interested in working with us, refer them to education@cantussings.org, or contact Sam at sgreen@cantussings.org.