WHO ARE WE: CCP Mary Ellen Desmond has been performing professionally for over 30 years from venues in the Philadelphia / New Jersey area to the legendary Tavern on the Green in New York City's Central Park West as well as accepting engagements in Japan. JazzTimes Magazine has described her as a "conJident, musical, swinging stylist who is simply a joy to hear. Her voice is sweet, clear, and pure with a deceptively wide range, attractive vibrato, and superior intonation." Classically trained she is recognized as a crossover artist covering a variety of styles and repertoires with a primary focus on jazz standards and the American Songbook. She attended Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now University of the Arts), earned an Associates Degree in Vocal Performance with Highest Honors from Community College of Philadelphia, and received her BA in Music from Thomas Edison State University in NJ. Ms. Desmond joined the faculty of University of the Arts School of Music in 2007 as a vocal instructor, and in 2010 began teaching voice at Community College of Philadelphia, as well. Her debut CD recording, Darn That Dream, was chosen as a Top Ten Critics' Pick in Cadence Magazine. Her second release, A Tribute to Peggy Lee & Rosemary Clooney, was recorded with Philadelphia vocalist Meg Clifton North, and afforded them the opportunity to perform at The Sonny Costanzo Concert Series at Quinnipiac University, CT on a roster that included Jane Monheit and Karrin Allyson. She is active as a program and music coordinator for fund raising concerts, most notably her self conceived annual holiday jazz program Comfort & Joy, which raises money for lives affected by AIDS and HIV through the Church of Saint Luke and The Epiphany in Philadelphia. In December of 2013 the concert celebrated its 10th anniversary performance and marked the release of Ms. Desmond’s most current CD recording a seasonal and holiday jazz offering entitled Comfort & Joy. She performs regularly in the Philadelphia & New York area at clubs, churches, concerts, and private functions. She works with some of the Philadelphia area's Jinest musicians including pianist Tom Lawton, guitarist Michael Kennedy, bassist Lee Smith, drummer Dan Monaghan, and tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna.

Mary E!en D"mond WHO ARE WE: CCP Annie Sciolla is known as the ultimate cross-over singer, an accomplished and respected vocalist specializing in crossover technique and vocal pedagogy. An accomplished and respected musician, Sciolla has extensive experience as a recording studio musician with appearances on the soundtrack of Steve Guttenberg’s film production P.S. Your Cat Is Dead and, performs on world renowned jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco’s album Never Can Say Goodbye, the Music of Michael Jackson, High Note Record Label, which was Grammy © nominated for “Best Jazz Contemporary Album” in 2011. She has toured with Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals, served as vocal coach to Courtney Love. Sciolla has been a guest artist with the Philadelphia Jazzproject as well as a featured artist at The COTA Jazz Festival at the Deer Head Inn and other jazz festivals around the country. She has performed with jazz greats Randy Brecker, Jimmy Bruno, Kevin Eubanks, Bob Berg, Uri Caine, Tom Lawton and John Swana and has debuted as a solo guest artist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Annie maintains a private voice studio and has extensive ensemble and choral experience having soloed with The Philadelphia Singers, Relâche Music Group, Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia and presently as a member of The Voices of the Pops Encore Series.Besides having served 2 terms on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, Adjudicator for the Miss New Jersey Pageant, Atlantic City, NJ and Adjudicator for Miss America Outstanding Teen, (MAOTeen) Orlando FL, she continues to perform regularly in both jazz and classical idoms. Her debut album Jerome Kern-Lost Treasures on the Centaur record label was described as a “total delight” by Billboard Magazine. Her debut jazz album is due for release in October of this year called Diva Free Zone on the Vectordisc label. She just released her album Soul Full Snapshot, to Joni on the same label. Annie is an adjunct professor on the music faculty at Community College of Philadelphia and heads the Jazz Vocal Program at Rowan University. In addition to her performance schedule, Ms. Sciolla is a certified member of the Philadelphia Voice Foundation and has made multiple appearances as a guest key note speaker for conferences, master-classes and workshops providing expert education in Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Health and Care of the Voice in Crossing Over Styles, as well as presentations of Women in Leadership roles to area Philadelphia high school students. She has provided years of volunteer service to GRAMMY®- in the Schools providing workshops and master-classes in jazz vocals and stylings, as well as past work as a pedagogue presenter for various jazz workshops for International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) in New York. Most recently, Annie has presented professional development workshops to the voice and choral instructors of the Philadelphia School District in virtual vocal teaching techniques and more specifically raising awareness in high school vocal instructor’s necessary knowledge in mentoring students who wish to audition to a music performance program in higher education. As well as all this, Annie has been very successful in online course development at Community College of Philadelphia where she believes that online learning management systems are beneficial to those returning to school at any age and is an equalizer and an opportunity for those who suffer with any type of disability. She believes that education should be available to all in this platform for the success of students who can lead productive lives through community citizenship. At the end of August, 2020, she will be completing her doctoral degree in Executive Leadership in Higher education all online at Gwynedd Mercy University. Her latest project will be the Pennsylvania Premiere of jazz composer, Maria Schneider’s song cycle Early Morning Walks with the chamber orchestra of West Chester University of Pennsylvania next Spring.

Annie Scio!a WHO ARE WE: CCP Evan Graver is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator who teaches full-time amongst various schools and age groups. In pursuit of his undergraduate degree, Evan moved from Lancaster Pennsylvania to Philadelphia to attend The University of the Arts where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance as well as a Masters Degree in Music Education. Evan currently works as an adjunct music professor at The Community College of Philadelphia and is head of the Vocal Department at Camden County College. He also maintains his own private studio with Vocal and Piano students of various ages. Evan is also a working performer as a vocalist for many choirs and organizations. He has extensive choral ensemble experience working as a member of The Voices of the Philly Pops, The Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, and the choir of The First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Evan has performed with major stars of the music world such as Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, Deana Martin, Ben Folds, and Kathleen Battle. He has also performed internationally in venues such as Venice, Germany, and most recently at the Truro Cathedral in Cornwall England. Evan continues to inspire and encourage students to pursue their goals in music performance and education. He is greatly appreciative of the support from his family and friends that has allowed him to pursue his childhood dream!

Evan Graver WHO ARE WE: CCP Calli Graver has created a versatile and steady career as a crossover vocalist. A native of Lancaster Pennsylvania, Calli moved to Philadelphia to pursue her degree from the University of the Arts (BM in vocal performance/MM in jazz studies). Her education has allowed her the opportunity to work in various musical capacities and she seamlessly transitions through genres. Calli’s beginnings in theater led her to her interest in music, having performed in numerous productions at the Fulton Opera House including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ragtime, and The Secret Garden. Calli has extensive choral experience and currently sings with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, Voices of the Philly Pops, and Philadelphia Heritage Chorale. Most recently, she traveled to Cornwall with the choir of First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia where they held a residency at the Truro Cathedral. Calli has been privileged to sing with various symphonies and Pops orchestras around the country. She has performed as a soloist with the Philadelphia Wind Symphony, the Philly Pops, the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Lancaster. She also works as a background vocalist for a series of themed Pops concerts and has most notably performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Symphony, San Fransico Symphony, Seattle Symphony and the Calgary Philharmonic. Calli’s heart is in jazz and is fortunate have a regular sextet she sings with. Her holiday album celebrates the season in swing and based on the success of her annual holiday jazz concert entitled Cheer! She also regularly performs with Philadelphia big bands and lends her voice to other original jazz projects. In 2015, Calli and collaborator Nick Lombardelli composed and produced a jazz suite entitled The Divine Lorraine based on the iconic Philadelphia residence. She also had the pleasure of touring a Gershwin Tribute with jazz pianist Peter Nero and sang for Christian McBride’s jazz suite The Movement Revisited, sponsored through NPR and performed at the Merriam Theater. Some of the other acclaimed musicians she has sung for include Ben Folds, Aretha Franklin, and Andrea Bocelli. Calli is also a regular on the Philadelphia wedding band scene, collaborates and records for various artists in the city, and teaches voice at the Lumberton School of Music and the Community College of Philadelphia. She is grateful to her supportive family and is always quick to remember that dreams don’t work unless you do!

Ca!i Graver CCP Music Presents: Voice Faculty Recital

Voi che sapete by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from “Le nozze di Figaro” Mary Ellen Desmond

Love For Sale by Cole Porter Piano: Uri Cane, Bass: Chico Huff, Drums: Steve Holloway Annie Sciolla

A Bit of Earth by Lucy Simon from “The Secret Garden” Evan Graver

Let the Bright Seraphim by George Frederic Handel from “Samson” Calli Graver

It Might As Well Be Spring by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein Mary Ellen Desmond

River Songs: The Water Is Wide/Shenandoah by Dave Grusin Piano: Dr. Terry Klinefelter Annie Sciolla

You Make Me Feel So Young by Josef Myrow & Mack Gordon Evan Graver

One Perfect Moment by Tom Kitt & Lin-Manuel Miranda from “Bring It On The Musical” Calli Graver Hard Candy Christmas by Carol Hall from “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas” Mary Ellen Desmond

Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga from “A Star Is Born” Annie Sciolla

Il mio bel foco by Francesco Bartolomeo Conti Evan Graver

Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder Guitar: Elijah Cole Calli Graver

Special thanks to the Chair or the Music Department, Paul Geissinger. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about our Music Performance Major or SRMT-Sound Recording and Music Technology Programs, please contact Prof. Paul Geissinger, Chair of the Music Department at [email protected] Program Notes

Voi che sapete: The aria Voi che sapete is performed by Cherubino in Act 2 of Mozart's opera The Marriage of Figaro. Defined as a "pant role", this male character is portrayed by a mezzo soprano. In this aria the pubescent Cherubino finds himself before the Countess with whom he is smitten. As he sings to her, he struggles with his heightened hormones and feelings he suspects to be love. He finds himself confused by both. He asks of her, and her hand maiden, Susanna, to help him understand what he is experiencing and if it is indeed love after all. He wants nothing more than to be in the presence of the Countess and to gain her attention and affection as he attempts to express his for her. This opera is based on a comedy by the French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais. The Italian libretto was written by Lorenzo da Ponte. The opera premiered in Vienna in 1786 conducted by Mozart. It remains poplar to this day as a masterpiece of comedy and music.

Voi che sapete che cosa e amor, You who know what love is, Donne, vedete s'io l'ho nel cor. Ladies, see if I have it in my heart. Quello ch'io provo vi ridiro, I'll tell you what I'm feeling, E per me nuovo, capir nol so. It's new for me, and I understand nothing. Sento un affetto, pien di desir, I have a feeling, full of desire, Ch'ora e diletto, ch'ora e martir. Which is by turns delightful and miserable. Gelo e poi sento l'alma avvampar, I freeze and then feel my soul go up in flames, E in un momento torno a gelar. Then in a moment I turn to ice. Ricerco un bene fuori di me, I'm searching for affection outside of myself, Non so ch'il tiene, non so cos'e. I don't know how to hold it, nor even what it is! Sospiro e gemo senza voler, I sigh and lament without wanting to, Palpito e tremo senza saper, I twitter and tremble without knowing why, Non trovo pace notte ne di, I find peace neither night nor day, Ma pur mi piace languir cosi. But still I rather enjoy languishing this way. Voi che sapete che cosa e amor, You who know what love is, Donne, vedete s'io l'ho nel cor. Ladies, see if I have it in my heart.

Love For Sale: Love For Sale by Cole Porter was considered very risqué during it’s 1930’s release. Kathryn Crawford, starred in the musical The New Yorkers which opened on Broadway in December of 1930. The song is written from the viewpoint of a prostitute advertising “love for sale”. Like many songs from the Great American Songbook, it is written in the A-A- B-A format but instead of the normal 32 bars, it has 64 bars with an 8-bar tag at the end. I love this song as I love the Bebop jazz style the most within the jazz idiom and it gives me a chance to scat through the major and minor modes that are reflected in the way Porter shifts between a major and minor key approach. Usually, Love For Sale is articulated in a more medium swing style. Some notable recordings include those artists of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Astrud Gilberto and Seal as well as many jazz instrumental greats.

A Bit of Earth: This musical is based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 and ran for 709 performances. The story is set in the early years of the 20th century. Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj, is orphaned by a colored outbreak when she is ten years old. She is sent away from India to line in the manor of a brooding uncle she has never met in Yorkshire England, where her personality blossoms among the other residents of the manor as they bring new life to a long-neglected garden.

Let the Bright Seraphim: Let the Bright Seraphim is an absolute joy to sing! It is usually a duel feature for voice and trumpet, but in today’s world of virtual performance, voice and piano will suffice. Singing Handel is a challenge that must be met with patience and prosperity, caution and zeal, and lots of breath support! I understand the intimidation when beginning a piece of this nature, but the sense of accomplishment upon completion is priceless. I believe exploration like this is imperative to a musician’s success as you should always be striving to grow, create, and expand your musical expertise.

It Might As Well Be Spring: It Might as Well Be Spring was written for the movie State Fair in 1945. It won, for the composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, an academy Award for Best Original Song. State Fair was the only film score written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. As a team, they were prolific in providing musicals that gained popularity on Broadway. This song has become a standard of the American Songbook and a staple in the repertoire of many jazz musicians; vocalists and instrumentalists alike. Dick Haymes' version of it was #5 on Billboard Magazine's Best Seller Chart for 12 weeks in 1945.

River Songs: River Songs is a piano vocal arrangement that was published in 2010 by famed LA performer, composer, pianist, conductor/arranger/producer, Dave Grusin who began working on albums for a good number of young jazz artists in the mid-seventies. He and his good friend Larry Rosen formed a production company, Grusin Rosen Productions (GRP) which later consolidated into the record label Arista-GRP. Grusin has won numerous Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Awards for television, movie and musical works. Most notably, he scored Oscar nominations, but in particular for his innovative acoustic piano tour de force for the movie The Firm. By combining two beloved American Folk songs, The Water is Wide and Oh Shenandoah, this piece was specifically arranged for soprano superstar Renée Fleming which eventually culminated into the 2000 release of his collaboration with famed musician Lee Ritenour from their album Two Worlds. This arrangement is haunting and beautiful and wakes our emotions to recognize some of the best American Folk Songs ever written. They are timeless.

You Make Me Feel So Young: This jazz standard was written in 1946 and made its debut in the musical film Three Little Girls in Blue, where it was sung by the characters performed by Vera-Ellen and Charles Smith. The song grew in popularity after being recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1956. Other artists such as Ella Fitzgerald have also helped to increase the popularity of the song with their arrangements of the classic tune

One Perfect Moment: “Bring It On The Musical” is a tiny novelty that never gained quite the attention a Broadway fan would have anticipated. Composers Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda carry a long list of credentials, and with the story based on the 2000 cheerleading favorite with Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union, what could go wrong? Who exactly knows, but fans and listeners alike still ended up with little nuggets of gold, including this song. “One Perfect Moment” sheds light on the pressures of being a teenager, how focus and determination will sometimes rear its ugly head and overwhelm the mind. This is relatable no matter what your age or craft. She sings “here I go high in the air” upon being thrown for a stunt, and in that moment, the world slows down and moves around her. Singing does that for me, and in n moments of frustration and fear, I find a minute to stop and sing. I hope for all of my students to have moments like this with music, and to remind that your craft is worth sharing. In that, we are the creators and bring that “one perfect moment” from someone who needs it. Keep going!

Hard Candy Christmas: Hard Candy Christmas was a term used during the Great Depression in the United States to signify that people had limited affordable options to choose from when it came to gift giving. Something as simple and inexpensive as penny candy was a common yet less than desirable choice. From the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the song "Hard Candy Christmas" is sung by the females that work at the Chicken Ranch bordello as they realize they have been evicted from their place of business and ponder with uncertainty what the future might hold for them. The plot is based on a true story of a conservative radio personality who strove to have the bordello shut down during the Depression and found himself in debate with two-faced politicians who agreed with him on the one hand while they privately maintained themselves as clients of the establishment over many years. The show opened on Broadway in 1978. In 1982 it enjoyed success as a film starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. Always Remember Us This Way: Always Remember Us This Way from the movie re-make of A Star is Born by Lady Gaga confirms her versatility in not only singing different styles, but obviously in her sensitive songwriting and pianistic capabilities. In this composition, Lady Gaga excels in the singer-song writer genre with a passion toward a pop stylization that fits with her brand. In her more upbeat-techno writing, it is clear that she executes and delivers every time. I was most impressed with her version and vocal technique during her performance of our National Anthem at Superbowl 50. She is a strong singer who sounds like herself and doesn’t shy away from owning her style. I did appreciate her nod to Whitney Houston during the last phrases of the song…after all, nobody sings the National Anthem better than Whitney.

Il mio bel foco: Il mio bel foco, My fire of love, O Iontano o vicino however far Ch’esser poss’io, or near I might be, Senza cangiar mai tempre never changing, Per voi, care pupille, will always be burning Ardera sempre. for you, dear eyes Quella fiamma che m’accende That flame which kindled me Piace tanto all’alma mia is so pleased with my soul Che giammai s’estinguera that it never dies. E se il fato a voi mi rende, And if fate entrusts me to you, Vaghi rai del mio bel sole, lovely rays of my beloved sun, Altra luce ella non vuole my soul will never be able Ne voler giammai potra to long for any other light

Knocks Me Off My Feet: We all have a favorite Stevie Wonder song, and this is mine! An absolute staple in American popular music, Stevie’s music is innovative, fervent, and infectious. Knocks Me Off My Feet is from the 1976 album “Songs In the Key of Life” which includes singles like Love’s In Need of Love Today, Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Another Star, and As. Although this particular song wasn’t a single, it always catches my attention when I hear it. The melody often sits on the major 7th and feels warm and mature, much like the relationship he is singing about, one that has grown together. That first lyric of “I see us in the park” paints such a delicate picture of the simple moments in a relationship and the companionship love brings. This eventually moves into the chorus that is a revolving door of I love you’s and uncomplicated affection. I absolutely love this song, and getting to sing it with my good friend Elijah on guitar is a total pleasure!