Enjoy Access to Our New Online Newsletter!

Volume 1: Issue 2 Winter 2019 Noteworthy

Official Newsletter Publication of the Manitoba Choral Association, Inc.

Enjoy access to our new online Newsletter!

Manitoba Choral Association Office

Vol. 1 No. 2 Winter 2019

Editor: Karen Giesbrecht

Co-Editor: Millie Hildebrand

Executive Director: Robert Neufeld President: Catherine Robbins Past President: Millie Hildebrand Treasurer: Adam Kilfoyle Marketing & Communications: Karen Giesbrecht

P.D.: Roberta Matheson Library: Janna Banman Membership: Stephanie Pinette Choralfest: Brittany Mielnichuk 5-276 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB Provincial Honour Choir: Marilyn Canada, R2H 0T7 Redekop Ph: (204)942-6037 Fundraising: TBA Fax: (204)947-3105 Email: [email protected] Regional Representatives: Website: www.manitobasings.org Michelle Chyzyk, Edward Cloud,

Michael Dueck, Kim Jones, Mary Siemens

Table of Contents

Editor’s Note 5

President’s Message 6

Choralfest 2018 7 Choralfest- Celebration in Images 9 Choralfest Jazz- In Images 11 Provincial Honour Choirs 2019 13

Regional Reports 17 Central Region 17 Eastman Region 18 Interlake Region 20 Norman Region 21 Westman Region 22 Spotlight on Manitoba Music Educators 25 Elementary- Stephanie Pinette 25 Middle Years- Heather Clyde 29 Senior Years- Kristel Peters 32 Vocal Health-Catherine Robbins 35

MCA Online and Social Media (and the Bus!) 39

Submissions for Future Articles 40

Editor’s Note

Happy New Year!

For many educators, September generally feels like the start of everything new. For many Music Educators, we have just come through the start-up of the year, our touchstone Choralfest (many photos included in this issue), prepping choirs for first performances, and of course, the many Winter and Christmas concerts that we stage with our school, community and church choirs. I’m hoping you have all come through this busy season feeling invigorated and re-inspired. With the new year comes time for pause, a moment to re-evaluate where things are at within programs and for each of us personally. There is a general buzz of excitement on the MCA board and definitely within the ranks of the Marketing and Media Committee. We took your suggestions and are featuring fellow Music Educators in this issue of Noteworthy. We will take a peek into the music programs of Stephanie Pinette (Ecole Robert Browning) , Heather Clyde (Ecole Morden Middle School) and Kristel Peters (Steinbach Regional Secondary School) . As well, we will see a refreshing perspective from Choralfest as both a director and clinician from the highly energetic and inspiring Kendra Obach. And as always, we tap into our Regional Choral Reps and feature the goings-on of our very busy regions around Manitoba. Our Resources section features our President, Catherine Robbins’ article on Vocal Health in its entirety. Valuable tips and information indeed!

There are many opportunities to “Raise Your Voice” in our wonderfully musical province. All the best to my fellow music educators, as you prepare for festivals, rehearse for your musicals, plan your tours , and otherwise keep music happening on a daily basis in your classrooms! And as always, keep in touch with MCA on Facebook, our Website (www.manitoba-sings.org), on Instagram and through our e-Notes. If there is anything that you would like highlighted or brought to a larger audience, let us know and we can make that happen on one of our many social media platforms!

Cheers!

Karen Giesbrecht - Noteworthy Editor

President’s Message

Happy New Year Choral Friends!

In this issue you will catch a glimpse of the vibrant choral life in Manitoba. It is truly incredible to see how much happens in our province, and the diversity of choral events taking place throughout Manitoba.

To those involved in making Choralfest and Provincial Honour Choir such wonderful experiences for the hundreds of singers involved, a most heartfelt thank you. We are grateful for the continuing commitment of the many volunteers that make these large event a success. In particular, thank you to Marilyn Redekop for her tireless work as PHC Committee Chair, and Stuart Sladden who headed the Choralfest Committee and its many moving parts. For me, it has been a joy to see the comradery shared by our visiting and local conductors, adjudicators, and the participants from across the province. MCA is committed to sustaining programs that encourage such connections, and to creating spaces where singers and conductors can showcase their hard work and continue to grow.

I would like to formally welcome three new members to the MCA Board: Brittany Mielnichuk, our new Choralfest Committee Chair; Michelle Chyzyk, Representative for Westman Region; and Edward Cloud, Representative for Interlake Region. Great thanks on behalf of the board to Stuart Sladden for his work as Past Chair of the Choralfest Committee, to Andrée Dagenais in the Westman Region, and to Lauren Dobko, former Interlake Representative. Your service to MCA is so greatly appreciated and valued.

Manitoba Choral Association exists to support the choral community. Please take advantage of our many resources, programs, workshops, and singing opportunities. If you know someone who wants to join a choir in any area of the province, have them contact us to get singing. If you would like to advertise membership in your choir, or to publicize your concerts or choral events, please contact us so we can get the word out by posting on our website and through social media. We are a strong choral community and Manitoba Choral Association connects us all. We want to connect with you, our membership.

Raise your voice,

Catherine Robbins

MCA President

Choralfest 2018 Choralfest from the Eyes and Ears of Director & Clinician - by Kendra Obach

Choir is community. Choir is supporting each other, listening to each other and learning from one another. Choir is joy in sharing; sharing music, sharing ideas, sharing joy, bus rides, and McDonalds stops. This is choir, and this is ChoralFest!

What a week it was! I am so incredibly thankful! What an absolute honour it was to have the opportunity to work with your ensembles. It was so exciting (and if I’m being honest, a bit daunting) to share ideas with so many colleagues, from brand new teachers to choral legends.

Thank you to the conductors, who not only prep choristers and music, teach vocal technique and inspire singers daily, but also complete field trip forms, bus requisitions, sub plans, etc. There is so much involved in getting to an event like this (trust me! I know!). But you do it! You do it because it is such an awesome opportunity for your singers to perform, learn and experience the choral community in Manitoba.

The singers that I had the chance to work with varied from the most committed and keenest choristers, to the ones dragged into choir by their friend (you know, because they don’t have to write very much) – but either way, our singers were kind, willing to try new things and engaged young people. This is a beautiful thing.

This year, I had the unique opportunity of both sitting at the adjudicator’s table as well as conducting at the podium. I have long known the excitement and nervousness of performance, the awkward standing in between songs, the hope that singers will remember where to stand, and of course, the huge benefit of my singers learning from someone other than me. Now, I feel as though I have a better idea of how genuine and encouraging our adjudicators are, wishing the absolute best for each choir. I know how much thought and care actually goes into that little piece of paper that we get to take and read with our classes. I’ve also increasingly realized that everyone is different, each conductor/adjudicator comes with their own interpretation, their own values and their own experience – all you can do is be YOU.

Many people have asked me what I learned from my week at ChoralFest, here are my responses:

1) Repertoire! My oh my! So much amazing, amazing choral music out there! I wrote down so many titles. If you ever have the chance to just go and watch a week of ChoralFest, do it! Wow! 2) Priorities. Really and truly, ChoralFest helped me take stock of what I find important in choral singing. Yes, singing with full body engagement, using emotion to guide musical decisions, but first and foremost – growth as community. Being proud of what you are doing, not comparing your choir to other choirs, be strong in who you are as an ensemble. Thank you so very much to all the volunteers, the ChoralFest committee, conductors, singers, all the people who make this possible (along with so many other events). MCA – you are just awesome. Thanks also to Dr. Debra Cairns and Kathleen Allan for support, ideas and teamwork. It truly was an honour.

ChoralFest has left my ears and my heart full.

Kendra Obach conducting the Warren Collegiate Choir.

Choralfest- Celebration in Images

In celebration of our amazing Manitoba choirs that participated in Choralfest, here is a montage of photos showcasing our many voices rising in song!

Arthur E. Wright Community School Gr. 7 & 8 Choir - Director Geung Kroeker-Lee (above)

Robertson singers, (grades 4-6) from Robertson School - Director Joanne Kilfoyle (below)

Top l-r: Garden City Collegiate (Stacey Nattrass); Maples Coll. Sr Choir (Erin Thorleifson); SRSS Chamber (Kristel.Peters)

Centre l-r: Stuart Sladden with Stonewall Collegiate choir; Nostra Canzona, Killarney (Lisa Campbell); Kathleen Allen with Sisler Gr.9

Bottom l-r: Ecole Sisler Boys Choir (Carolyn Boyes), SRSS (Kristel Peters), Northlands Parkway Sr (Karen Giesbrecht)

Choralfest Jazz- In Images

Top l-r: VOX soloist; Lisa Martinelli (clinician) with Harmonix; NPC’s VOX (Karen Giesbrecht)

Middle l-r: Lisa Martinelli in workshop; Cynthia Peyson Wahl (clinician) & Stuart Sladden; MCI’s “Resonate” (Christina Banman)

Bottom - l & c: Garden City Groove (Stacey Nattrass); Rob Monson (clinician) working with VOX

Maples Collegiate’s “Baby Sugar” (Dorothy Dyck) at Jazz Choralfest @ Westwood Collegiate.

“Maple Sugar” from Maples Collegiate (Dorothy Dyck).

“Garden City Groove” (Stacey Nattrass)

Provincial Honour Choirs 2019

Submitted by Ron Krug/Karen Giesbrecht

Provincial Honour Choirs (PHC), now in its 37th year, is one of MCA’s flagship programs, providing an opportunity for singers from all areas of our province (and sometimes beyond Manitoba’s borders) to come together for an extraordinary choral experience. This year the event took place from February 1-3. Once again, three fine conductors enriched the lives of more than 300 choristers! The Junior Choir (Grades 5-8) was led by Millie Hildebrand, the Senior Choir (Grades 9-12) was conducted by Philip Lapatha, and an Adult Choir, open to all adults, was conducted by Scott Leithead from Edmonton, who enjoys coming to Manitoba where he has forged many friendships over the years.

PHC weekend is unique in that it gives opportunity to singers who do not ordinarily have a chance to sing with a top-notch choir. Singers are known to attend year after year, and many have progressed from the Junior Choir to singing in the Adult Choir. Aside from rehearsing and performing, there are social opportunities, time to become reacquainted with, or make, many friends, and to enjoy a talent-filled evening titled “Saturday Night Live”. This year’s guests at that show were Manitoba’s own Those Guys. Finally, a wonderful professional development opportunity is offered to university music students by bringing them in to observe rehearsals and to participate as section leaders through the weekend.

The Sunday afternoon audience was once again packed with enthusiastic family and friends, and featured the three PHC choirs as well as guests, the Ecco Singers, conducted by Philip Lapatha. Ecco performed four selections, including Prash-chai, Goodbye, composed by Ben Sellick, winner of MCA’s Frances Seaton Choral Composition Competition 2018. The event opened with a rousing O Canada, accompanied by organist extraordinaire, Robert Neufeld, followed by an address by MCA president, Catherine Robbins. The concert was emceed by Loretta Thorleifson, who kept the afternoon rolling with information and fun-facts about MCA’s important role in our province.

HATS OFF to the chair of PHC, Marilyn Redekop, and to her intrepid committee who masterminded schedules, venues, meals, hospitality for our guest conductors and musicians, music folders, Saturday Night Live, equipment, T-shirts, photography…...the list is staggering……..you were brilliant as always, and we can’t thank you enough for all that you do to keep Manitoba singing!

PHC 2019- Rehearsals and wonderful memories made!

A HUGE THANK YOU to our talented and inspiring Conductors of PHC 2019! Millie Hildebrand, Scott Leithead and Philip Lapatha, you wove artistry and magic into your music. The participants will remember this for a lifetime!

For more photos, group photos and videos of the PHC performances, please visit www.manitobasings.org.

Regional Reports Central Region Submitted by Karen Giesbrecht (on behalf of Central Rep Mary Siemens)

News/ Points of Interest 1. CMCA is now on Google Drive- a smooth transition 2. A new community young adult choir, Prairie Soundscape, is planning for its 2nd season (April-June) of making music. Under the direction of Melanie Urichuk and Karen Giesbrecht, a strong media presence is happening and a PR campaign is being undertaken to build membership.

New Activities, Projects, Initiatives 1. Our next upcoming event is the CMCA Jazz Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Manitou Opera House. Organizers for the day are Al and Loretta Thorleifson. Clinicians are Stacey Nattrass and Alisa Wiebe. With our new scheduling format, each registered choir gets approx 20 stage time/work with the clinicians, with three groups rotating through 3 breakout sessions on various jazz topics. The day ends by 4 o’clock.

2. Plans are being made for next fall’s Junior and Senior Choral Workshops, with the Senior Workshop taking place at MCI in Gretna. The committee is presently working on securing the Junior location, clinicians and accompanists.

3. CMYC 2019 planning has begun. We are thrilled to announce that Philip Lapatha will be our director and Loren Hiebert will again be our accompanist.

4. Looking back at 2018, we were glad and excited to see our committee grow by 3 members. New voices, new perspectives and new energy. New on our board this year are Shelley Friesen, Maureen Britton and Kimberly Harms.

Eastman Region Submitted by Michael Dueck, Representative for Eastman Region

th The EastMan Region continues its exciting and invigorating 30 season while celebrating choral music!

Events since the last Noteworthy edition:

Oct 18-21 - The Steinbach Arts Council mounted a spectacular community musical production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, directed by David Klassen, at Steinbach Regional Secondary School Theatre.

Nov. 11 - The EastMan Choral Society revived its annual Sing for Peace concert at Steinbach Mennonite Church, David Sawatzky conducting. They were joined by the EastMan Male Choir, Mitchell School Grade 4 Choir, and the EastMan Chamber Choir in its inaugural appearance. A collection was taken, with proceeds going towards Steinbach Community Outreach.

The Steinbach Vespers Choir has had three excellent and worshipful services in the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum auditorium, under the leadership of David Sawatzky (Sept. 30), Michael Dueck (Nov. 4), and Lin Wiebe (Dec. 2). Please join us for the next three, also at Mennonite Heritage Village Museum auditorium, 7 pm. Silver Collection. February 3 - Nathaniel De Avila, conductor March 3 - David Klassen, conductor April 7 - Eric Marshall, conductor

Dec. 5 - The EastMan Chamber Choir teamed with the Providence University Choir under David Sawatzky’s direction and performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at their annual Steinbach stop on the WSO Holiday Pops tour at Steinbach Mennonite Church.

Dec. 9 - EMCA Presents: EMCA embarked on its first Presentation Series at the Mennonite Heritage, bringing in Canzona, Manitoba’s professional Baroque choir, directed by Kathleen Allan. Their

authentic and unique performance of J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio was accompanied by the Pacific Baroque Orchestra on period instruments. Soloists were Tracy Dahl, soprano; Vicki St. Pierre, alto; Dann Coakwell; Tyler Duncan, bass.

Dec. 20 - Accent, the dynamic contemporary women’s ensemble directed by Meredith Hutchinson, had a marvellous season-opener with their Winter Series Concert at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum auditorium. Guests included instrumentalists David Pankratz and Matthew Harder, speaker Bill Millar, and Brad Mehling who helped the choir and audience sing and sign along with Silent Night to close the concert.

Dec. 24 - Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church Choir in Steinbach, conducted by Nathan Dyck, offered a two beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Services for a highly appreciative community audience.

Still to come: March 8,9,10 - Local worship pastor, Danny Plett, is organizing a community choir to sing with his international band in the latest version of his community-wide gospel concert presentation The Great Hallelujah. Performances are at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church.

April 6 - EMCA’s Presentation Series continues with a performance of Handel’s Messiah (featuring local choristers and instrumentalists) directed by David Sawatzky at Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach. Performance at 7 pm.

April 21 - The EastMan Choral Society is thrilled to re-energize one of its most beloved traditions, the annual Easter Sunrise Service at Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach.

Interlake Region Submitted by Edward Cloud, Representative for Interlake Region

The annual Interlake Adult Choral Day is set for April 13, 2019, at Selkirk United Church, 202 McLean Ave., Selkirk MB. Singers for this one day event should arrive early for a 1:00 pm start. The concert will be at the church, 7:00 pm, and will feature this Adult Choir, the Interlake Youth Choir and other local guests. For more info, please call 204-785-1929. The Quarry Choristers are busily gearing up for their spring production, Small Town Blues, a trip through time following the trials and tribulations of the small town of Quarry Ridge. What does the future hold for the prosperous little place? Only time will tell! The show will play at Stonewall Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, May 2-11, 2019. Tickets go on sale Feb. 8 at Stonewall Co-op Food Store from 2:00-7:00 pm, and online at https://choristers.yapsody.com.

Tabula Rasa, under the direction of Kendra Obach, sang a concert titled Rise Up on January 31, 2019, 7:30pm. They look forward to hosting you in a wine and cheese concert on Saturday, June 15th at Selkirk United Church, 7:30 pm. More info to come. The Selkirk Community Choir is having their coffee house performance on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7pm, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 106 Sawchuk at Main St., Selkirk MB. A spring concert is scheduled for May.

The Back Pew Boys, conducted by Karen Jackson, have been a feature male choir in the Selkirk area for many years. They share their joy of singing on Thursday evenings at Selkirk United Church from September through May. This year’s spring concert will be th held on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm. All are welcome! Octavia Women’s Choir, also conducted by Karen Jackson, was formed eight years ago, bringing together women from Selkirk and surrounding communities who love to sing! They meet three Saturday mornings a month, and end their choir year in early June with a Spring Concert. This spring, they are once again putting together a Jukebox Musical, featuring an eclectic song selection! Come hear them at Christ Church in Selkirk on Sunday, June 2, at 2:30 pm.

Norman Region Kim Jones, Representative for NorMan Region

Thompson The R.D. Parker Collegiate Choir continues its progress under the leadership of their new director, RD Parker grad, Catharine Fisher. Their program consists of Grade 7/8 choir for all students in the division, Junior Choir (Grade 9), Senior Choir (Grades 10-12), and Vocal Jazz (an auditioned ensemble for students in 10-12). They will be attending Brandon Jazz Festival, as well Edmonton’s Cantando Festival. Hapnot Collegiate Choir, under the direction of Kim Jones, looks forward to building on last year’s first appearance at the Rocky Mountain Music Festival in Banff. Kim will be participating in a festival workshop, as Flin Flon is host to a number of festivals. This year she traveled to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic and was privileged to hear an amazing gospel choir and to attend the musical, Hamilton. This year the school’s arts smart project is focusing on reconciliation. Students will make drums and learn inter-tribal First Nations songs from Kim’s colleagues, Doreen Roman and Margaret Head-Stephan. Their hope is that band students will then transpose these songs for their instruments, recording the history and significance of each. Kim refers to this as “a creative way students could interact with these songs, then pass down this booklet of songs to my colleague Anna Harrison to teach to her beginning band students. It is our hope that First Nations songs are played, listened to and sung as regularly by our young students as songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” This past summer, Flin Flon Community Choir performed at their annual Culture Days “Bucket List” event, where community members had a chance to conduct the choir or sing a lead. Other musical highlights included the Wild Rice Cabaret featuring many local performers, songwriting workshops within the school, live music at an outdoor market and another live music stage at a children’s culture tent. FFCC also presented a Christmas Concert with guest artist Joanna Majoko. Joanna got her start in Flin Flon, and is currently building an impressive resume in Toronto’s jazz scene and in New York City.

Rehearsals are well on the way for Mamma Mia, to be performed at the R.H.Channing auditorium in May, under the direction of Ann Hodges from Winnipeg and the production of Crystal Kolt.

Borealis Choir is up and running, led by Anna Harrison, Angela Ishaka and Tim Spencer.

Westman Region

Submitted by Michelle Chyzyk, Representative for Westman Region

News from Brandon University – Andrée Dagenais The BU Concert Choir is performing the Mozart Requiem on Saturday March rd 23 at 7:30 pm at Knox United Church in Brandon. They are excited to have a quartet of BU alumni as soloists. These include Sharon Rogers, soprano; Erika Rasmussen, mezzo; Clint McLachlan, tenor; Nicholas Urquhart, bass. Xiaoni Shen will be on piano and my colleague Aaron Wilson will play the beautiful Tuba mirum solo on trombone.

th BU Chorale is sharing a performance with BU Orchestra on March 30 at 7:30pm at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. For this occasion, the Chorale and Orchestra will perform Brahms’ Verleih uns Frieden, Vasks’ The Fruit of Silence and a few more works. The BU Chorale and Orchestra are also planning a Westman/Portage/Dauphin tour during the Reading Week in February.

News from Das Femmes, CCC, & Women in Harmony – Naomi Russell Das Femmes is preparing for a performance to help the Brandon Kiwanis chapter celebrate their 100th anniversary in February. They are thrilled to announce the availability of their first ever recording Where Our Journeys Lead. Naomi will be travelling to southern Ontario in March with Canadian Chamber Choir and then to southern Ontario again in May to do a recording session with this ensemble. Women in Harmony have been busy performing for various Personal Care Home residents.

News from Virden Collegiate – Michelle Chyzyk The Virden Collegiate Choral Program is very busy preparing a large variety of spring repertoire, as well as working to create VCI’s production of Beauty and the Beast set to take the stage May 1 - 5, 2019. We had a wonderful student teacher, Matthew Zimmerman, first term and he did a great job with students and he used his expert recording equipment with us. In March, we will also welcome Clint McLachlan as a student teacher. Clint has a Masters in Opera Performance and sang with the National Youth Choir. It is truly wonderful to have these fine young men modelling for our students. In April we are looking forward to having Avonlea Armstrong as our festival adjudicator, as we know she will have lots of feedback and help in shaping us as a choir. th We will work towards our final concert on Monday, June 10 .

News from Oak Lake Choirs - Karyn Penner Noteable Women and The Heard will resume rehearsals at the end of February. Plans are to perform at the Virden Music and Arts Festival in April. Noteable Women are also looking forward to an exciting collaboration with Parkland Women's Choir, under the direction of Lori Suss in Dauphin on Saturday, May 11th.

News from Brandon University Conservatory Chorale – Heidi Howarth th This cornerstone of Westman choral music will host its 38 annual Spring Sing under the direction of Elizabeth Grant and Marla Fontaine.

News from Crocus Plains Choral – Deanna Ginn CP Sings! Vocal ensembles enjoyed a very busy winter performance schedule. Students are looking forward to participating in the Brandon Festival in March and travelling to Winnipeg for workshops and concerts in April.

News from Konektis – Michelle Chyzyk After a brief November - December hiatus, Konektis is back in full swing. The group is busy preparing for three spring concerts – Killarney United Church on th th Saturday, March 8 at 7:30, Souris United Church on Sunday, March 9 at 7:30. We will th also be showcasing all of our repertoire on Thursday, April 4 at Knox United Church Brandon.

The highlight of 2019 will be attending the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival in Banff April 10-14, 2019. This has been quite a feat getting people off work and for BU students rearranging exams, but it’s happening! Konektis is in its third season and currently has 19 music educators in the ensemble and a handful of opera majors, so we will find this experience valuable PD. We’re definitely looking forward to hitting up Banff with adults (not students) and enjoying our cool hotel with rooftop pools! Our website continues to develop www.konektis.ca

News from Prairie Blend – Deanna Ginn Prairie Blend is back in the saddle and looking forward to the Brandon festival and an upcoming recording project. They are also hoping to have a website up and running soon!

Hosting/Guests Brandon’s Knox United Church was the venue for a spectacular concert by Winnipeg’s Canzona and the Pacific Baroque Ensemble on Tuesday, December 4th. Their performance of J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio was very well attended and appreciated by all. We were especially proud of Westman products Karla Ferguson and Aaron Hutton who sang with this ensemble.

Spotlight on Manitoba Music Educators Elementary- Stephanie Pinette

My name is Stephanie Pinette and I am the full-time music and choral teacher at École Robert Browning in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg. My school is made up of 450 French Immersion students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Even though the school is quite large, there is still a great sense of community in both the staff and students. I feel so fortunate to be able to teach there every day!

My days are filled with teaching up to eight classes of elementary music, consisting of Recorder Karate in Grade 4 & 5, Orff arrangements on the xylophones and non-pitched percussion and singing games at every level. We learn a mix of French and English repertoire, but I teach the majority of music concepts in French. I spend approximately 30 minutes with each class, and during that time, we are always busy!! I like to keep my classes fast-paced and exciting for the students however I can. Choir in Grade 4 and 5 at my school is mandatory, and I am very pleased to have positive participation from most students in each class! My choirs are made up of 75

students each and we sing both unison and two or three-part arrangements. Our choral performances consist of the Remembrance Day Assembly, St. James-Assiniboia’s Music Celebration, The Winnipeg Music Festival and our Family of Schools Concert. In preparation for these performances I generally work on proper tone production, phrasing and strengthening their ranges, but this year we are also becoming more aware of our balance and vowel shapes! My students really look forward to performing and showing the audience what they have accomplished. They take pride in a job well done, and becoming better musicians! The sense of community in the elementary music teachers is really strong in my division. We love to meet and communicate on a regular basis both in person and through email to help each other with curriculum development, assessment strategies and song selection for different choral events and annual concerts. Our big events throughout the school year, in my experience, look like this: Remembrance Day Assembly in November I usually prepare two songs, one in French and one in English to perform for the school.

Winter Concert (Kindergarten to Grade 3) in late December We rent “My Church” to have our annual performance. The audience can reach up to 1000 people as we have around 300 performers. This concert is usually a musical about winter and each grade of students has a song to perform with choreography. The show also incorporates elements performed on the large projector screen while students are moving on and off of the stage. It is quite a production with lights and sound and takes a while to prepare the video clips, but it always ends up being a very beautiful way to celebrate the start of our holidays! The students always look forward to this performance, and it is a very memorable experience for everyone involved.

St James-Assiniboia Music Celebration in mid-February This non-competitive festival is organized by Jackie Gagne and gives all choirs the chance to perform their pieces for the Winnipeg Music Festival (March) and receive an adjudication.

Family of Schools Concert in April

This concert is an opportunity for all schools (elementary, middle and high school) in our catchment to perform for each other. It is always a fun night of sharing our talents!

Spring Musical in May My Grade 4/5 students take part in this performance each year. A co-worker and I wrote our own show last year called “Balancing Act”, which combined elements of Orff, singing, dancing and even circus acts! Our school has a circus program so we wanted to create something that showcased our students’ specific talents. The show was a hit, and received great feedback from our school community! We will be writing our own show again this year, changing the theme to a singer-songwriter coffeehouse called “Spotlight”. Hopefully it turns out once again!

Volunteer Tea Performance in May

Grade 5 Farewell Performance in late June The year ends up going by so quickly with events happening almost every month! I love the pace of teaching elementary music. Every day is new and exciting, and we are always working towards something! I am very thankful to have had so many people help get me to where I am today. Catherine Robbins taught me almost everything I know about choral conducting, and I was so lucky to have the chance to be the Assistant Conductor of The University of Manitoba Concert Choir with her during my last year of University. She continues to be a mentor to me, and someone I will always be so thankful to have studied with! During my final practicum with Vic Pankratz at Westgate Mennonite Collegiate, I was involved behind-the-scenes in their production of “The Music Man”. That experience

prepared me for what I do now at my school, and I am very thankful to have worked on that show. I want to wish everyone a great rest of the school year, and hope you enjoyed learning about what happens in my music program at École Robert Browning!

See more pictures on instagram @browningmusic

Middle Years- Heather Clyde

For 19 years on any Monday or Wednesday, over the noon hour or after school, groups of students have joined Mrs. Heather Clyde in her music room to share their passion for singing. Over her teaching career at Ecole Morden Middle School, Mrs. Clyde, also affectionately referred to as “Mama Clyde,” has touched the lives of over 2500 students. Her high levels of enthusiasm for music, singing and the performing arts has motivated many. Heather, as is the case with many music and choir directors across the province, has dedicated countless hours to inspiring, supporting and encouraging youth to embrace and grow their musical talents. Ecole Morden Middle School is a dual track middle years school located in Morden, Manitoba in the south-central region of the province. There are approximately 600 students attending grades 5 – 8. Mrs. Clyde is the only general music and choir teacher for the school. As a result, her typical day involves large music classes, and even larger choir classes, of energetic and not always so eager to please, middle years students. Her days are filled with intertwining music, singing skills, knowledge, and music appreciation while exposing students to various cultures, genres and musicians. Outside of the regular school day, Heather conducts three extra-curricular choirs. The EMMS noon choir is made up of students from all grades 5 -8 and consists of anywhere from 60 to 80 members. This non-auditioned/open group allows all students the opportunity to be a part of a school choir. Each year this choir enjoys performing at

many different local events such as Christmas Concerts, Spring Concerts, assemblies and the Morden Festival of the Arts. They often travel to the city for Choralfest and have performed at the Manitoba Legislative Building to celebrate Music Month. Mama Clyde also directs an auditioned Jazz Choir for 14 -18 Grade 7 & 8 students each year. Over the years, this choir has been highly recognized by being invited to participate and perform at various festivals and events, both in Canada and the United States. Through local fundraising efforts, coordinated by Mrs. Clyde, this group has been fortunate to travel and experience many workshops and concerts each year. More recently, in 2016, Heather started a community youth choir that also meets one evening a week and is open to any community youth interested in participating. This choir has been a long standing dream of Heather’s as she continuously strives to extend her passion for music with all and to connect further with her community. Having spent her growing up years in various towns and cities, Heather was fortunate enough to study music with many different teachers. Her main inspiration and mentor was Tenley Schmidt from Dauphin. It was from Mrs. Schmidt that Heather came to learn and appreciate the significance of connecting with students and the community. Heather continues to treasure opportunities to visit and reconnect with her mentor, Mrs. Schmidt, to this day. All of Mrs. Clyde’s choirs bring much joy and passion for singing to our community. During the holiday season there are numerous culturally diverse concerts and performances enjoyed by everyone. Each year special performances occur both at the hospital and senior care facilities to brighten their days as well. Heather further directs or assists in the production of numerous musical theatre performances in our community each year. Through school programming, she organizes and directs a spring musical incorporating Gr. 7 & 8 students on alternating years. She oversees every aspect of these multi-day performances – gathering or making props and costumes, designing and distributing promotional items, programs and tickets, all the while directing actors, singers and stage hands. These musicals have included such titles as Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, Shrek, Madagascar, to name a few. In 2012, Heather and her students were recognized through the Rainbow Stage Middle Years Production Award for their hard work and production of Annie. The grade 5 students at the school also enjoy performing a small musical each year which includes all of the students in that grade. Heather’s relationship and support for youth involvement in musicals continues beyond the school day as she also dedicates personal time and energy volunteering with the community theatre program. Through

this program, at least two youth musicals are produced and performed in the local theatre each year. Many youth have benefitted in a variety of ways from all of the programs and opportunities that Heather has made possible. For some, they have garnered courage and confidence, while for others they have found an avenue of self-expression and identity. However, all have learned many valuable life skills and have built life-long relationships through the music and songs Mrs. Clyde has shared. Our youth and community are much healthier, happier and musical from Mrs. Clyde’s ongoing dedication and commitment to spreading her love of music. Thank you Mama Clyde! With much appreciation, The many parents of Morden’s youth Written By: Korina Peters

Senior Years- Kristel Peters

HINTS & HOAXES

I love choir. I love singing. My first recording is on an old cassette tape made when I was the age of 1 ½. Singing has always been a part of my life. It has awarded me the opportunity to travel the world, learn of different cultures, religions, and languages (through singing). I have met the most amazing people and have sung the most glorious compositions. It blows my mind some days.

Way back…and I mean what feels like forever ago…I met a man named Henry Engbrecht. He brought the University of Manitoba Singers to my high school (Mennonite Collegiate Institute), and upon hearing them, I knew instantly that I needed to sing for him. And with hard work, dedication and an ounce of luck I made it into the U of M school of Music. It was heaven. I was surrounded by singers who cared and loved choir as much as I did. In the fall of 2000 I began my first high school teaching position following Elroy Friesen’s HUGE footsteps. No pressure or anything. ☺ In 2005 I started at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School and have loved working in this community of choir-loving audiences. Ed Hildebrand was at the school for 27 years before retiring and it was an honour to join forces with Mark Loewen, the band director, at the SRSS.

Through conferences, the people I meet, and professional development, I have learned many things outside of the realm of the university courses I have taken.

Here is a short list of my Hints & Hoaxes of what you need to know for teaching choir in high school but can be applied elsewhere as well.

HINTS: 1) Your best friends at work should be (*in no particular order) The Administrative assistant/secretary, Custodians and the Phys. Ed. Teachers. 2) Finding music never ends – beg, borrow and trade. Join “I’m a choir director” and the “MB Choral Conductor Network” on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. It has been an AMAZING help to me. 3) Attend as many conferences and reading sessions as possible. E-mail composers when you have questions. Be a member of the Manitoba Choral Association. 4) Performances are a highlight for your students but you can say NO to invitations. Be cautious and schedule carefully. 5) Fight for a bigger budget. Truly. Get in there. Be clear, calm, consistent, demanding and reasonable. Every year. 6) Calendars are key – I try and give my students EVERY date at the beginning of the year. Plan ahead. They (and their parents) respect that. 7) Delegate – parents can be extremely helpful. As well as staff. Talk directly to them rather than email. Personal invitations go a long way. 8) Relationships are SO important. Students will be on your team if you are on theirs. Be kind and firm. Support them as best you can. Be a shoulder to lean on.

HOAXES: 1) “All students in your group will love it and stay for the duration of high school”. Don’t take it personally if a student must drop your course. Class scheduling, work, family, etc. all have an effect on your choirs. This is tough to process and to not take personally. 2) “Quick, what are the two types of recitative Handel used in Messiah”? You don’t actually have to have your music history memorized from university. I look up information ALL the time. If a student asks a question, it is alright to say “I will look it up and get back to you”. They love to know you are learning as well. 3) “Just hand out a song and start singing”. There is power in the process. Setting up your choir for the song is key. Make a plan. You need to decide how and why you are teaching a song and believe in the process. If you do your students will join you with enthusiasm. Get them excited on the first day with a new song. Plan it. 4) “I will always hate early morning rehearsals”. This can become a love if you bring energy, enthusiasm, good attitude and the occasional donut! 5) “I can’t commission music”. Yes, you can! And you should. There are so many MB/Canadian composers and arrangers. We should use them. More. All the time. Check

out the Foundation for Choral Music in Manitoba as they have grants for just this thing. Another bonus is you get music made for your group. 6) “Free music is not worth it”. False, check out CPDL.ORG. Some glorious hidden gems. 7) “I have no time to attend other concerts”. Make a plan and make a priority to attend a few. Bring a pen and take notes about conducting, rep, choreography ideas, staging, lights, sound can all be learned by watching. Consider it professional development. 8) “Learning students names is so easy” – UGH! It is so tough. Find a way to create a document with their photo and name. But wow, do students LOVE when you know their name!

Looking back over the years, there are so many people that have influenced me in so many ways. But I would like to thank my mother and father for instilling dedication, hard work and commitment. They were so supportive and pushed me to continue when I wanted to give up. If you are struggling in your position talk to someone who understands. Talk to me, talk to MCA, talk to another music teacher. We all feel alone in our jobs at one time or another. But we are strong when we support each other. Share your music, share your joys, and share your sorrows. To quote Journey, “Don’t stop believing”.

Vocal Health-Catherine Robbins

Considering our Vocal Lifestyle: Vocal Health and Wellness for Choristers and Conductors Reprinted with permission from:

Anacrusis: The Journal of Choral Canada Volume 35 No. 2 Winter/Hiver2017

Reflecting on the busy season of concerts that end our year and the preparation that begins anew in January, I hear, alongside the rewards and joy that come with singing, many tales of health struggles from choral singers and conductors. Battles with bacteria and viruses, growing reports of vocal disorders, and issues with vocal fatigue can easily stand in the way of our music making.

Over the past few years, music teachers and conductors have communicated to me that vocal issues are on the rise in their choirs. I would venture to guess that many of us know someone who has experienced vocal nodules or periods of dysphonia; the inability to phonate or produce sound. This is a worrisome trend. Choral conductors are in a unique position to positively influence vocal hygiene in singers. What is our role in the prevention of vocal disorders amongst choral singers in our care? What steps can be taken to ensure longevity in our own singing and vocal health?

The next two articles of Anacrusis focus on issues surrounding vocal health and wellness. The first encourages adoption of a healthy vocal lifestyle and offers some concrete ideas for continued vocal wellness. The second will discuss issues surrounding singer placement and blend, explore the effect of environmental and man-made irritants on the voice, and focus on disorders that have become more common among choral singers: gastro-intestinal reflux disorder (GERD), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

The key to vocal health is prevention. Our incredibly busy lives, however, tend to put us in the position of dealing with ailments and issues after they surface. Turning our focus to the idea of monitoring how the voice sounds, how the body feels, and attempting to condition ourselves much like professional athletes is essential. We must begin to consider our “vocal lifestyle.”

Exceeding our “vibration-dose”

As with any other group of muscles in your body, the vocal muscles—those of the larynx and the vocalis muscle itself—can become overworked and injured. We overdo it with marathon rehearsal weekends; we speak over choristers singing in rehearsal; we flip between singing many parts in extreme ranges to help learn notes; we take on too much and go into rehearsals tired, and on it goes. The very nature of our job puts us at risk. Moreover, the very nature of choral singing puts singers at risk. Unlike a solo singer, choristers spend extended amounts of time negotiating limited ranges that often do not lie in a comfortable tessitura and for which many have little vocal training to support. What is at the core of the issue?

In the nineties, well known vocal scientist Ingo Titze coined the phrase “vibration-dose” 1in considering the optimal dose, or frequency of vocal fold impact (collision) and amplitude before injury in the human voice. That is, how much and to what degree can we use the voice before experiencing adverse effects? It is easy to see how a choral singer, let’s say a tenor, can exceed his vibration dose practising just one chorus from Messiah in rehearsal. Additionally, if that singer is an amateur with limited training to handle the range and difficulty of the music, the potential for vocal damage increases.

The path to vocal damage, however, is one of accumulation. Our larynx is not fragile. It is susceptible, rather, to injury when repeated actions wear it down. The cycle begins innocently enough. Chronic stress and strain from overuse, or poor singing technique lead to an overdose in vocal fold collision/vibration which causes chronic swelling. When swelling becomes the norm, small cycles of tissue injury occur which the body then repairs (like a small cut or bruise). If these injuries become habitual, however, they produce mutations, such as calluses or vocal nodules, which can plague singers for years. Additionally, dealing with chronic swelling can invite debilitating tension and compensatory actions; conditions that are difficult to undo. Singers who have a two-hour rehearsal without a break or singers who sing all weekend would naturally incur some serious swelling. When singers add behaviours such as yelling at a sports game, talking over loud music when they are out with friends, competing for sound over a drum kit, or rehearsing long hours for days in a row for the musical or choral concert, the potential for damage increases exponentially. As conductors, our job is to consider our potential role in both creating and diffusing these situations. We must ensure that singers have the rest they need, attempt to give them the tools to deal with an increased vocal load in the healthiest possible way, and strive to be good vocal role models. And, of course, try to take care of ourselves in the process.

Prevention: Building the fence at the top of the cliff

Don’t just park the ambulance at the bottom, so the old adage tells us. Serious problems require medical consultation, but we have a degree of control over the behaviours that lead to them. It is essential that we take the time to reflect on our current habits and evaluate whether our daily and weekly vibration-dose, and that of our choristers, is within reason. When it has been exceeded, the natural remedy involves two elements: first, limiting vibrations in order that the body may repair itself: second, maintaining a thin layer of mucous on the vocal cords so that vibrations are adequately lubricated; our old friends rest and hydration. The following are additional considerations which serve as helpful reminders of good vocal hygiene for singers and conductors alike:

1. The value of silence. The modern busy lifestyle makes quiet time a challenge. Rest, however, means more than replenishing energy through sleep. It is imperative that we give the vocal folds a chance to recoup and any swelling that is present, to dissipate. It is generally recommended that we rest the voice for an hour each day or in ten to fifteen minute intervals throughout the day.

In consideration of choristers, I often have time in the rehearsal where I invite them to quietly look through their scores and write in reminders about what we have just covered in rehearsal, or vocal techniques (“how’s your tongue?”). Covering choir business like ticket sales or announcements is usually something we do at the onset of rehearsal, but this dedicated time can become an effective rest period if sprinkled between runs of pieces. Finally, always give them a break. Making time for this showed me just

1 Ingo Titze, Principles of Voice Production (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1994).

how much a break invites healthier singing for longer and much needed social bonding time. Consider a ration of “rehearsal to rest” and experiment to see what works for singers.

A note on when to take silence seriously: If the voice feels tired, strained, or tight, then it is time to be quiet and let the vocal cords recoup from swelling. If high notes are difficult to reach or you have trouble with vocal onsets and singing quietly, you need some more lengthy rest as this indicates more serious swelling. Additionally, when students are dealing with laryngitis or hoarseness, tell them TO BE QUIET. They need to know that their vocal folds are the diameter of a dime (for ladies) and a penny (for the men). Rest is essential to recovery. They wouldn’t run on a swollen ankle, so they shouldn’t speak on swollen vocal folds.

2. Relax. Re-align. Train. Feeling uptight and anxious can have an extremely negative effect on the voice. Muscles need to relax as well. Letting the tongue relax, releasing the muscles of the cheek and jaw, neck and shoulders are a constant struggle. The techniques you use in warm-up are effective all the way through rehearsal. Singers need a reset. Why not try a mid-rehearsal massage line or cheek massage? Ensure singers are consistently thinking about alignment and are singing with a free and fluid body. Ask them to relax their hips, let their head be a “bobble head” to free neck muscles. The journey to being tension-free is never-ending.

Training the voice to handle extra vibrations is essential. Consider adopting specific vocal health exercises into warm-ups or throughout rehearsal. I highly recommend watching Ingo Titze on youtube describing his well-known “straw exercise” along with other excellent “strengthening” exercises https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xYDvwvmBIM

Another excellent resource is Joseph Stemple’s vocal function exercises2: http://www.ohio.edu/people/deanr/VocalFunctionExercise1.htm

3. Conductors: Reflect on your speech habits. Develop a balanced onset and legato-style speaking voice and watch especially for harsh entries on words that begin with vowels in both speech and song. Listen to your voice outside the head to create awareness and request that singers do the same. They can hold a hand up to the mouth to direct sound to the ear, or create enough space between themselves and other singers to hear their own voice easily. Auditory feedback is key to solid vocal technique.

Consideration of little habits can create great positive change in vocal fatigue. For example, avoid holding the breath or gasping before speaking and singing. Speak in manageable sentences with adequate breaths in between. Watch chronic throat clearing and coughing as your recover from colds, and when you are hoarse, avoiding whispering (the vocal folds strain to vibrate when that much air passes between them, even if it is soft). If you are in a poor acoustical environment, consider using amplification.

Be a little selfish with your speech and determine your talking priorities: How often do you speak on the phone and for what length of time? What is the nature of your speech in rehearsal? Do you speak over the music or talking in rehearsal? How loudly do you speak? Do you speak with an energized voice in your optimal speaking range, or tend to drop the pitch when you feel tired?

2 John Stemple, Voice Therapy: Clinical Studies (San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing, 2000).

Keeping a speech diary can be very effective. If you are aware of your tendencies, you can make a change and spot issues in others.

Be Curious. Be Vigilant.

Vocal health and wellness is a complex and highly individualized issue. No article is a substitute for working with a professional. Consistent professional development and knowledge gathering is key to longevity in singing. Exploring ways to be proactive is also important. I invite you to investigate online resources from The National Centre for Voice and Speech at NCVS.org and other acredited voice pathology sites and speech pathology institutes. You may wish to contact voice professionals such as a speech-language pathologist in your area and meet with them or ask them to present at a regional conference. One excellent resource is the Singing Voice Handicap Index which serves as a starting point to learning more about your own vocal health and that of your choristers: utahhealthsciences.net/upload/186/2706_VHI.pdf

Dialogue and research in vocal health and wellness is increasingly available and advances in laryngoscopy and fMRI technology is demystifying singing more each day. The voice is the instrument we work with and nurture. Vocal health is often overlooked until something goes wrong, but with small amounts of consistent attention, the benefits are great for conductors and singers alike.

References

Emmons, Shirlee, and Constance Chase, Prescriptions for choral excellence: Tone, Text, Dynamic Leadership. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Miller, Richard. Solutions for Singers: Tools for Performers and Teachers. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Roth, Douglas, and Katherine Verdolini Abbott. “Vocal Health and Singing Pedagogy: Considerations from Biology and Motor Learning.” In Teaching Singing in the 21st Century, edited by Scott Harrison and Jessica O’Bryan, 69-90. New York: Springer, 2014.

Sundberg, Johan. The Science of the Singing Voice. Illinois: Northern Illinois University Press, 1987. Stemple, John. Voice Therapy: Clinical Studies.San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing, 2000.

Titze, Ingo. Principles of Voice Production. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1994.

MCA Online and Social Media (and the Bus!)

Yes, we were on Winnipeg Transit this past fall, and will again be showcased next September. Keep your eyes peeled to Winnipeg Transit!

Facebook and Instagram and manitoba-sings.org

Our Social Media presence has grown exponentially this year. Views and likes on each of our platforms have increased our presence in people’s daily Newsfeed. Be sure to take a look! Member Area

Choirs and individuals registering for a membership with the MCA this upcoming year will have access to the MCA membership directory via the Member Login page. Once registered you will be sent a confirmation email with the password to access this part of our website under the “Membership” tab. MCA Library

Last, but not least, the library system will be updated on the MCA website this upcoming year. Due to rising maintenance costs the “Search” option available on the MCA website will be removed. Members will still be able to use the “Browse” option or contact the MCA office for any inquiries they might have.

Submissions for Future Articles

We are looking for input from our membership!

Do you have any new ideas? Any fellow music teachers/professionals/students you would like to showcase? Items you would like to share with a larger audience? Interviews with “Noteworthy” Manitoba talents? New and upcoming Manitoba songwriters? Any cool and cutting edge research projects from our amazing music professionals and/or music students?

We are looking for input from you, our cherished members of MCA.

Articles should be no longer than 400 words. Deadlines are outlined below:

Noteworthy Fall Edition - Sept. 30

Noteworthy Winter Edition - Jan. 30

Noteworthy Spring/Summer Edition - May 30

Please submit ideas, pitches for future articles, or complete articles by emailing: [email protected]