WWW.CCMSINGS.ORG FALL 2010 VOL. V, NO. I

ccm looks ahead… HÄNSEL AND GRETEL With the Chesapeake Chamber Opera WHO Selected CCM Students WHEN Saturday, October 30, 7:30pm Sunday, October 31, 3:00pm WHERE Memorial Episcopal Church, 1407 Bolton St., Baltimore VOICES OF LIGHT CCM’s 35th Annual Holiday Concert WHO ALL CCM STUDENTS WHEN Sunday, December 5, 3:00pm WHERE The Gordon Center for Performing ABOVE: With the real André Rieu. BELOW, RIGHT: With his doppelgänger. Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills MY FAVORITE THINGS Singing to the Earth CCM’s 35th Anniversary Spring Concert WHO ALL CCM STUDENTS WHEN Sunday, May 1, 3:00pm n Sunday, June 13th, 31 CCM students sang Michael Jackson’s WHERE The Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Earth Song at the First Mariner Arena with André Rieu and Owings Mills hisO Johann Strauss Orchestra. It was an unforgettable experience! Accompanied by a full orchestra, we sang with soloist Carmen Monarcha, and (despite our original thoughts) we were at the front of the stage! Although all of us had performed in concerts prior to this event, nothing could have prepared us for the unbelievable difference we experienced. Instead of a few instruments accompanying a song, there were sixty. Instead of normal stage lights, there were brilliantly colored lights that moved and changed throughout the song. Instead of three or four hours of practice the day of the concert, there were seven hours. In addition, eight people were chosen to wear a headset that amplified their voices while they were singing, and that certainly added to the experience. So yes, it was different, but wonderfully so! We were required to be present seven hours prior to the concert. (No, it is not a typo. It actually was seven hours.) Although originally, the news of this time span was rather daunting, and many of the CCM participants expected boredom, we found ways to have fun throughout the entire afternoon. When we were not practicing, we sang songs, played cards, explored, read books, and took pictures touching the on the life size cardboard cutout of André Rieu. Many of us also found it amusing to walk by the German stage crew or orchestra people speaking the lyrics of “Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen” as fast as we could. (We got some interesting stares.) The seven hours passed by in a blink, and we were on stage performing “What about us, ahs, oohs” and simple choreography. The entire experience was unbelievable and as we walked off the stage, it was clear that the grins on all of our faces were 100% genuine. So thank you André Rieu for giving us this wonderful opportunity, and thank you CCM for making our days brighter song by song. —Shaelyn Rhinehart, Solfa III 2 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. i

the birthdays october director’s note 1 Chloe Ennis 4 La’Mya Flowers 10 Phyllis Jean Lehman Thirty-five years ago… 11 Meghan Ward • The Toronto Blue Jays get their start. 16 Madison Cote • The Apple Computer Company is formed! 22 Alyssa Platt • Wide-legged, flared jeans abound. 24 Annie Fairall • The $2 bill is reintroduced. Meredith Pepin 26 Nina Feliciano • The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is formed when North and South Korea unite. november • The Viking I and II spacecrafts successfully land on Mars. 1 Mateo Lopez • Jimmy Carter becomes president—the first candidate from the Deep South to 2 Charlotte Lorden win since the Civil War. 3 Maija Dixon • Fred Savage is born. 4 Annie Newton • Six children led by a visionary, warm young woman get together twice weekly 6 Nick Auen to sing, play, and become musically literate. Jason Sutton 11 Nina Jones Thirty-five years later… 13 Carrie Couch • 17 hardworking, musical children join Chesapeake Chamber Opera in a Hailey Russo production of Humperdinck’s Hänsel and Gretel. 18 Julia Parker • 35 energetic, song-birds join Francisco Nuñez (of the Young People’s Chorus of 19 Jesse Plank NYC) in a 5 day trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. 26 Abigail Lo • 31 young musicians join Andre Rieu in his Baltimore appearance at the First 30 Leon Kowalczyk Mariner Area for a performance of Michael Jackson’s Earth Song. december • 23 Concert Choristers sleep outside in tents, drink hot chocolate by the gallon, 3 Marissa Thobe and gorge themselves on s’mores. And, oh yes, attend rehearsal! 7 Kayla Kurtz • Over 1400 people benefit from their years of education with Children’s Chorus 8 Amy Nackeeran of Maryland. 15 Maya Conneally th Tobias Garver HAPPY 35 BIRTHDAY, CCM!!! Sasha Howard 16 Noelle Hargrave 18 Mari Wetherington 25 Owen Pereira 23 Margaret Kelly CCMERS IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND AS PART OF EARTH SONG january 3 Nicolas Su 5 Kate Halushka 11 Ellen Nikirk 17 Eli Lehman 19 Brian Lee 22 Christopher Plimpton 24 Veronica Voskoboynik vol. v, no. i in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 3

ccmers (and parents) speak out Retreat Weekend Niagara or Bust! Brings Out the Stars n a dark July morning, 4:00 am, 35 choristers and 8 chaperones ents of all shapes, colors, and eras boarded the bus excited but sleepy. went up at Betty’s apple farm on We were going to Niagara Falls, Canada, Labor Day Weekend for the third O I rarely get one-on-one time like that. I to participate in the Niagara International Tannual Concert retreat. This was my wanted to hear about their goals for the year. Music Festival. daughter Jenna’s third retreat, and I knew Some of the kids just want to sing with their We arrived in the early afternoon. After she had enjoyed the previous ones, but I friends and that’s fine. Some want to work dropping off our luggage, we went to Ridley asked Mairee and Ramona about their toward solos this year. I got a little more College to meet Francisco Nuñez and the retreat goals. Surely, I thought, they didn’t go idea of where each of them is coming from, other participating in the festival. The through all of this just so the kids could have and then they sang for me and showed their Signal Hill Alumni Choir from Trinidad fun singing around the campfire. range. Some voices change over the summer. and Tobago gave an exciting concert on the Mairee offered, “Most of our kids go to It was wonderful to listen to each of them.” first night, astounding everyone with their different schools and once the normal While Mairee interviewed and listened, strong voices and fun choreography. schedule of rehearsals begins, there is a lot of others were relaxing—either hanging by We performed every night. At the first two work and little social time. We have a Solfa the pool, chatting in tents, apple tasting, or concerts, each choir sang its own pieces. I class that is entirely new to the group, napping. Austin said her favorite part of the Every morning Mr. Nuñez directed us in the and, at the same time, we have new Solfa retreat was the downtime. songs we were going to sing together at the III and IV students who are going to be last concert. Mr. Nuñez directs a chorus in stepping up to take leadership. So bringing So a day that was both full and laid back got a charge from a little visitor named Mercy New York. Because his choir was competing the group together in order to begin shaping in a contest, they couldn’t be in the festival. themselves into the new Concert Choir is a Joy. While she was ecstatic to see mama big part of the weekend.” Mairee, she had a When I sang with the other choirs, I noticed grand time with that every choir had a different style. Mr. Betty Bertaux’s farm is many hands ready Nuñez was different from Ms. Mairee, but perfect for the retreat. to hold her and play. he was also very good. He told us that when The wide-open acres we sing in a throaty way, our larynx rubs When evening accommodate the tents together, making our voices hoarse. And approached, and offer enough space between for some when we sing with our larynx too wide, we the barn light went out, and that night’s privacy for the parent chaperones. (Thank lose too much air. He also taught us a warm- singing and s’moring was illuminated by the you parent volunteers!) The apple trees were up where we hold a note for a long time, brightest stars many of the kids had ever loaded with fruit and one group of kids on singing the note strongly throughout. Saturday picked a bunch of them to cut into seen. It was like a show just for CCM. And Each afternoon we went sightseeing! We and sample. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that as voices came together again around the went up the Skylon Tower, where we could Betty’s place also has a pool and patio. The campfire, it was clear the new Concert Choir see the falls and everything. The next day, weather did its part to showcase the farm was already better than the night before. a boat called Maid of the Mist took us and set the stage for song. Fires have a way of searing in a memory. into the horseshoe of the falls! It was all so Choristers were asked several weeks later, On Friday, singing around the bonfire and amazing. The last day we walked around ‘What was your favorite part of the retreat?’ s’more-making loosened up some rusty vocal Niagara On The Lake and shopped! chords. And overnight breezes brought in Molly was the first to reply, “campfire sing-along.” Nearly all the others echoed At the last concert, all the choirs sang cooler temperatures for the next morning’s together. The audience loved it. Afterwards, trek to the church for some rehearsal time. her response. As for the least favorite part of the weekend, kids offered a wider range we had a party with a live steel drum band That afternoon, Mairee introduced a new and ice cream! We waved goodbye to our element to the day by spending 10-15 of opinions. Mari piped up quickly with “waking up early…and bugs.” new friends on the departing buses until minutes with each chorister individually. It we couldn’t see them anymore. Well, maybe took 5½ hours! After talking with Mairee, I asked Jenna we’ll see them again someday. Maybe. On “I was able to spend a few minutes chatting about their one-on-one time. She said our next trip. I can hardly wait. quickly, “Oh I liked it. I liked talking with with each student,” Mairee explained, “and —Frances Garrett, Solfa 1 Ms. Mairee about what I want to do this year and I always like vocalizing. I have good range so hopefully the time with Ms. Mairee will help me later in the year.” It was music to my ears. —Katy McGuire 4 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. i

ccm alumni corner

Anya Grundmann, 1988 grad Lisa Diver, 2005 grad, completed her with many interests, he plays with the and former avid member (her words) of studies in music education at the University Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestra, is an CCM, has now returned to serve CCM’s of Delaware and graduated in the spring. officer in Carver’s chapter of the National Board of Directors. Professionally, she leads During her senior year, she was selected Art Honor Society, a member of Carver’s the music division at the NPR headquarters as one of three student conductors from Amnesty International Chapter, is preparing as the Executive Producer of NPR Music. various universities to participate in a master his Eagle Scout project, and is a second In that role she oversees major NPR music class presentation at the American Choral degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. initiatives and collaborations, including the Director’s Association National Conference. U award-winning multi-genre NPR Music She is currently pursuing a master’s degree website, which is a destination for millions in choral conducting at Westminster Choir CCMers Give Back of music lovers. Anya also co-directs the College. NEA Institute for and Renée Bertaux, Moran Beidleman Opera, a career development program for 2007 grad, CCM Chorister, 9 years (2001-10) arts journalists that takes place over 10 days graduated in May from Mt. Hebron High each fall at Columbia University’s Journalism School in Howard County. She was one of his semester I am assisting two School and locations around New York. 20 history students from her school to be CCM classes. I am helping Formerly, Anya was the editor of NPR’s invited to go on a 10-day European tour theT Crickets class [see photo at top last summer. The group traveled to Rome, Performance Today, a daily national classical of page] and the Beginner I class, music program honoring live performances Paris, and London. Later in the summer, through singing games and songs. from around the world. She has also she relaxed with family and friends on a trip written about music for publications such as to Harry Potter World and Disney World. Through these fun activities, the Symphony Magazine and New York Newsday. Renee is currently enrolled as a freshman kids are learning basic notes and Mirielle Burgoyne, at Grove City College, Pennsylvania, as a rhythms. I want to “give back” to 2003 grad, history major. In addition to her regular CCM this year because I really think spent the summer working in D.C. as an studies, she sings in the school’s Chapel that learning music at a young age intern for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold Choir and was also selected to be in the is important. Secondly, I love CCM (Wisconsin). She is in her senior year at the Grove City’s elite Touring Choir. University of Maryland as a Government which is a big part of why I am and Politics major with a minor in Daniel Bertaux, 2009 grad, is “giving back.” I also love little kids “International Development and Conflict a junior at Mt. Hebron High School in and I love music so helping at CCM Management.” She hopes to pursue an Howard County. Musically active, he is a is really a great opportunity. international career in sustainable solutions member of Madrigals (the school’s premier Veronica Page for developing countries. Miri continues choir,) the percussion section leader for CCM Chorister, 6 years (2004-10) to dance at U of M. Last semester she the Mt. Hebron Band, was chosen for the performed with the dance company in role of “Padre” in Mt. Hebron’s upcoming his year I’m back as an intern. an improvisational work for two dancers, production of Man of La Mancha, and I’m working mainly with entitled Thank You. performed in various summer productions theT Lyric Choir to observe how Meryem Ahmadian, and community musicals. Dan will also be 2005 grad, appearing in October as one of 10 finalists in Ms. Mairee works with them. I’m graduated from Westminster Choir College Hear My Voice, the Columbia Teen Idol. also doing work at the office to in May as a voice major. Having come back Devon Burgoyne, get a glimpse behind the scenes. to help as an intern in the CCM office last 2009 grad and Ultimately I’m hoping to make summer, she is continuing as CCM ‘s office a junior visual arts major at Carver Center conducting my career and this was assistant. Musically, she is singing this year for Arts and Technology, currently has a wonderful opportunity to get an in Baltimore’s prestigious Baltimore Choral selections of his paintings on exhibit at the Arts Society, conducted by Tom Hall. Three Arts Club in Homewood. A student in depth look at the job. I want to give back to CCM because it was a To all CCM graduates and alumni recent or not so recent: This is our 35th anniversary year. wonderful experience to me. I owe We want to touch base with you who have been such an important part of our past and who have helped make CCM the outstanding chorus that it is. Please let us know what you are doing, have so much of my musical ability to it! done, are pursuing. Are you in college? Where? What year? What major? When did you leave CCM? By helping out in this way, I hope to Are you married? Have children? Where are you living? Are you traveling? What is your profession help expand it further and to help or line of work, hobbies, interests? Are you still singing or pursuing music in other ways? What CCM alumni would you like to hear from? Alumni parents, send us information about your ex-CCMer. other members of CCM get the most out of their CCM experience. Send updates to Betty Bertaux at [email protected]. Thank you! vol. v, no. i in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 5

ccm faculty 2010-2011 Check out each “two truths and a lie” section and see if you can guess the lie! Answers at bottom of this page. mairee pantzer suzannah norris lauren mcdougle CCM tenure CCM tenure CCM tenure 2004-present 2007-present 2009-present professional professional training professional training Bachelor B.A. in music from Eastern training of Performance University, M.A. from Bachelors of in Voice (2000), Wheaton College Loyola University with Kodály Music Music from Conservatory (Wheaton, IL) Level III Education emphasis Bowling Green State University; Level I favorite folksong(s) Certification in Kodály Music Education The Cuckoo, The Orff-Schulwerk Certification at the Eastman (2006), American Kodály Institute at Loyola Gypsy Rover (not really a folk song, but School of Music; Kodály Certification at College in (MD) and James Madison written in the style of a folk song), Loyola University Maryland; will complete favorite composer(s) University (VA); will complete Masters of Britten, Masters of Education in Kodály Music Education in Choral Studies at University of Schumann, Arvo Part Education at Loyola University in 2011. I two truths & a lie St. Thomas (MN) in 2011. began my musical training as a clarinetist, favorite folksong(s) My Little Rooster 1. I once lived in the house next door to and switched to voice once I realized I (because it makes my daughter giggle!) the house I currently live in. wanted to work with young children. favorite folksong(s) favorite composer(s) There are too 2. I live in the house my grandparents (these are many to list! were married in. constantly changing, of course!) Oh In the two truths & a lie 3. I make pasta from scratch. Woods, The Darby Ram favorite composer(s) 1. I have been a cake-decorator for a I think bakery! tasha maglocci Beethoven is in the lead for now, especially CCM tenure 2. I won the Eastern Division water-skiing 2009-present his symphonies. professional training two truths & a lie competition in 2002. 3. I have performed as a baton-twirler. B.S. in Music Ed from Indiana 1. I have a small addiction to delicious- University of Pennsylvania. smelling candles. lyndsay davies M.M. in Performance 2. I sort my M&Ms by color, always eating from Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). CCM tenure the brown ones first. 2009-present Kodály Certification from Loyola University. professional training 3. I love writing with a pencil. Bachelor of favorite folksong(s) My Singing Bird Music in Music Education (2000), Grove favorite composer(s) Poulenc patti amato two truths & a lie City College; Level III Certification in CCM tenure Began with Kodály Music 1. I am married and have one daughter. CCM as accompanist in 1980. Education (2009), 2. One instrument that I play is the . professional training American Kodály 3. I love backpacking. Bachelor in Mus Ed. Catholic University of Institute at America; Maters of Music in Collaborative Loyola College in joann cain , University of Houston; Certificates Maryland CCM tenure favorite in Lieder, Chamber Music, and Opera from 2010-present American Institute of Musical Studies, Graz folksong(s) professional Shady Grove, Shortnin’ Bread, Austria Little ‘Liza Jane, All the Pretty Little Horses training Private favorite folksong(s) favorite composer(s) The Water is Wide, George Frideric training in piano, Irish Folk Songs Handel, Alfred Reed, many folk singers/ voice and musicianship; two years of Kodály favorite composer(s) Brahms, songwriters such as Chris Thile, David Training at George Mason University. Puccini, Beethoven Wilcox, Pierce Pettis favorite folksong(s) The Riddle Song, I two truths & a lie two truths & a lie Had a Little Nut Tree 1. My favorite color is pink! favorite composer(s) 1. I was born and raised in the same town Beethoven, 2. I am currently third in my age group in as Arnold Palmer and Fred Rogers. Bach, Mendelssohn two truths & a lie the 5K racing scene in Maryland. 2. When I was in high school, I was 3. I have 3 daughters: Elena, 25,

accidentally locked in KMart after 1. I grew up in Tony the Tiger’s Antonette, 22, and Angela 18.

1 = Amato Patti ; = Mcdougle Lauren 2; =

closing hours. hometown. It was gr-eaaaaat! U Maglocci

Tasha 1; = Norris Suzannah 3; = Davies Lyndsay 2;

3. When I first decided to pursue a career 2. My hobby is making quilts and fiber art. =

Pantzer Mairee in music, I wanted to be a high school 3. My favorite class in elementary school answers: lie a and truths two choral director. was music class. 6 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. i

CCM Welcomes New Officers on the Board of Directors!

Keith W. May, CCM Board President Director of Business Development, Glimmerglass Networks Anya Grundmann, CCM Board Secretary Executive Producer for NPR (National Public Radio) and CCM alumna

CCMERS AT NIAGARA FALLS Thomas Webb, Esq., CCM Board Treasurer Attorney At Law, Webb & Blitz, LLC And for their continued service, special thanks to: Ramona Galey, Former Treasurer General Director, CCM Dr. Betty Bertaux, Former Secretary Founder, CCM; Founder & Director, Sing for Success! Anna Marie Sohn, Former President Professor, Essex Community College

Children’s Chorus of Maryland is funded by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to Wanna be our friend? Check us out cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by on Facebook and get all the latest! the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

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