WWW.CCMSINGS.ORG SUMMER 2011 VOL. V, NO. III

ccm looks ahead… 4TH ANNUAL CONCERT CHOIR RETREAT WHEN September 2-4, 2011 ORIENTATION DAY WHO Treble and Lyric choristers and families WHEN September 10, 2011 DEFENDER’S DAY PERFORMANCE WHO Concert Choir WHEN September 10, 2011 WHERE Fort McHenry DAGILELIS DEMONSTRATION & Emotions Run High COLLABORATION WHEN October 22, 2011 WHERE St. Timothy’s for My Favorite Things “CARMEN” WHO TBA TH WHEN November 2011 35 ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT WHERE Chesapeake Chamber Opera AT THE GORDON CENTER WINTER CONCERT WHEN Sunday, December 4, 2011 WHERE The Gordon Center for Performing his year’s spring concert was a wonderful blend of tribute and Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., artistry, mixed with a pinch of sweet smiles, a dab of tears, and a Owings Mills heapingT of incredible voices. CHARLESTOWN RETIREMENT The musical selections for the spring concert were chosen by choristers COMMUNITY CONCERT and family members as favorites from the past five years. As the event WHO Lyric and Concert Choirs WHEN Sunday, March 21, 2011 was also Artistic Director Mairee Pantzer’s final concert, the songs showcased not only the excellence Mairee brought to CCM, but the fun ST. MATTHEW’S PASSION, BACH and creativity that endeared her to the children. CONCERT SERIES WHEN March 31 and April 1, 2012 The program ranged from classical and complex pieces likeCantate SPRING CONCERT Domino performed by the Concert Choir to the irresistible beat of Mary WHEN Details coming soon! Watch for Had a Little Blues by the Lyric Choir. And the Treble Choir delivered more news! folks songs like Little Bird and Cock-a-doodle-doo that delighted and impressed the crowd. Four students in Solfa IV offered a heart-felt performance ofFor Good from the musical Wicked. The CCM graduates were rewarded with long applause and congratulations that left them and their teachers, friends, and families proud and teary. While many pins and awards were presented to students and teachers in the final rehearsal day before the concert, special recognition of CCM’s 35th anniversary was saved for a presentation to CCM founder continued on page 2 2 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. iii

the director’s note

Dear CCM Family, ive years ago, we resurrected CCM’s newsletter and since then, I have had My Favorite Things the privilege of writing a piece to you three times a year. Sometimes, in continued from page 1 those notes, I shared with you some of my hobbies: baking and pottery. You Betty Bertaux by Board President Keith heard my reflections, just after my daughter was born, about the responsibility I F May. Betty also turned the spotlight on felt to give her the best opportunities possible. I celebrated the story of Betty’s the longest serving musical contributor vision for CCM and how far it has come in thirty-five years. And there have been to CCM when she presented a special many more columns of general excitements and musings! recognition to pianist Patricia McKewen This note to you is no different. I write it with true excitement for what Amato who has played with CCM CCM’s new Artistic Director, Alyson Shirk, will offer CCM. She brings to the choirs for much of its 35 years, and by organization strong musical and leadership gifts as well as a vision that will both the look on her face, it was clear she was honor the old while embracing the new. She has a deep love and respect for surprised and delighted. CCM, and I trust her to lead CCM into greater and greater opportunities. The sold-out audience enjoyed the As I reflect on my experience as Artistic Director, I am asking the question, traditional concluding piece performed “What has this all been about?” In a culture that values busyness and long lists together by all three choirs, putting of achievements, we can rattle things off as well. Our list from the past five years nearly 130 CCM children on stage. is impressive, for sure: two tours, ten major concerts, one national convention But as Mairee had the choirs take performance, six operas, six performances with orchestras, three retreats, four their bows, Betty returned to the stage premieres, several run-out local concerts, over 1,000 skills checks and progress and had the choristers rearrange for a reports, one trip to the White House… The list goes on and on. But is this list of surprise finale by the Concert Choir activities alone what makes CCM valuable? in a piece they had prepared in secret I’m sure you would agree that CCM is an invaluable resource to children, and to as a farewell for Mairee—Letter from a overlook its unique characteristics is to do it a great disservice. Children’s Chorus Friend. And indeed, Mairee leaves many of Maryland: friends behind, many memories, and many favorite things. • Nurtures developing musicians and equips them to achieve their personal best. It provides children who enjoy singing the tools they need to be musically As always, the choirs were enhanced literate. by the accompanying instrumentalists: Mary Bisson (French Horn), Jonathan • Is deeply committed to the idea that “only the best is good enough for a child.” Jensen (Bass & Spoons), Joshua Bertaux CCM chooses to serve the musical equivalent of steak, flan, and brie rather (Drum Set), Rose Casciero (Flute), and than bologna, cotton candy and Velveeta. Magdalyna Svirlova (Violin). • Allows children to be children while helping them to develop important life Congratulations to Veronica Page, skills like commitment, responsibility, and respect. CCM alumnus, for her conducting • Combines musical rigor with fun! Kodaly said, “Teach music and singing at deput with the Lyric Choir, and school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst congratulations to CCM graduates: for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime.” Angelo Badolato, Danielle Farmer, Julia • Provides life-changing experiences and long-lasting relationships. Scheinberg, and Kristen Zajdel. Zoltan Kodaly said, “Real art is one of the most powerful forces in the rise of —Katy McGuire mankind, and he who renders it accessible to as many people as possible is a benefactor of humanity.” It has been a true honor to be a part of an organization so deeply committed to beauty, children, and music education. May this unique place of nurture, art, and community continue to grow strong!

THANKS TO OUR PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM FOR THIS ISSUE: RENEE BISHOP • ANNETTE HEIMLICH • TRACY LO • AMELIA SCHULER vol. v, no. iii in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 3

around the country attending and the stage of Minneapolis’s 2500 seat CCM at performing, after winning their position Orchestra Hall. The choristers waited, via an audition tape and an endorsement well rehearsed and anticipating her the OAKE from their music teacher. They worked downbeat. Her expectations would with nationally known conductors, be demanding, and they were ready polished an artistic and appealing for it. Artistically accompanied by Conference repertoire of music, made new friends Washington-based pianist, Serena Chin, of other like-minded children, and their performance was an exhilarating performed on a national stage. irst, you notice the numerous conference highlight, much to the children, tweens and teens Four CCM choristers, Kristina delight and praise of the countless Feverywhere—many more than Anastasiades, Maya Florian, Bella discriminating professionals in the you would usually see around a major Grass, and Audra Lane, attended the audience. Mairee’s work with this metropolitan Hilton. Then you notice conference this year, all sponsored choir was the talk of the conference. the accompanying (but not too close, by Michael Allman, music teacher Preparation for the concert had taken Mom and Dad!) parents, who seem at Riderwood Elementary School in place throughout the weekend. Even to be alternating between pride and Baltimore County and former CCM before the concert, most of what the uncertainty. Then music teachers begin Teacher. checking in and greeting each other in CCM staff heard was about how CCM was well represented at friendship and professional regard, and much her choristers were enjoying this conference in other ways, too. that’s when you know—you’re at an working with Mairee, how impressed CCM’s departing Artistic Director, OAKE conference! the other conference attendees were Mairee Pantzer, was conducting one after observing her rehearsals, how The Organization of American Kodály of the choirs – a huge honor and a magnificent the concert was, and how Educators (OAKE) is the national national “limelight” position. CCM’s proud we must be of her (and we are!!). professional association that serves Founder, Betty Bertaux, was receiving music teachers who have specialized the distinguished OAKE Lifetime CCM insiders know that Mairee in what is known as the Kodály Achievement Award, and CCM was also finishing up her Master’s approach to music teaching. This General Director, Ramona Galey, Thesis, titledThe Life and Work of Betty training, developed in Hungary in the maintained a presence at a CCM Bertaux, around the same time of the early 20th century, uses the voice as booth in order to promote CCM’s conference. We also know that Mairee the “instrument” through which to name and prestigious contribution to always seems to manage to make major teach children to be musically literate. choral music and music education, to tasks look easy, and this time was no It is perfect for a choral program and recognize its outstanding faculty and to different. Mairee’s thesis has been so provides the foundation of CCM’s solicit applications from other qualified well received by the University of St. curriculum. Kodály-trained professionals for various Thomas’s graduate committee, that she open CCM Artistic Director and OAKE conferences hold numerous was invited to present her thesis at the Teacher positions. workshops and lectures on every aspect University of St. Thomas’ Graduate of teaching. The conference also hosts 3 Actually, CCM was beyond “well Music Education’s Annual Research honor choirs for elementary, middle and represented” in the exemplary Roundtable in July. Articles on her topic high school singers. The organization performance of Mairee’s Pantzer’s will also be published in both the OAKE holds a national conference in a major Youth Choir. CCM representatives and Envoy and the American Choral Director’s U.S. city annually, and this year the supporters swelled with pride to watch Association’s Choral Journal. conference was in Minneapolis. There Mairee approach the 300 voice, middle- were 500-600 young singers from school aged Youth Choir positioned on —Ramona Galey

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL ALLSTATE LEASING RISER CREW! 4 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. iii

eet s raduates DanielleM Farmer CCM’ 2010 G ! YEARS IN CCM 7 years FAVORITE COMPOSERS Betty Bertaux, Debussy (influenced by Jenna), Handel, Bela Bartok, Stephen Hatfield, Stephen Sondheim, Zoltán Kodály FAVORITE PIECES PERFORMED For Good, Ave Maria, Sing On, Bread- Baking, Chile Con Carne, Sound the Trumpet, Noël Des Enfants Qui N’ont Plus de Maison FAVORITE CCM MEMORY Too many to name! My first tour with CCM to Hawaii was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned so many things during that trip. I enjoyed everything I did and met so many great people. The CCM camp outs were sooooooo much fun. There is nothing like spending a weekend around a campfire and singing with the LEFT TO RIGHT: Kristen Zajdel, Angelo Badolato, Danielle Farmer, Julia Scheinberg. PHOTO: RENEE BISHOP people who understand you the most! AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE CCM has made a huge impact on my love for music. I Sing On!, Simple Song, all Hawai’i music (yes, even that weird am not sure what I want to do as a career, but I know it is going to be Hawaiian cowboy song that no one knew ), AND thousands of in the music field. I love performing and teaching and I’m sure that COMMENTS other amazing songs that I’m sure I will later bang my head against whatever I choose to do, I will be happy. I don’t the wall and angrily mutter to myself because of the fact that I forgot think I can thank Ms. Mairee, Ms. Betty, and all of my other teachers to add them on this list, so forgive me, forgotten songs. I really do and friends enough for the most amazing seven years of my life. I love you! FAVORITE CCM MEMORY Hawai’i definitely takes learned so many things about music that will help me later in life. the cake. Getting to know and interact with other musicians from all Angelo Badolato over was truly amazing and I’ll never forget my first tour with CCM. YEARS IN CCM FAVORITE COMPOSERS I know that it is my favorite memory because I am always thinking 10 years about how I desperately want to go back to Hawai’i. Where’s a Jim Papoulis and Stephen Hatfield Queen( Jane!) FAVORITE PIECES PERFORMED rewind button when I need it??? Also, I can’t forget to mention Oye, Chili Con Carne, Don’t Stop the hundreds of small classes I went to after the chorus as a whole Believin’, Queen Jane, Evening Song, An American Anthem FAVORITE CCM MEMORY practiced. I remember loving going to class on Saturday mornings Niagara Falls Tour, Retreats at when it was sunny. I don’t know why, but I was always just happy and AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE Ms. Betty’s Farm I’m at content when I could sing and be with friends when the sunlight was Carver now, and I’m not sure what I might study in college. I would shining through St. Tims’ dirty windows, making the whole room love to get a recording contract in the future! a calm, simple box of sunlight. I’m really going to miss that. COMMENTS I made so many great friends, sang so many great AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE Music will always be a part songs, and have learned so much from CCM. I know that it will of my life because of CCM, and I plan to use everything CCM has impact my future whatever I do. At one point, I will miss the given me in whatever I do. I may go into law or anything that helps Wednesday and Saturday rehearsals each week, but maybe not at the people and upholds equality, justice, and the rights of others. J moment. I know I will miss it immensely. COMMENTS I can’t say how much CCM has done for me. I Kristen Zajdel cannot remember life without rehearsals. It really is a part of me, and YEARS IN CCM FAVORITE COMPOSERS always will be. With all the opportunities CCM gave me and all the 9 years doors that it opened for me, I would not change a thing about the FAVORITE PIECES PERFORMED Stephen Hatfield I don’t whole experience. Whenever I think about where I would be without have a favorite song; there were too many I liked over the years to CCM, I can never forget what—or who, I should say—opened that FAVORITE CCM MEMORY single out a specific one! My very first door for me. What if my mom had never set up that CCM favorite CCM memory would have to be going to Canada for the audition? What if I had never timidly sang You’re a Grand Old Flag Niagara Falls Tour, the bus ride up was one of the best parts of the in front of Betty, Ramona, and other staff members? I would never J AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE trip! I am not exactly have been in CCM. I would never have met all the great friends I sure what my plans are for the future, but I am just going to focus on have now. I would never, never be the same musician I am proud to having a fun senior year and then moving onto college. Right now I’ll be now because of nine years of CCM training. Now that music is continue enjoying music through my piano lessons. a huge part of my life, what could I possibly be doing now if music COMMENTS I am really going to miss CCM and the people I hadn’t been weaved in my soul by CCM. My mind can’t even go met there. I had a great 9 years, and it went by really fast! there. So now, as I must wave goodbye one last time, I have to remember that this “end” is anything but an end. Like I said, CCM Julia Scheinberg led me through many open doors I never would have known were YEARS IN CCM FAVORITE COMPOSERS 9 years there, and this goodbye is the big one. All the doors have led me up Z. Randall Stroope, Stephen Hatfield, George Gershwin, to this one. This door is big, golden, and has the big bright colored different arrangers (especially jazz) FAVORITE PIECES letters on it saying, “This is it, Julia. Take your music and run with it.” PERFORMED The Snow, Manx Lullaby, My Favorite Things, And I promise I will do just that. CCM, I’d like to thank you from Queen Jane, Shady Grove, Noël Des Enfants Qui N’ont Plus de Maison, the bottom of my musical heart. J vol. v, no. iii in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 5 Happy Birthday hildren’s Chorus of Maryland was founded thirty-five years ago. Of course, we had to Ccelebrate that with a birthday party! CCM! And since our artistic director, Miss Mairee, was leaving, a party gave a nice touch to the end of the year. We had many ideas for the party. Miss Mairee suggested that we form a huge circle to play the cup game! To play the cup game, everyone starts doing a pattern of rhythms with a cup to the beat of a song, then passes the cup on to the next person. It’s probably one of the she loved CCM. Everyone gave her a most popular games in CCM. standing ovation. The day of the party finally arrived. Finally, it was time for the food! Lining Concert Choir first had something to the perimeter of the room were tables say. Or rather, sing. We sang “Here’s To groaning with cupcakes, ice cream, and Song,” which made everyone cry with more! We all ate until we were stuffed. its emotional crescendos and strength. We had the time of our lives playing Then we sang “Don’t Stop Believin’,” classic CCM games and singing Happy with upbeat choreography. We finished Birthday into Miss Maureen’s video our set with “Oye,” a fun Spanish song camera. with improvised dance moves that had Of all the birthday parties that I’ve been everyone grinning. to, this one was truly unique. Miss Mairee passed out certificates and —Frances Garrett, Solfa II attendance pins next. After the long call of names for certificates, pins, medals, and awards, Miss Mairee gave Kristen, a Solfa IV chorister, a special award for 9 years of perfect attendance! Kristen proudly wore her medal at the concert the following day. We presented Miss Mairee with a huge bouquet from every Lyric and Treble chorister’s garden. She was so shocked, she couldn’t speak! When she recovered, she gave a speech about how much 6 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. iii bertaux recognized

her undying commitment to the musical and personal This has development of the thousands of children entrusted to her. We appreciate her pioneering leadership in the field of children’s been a choruses, a vision which made CCM possible. big year We also wish to thank Betty for her roles in: • promoting the idea that children’s voices could become for Betty instruments of fine music-making; Bertaux • expanding the quality and scope of children’s choral music by drawing on the best of the American music repertory so far. to create a variety of exceptional compositions and In March, Dr. Bertaux, founder and former artistic director arrangements made especially for children’s voices; of the Children’s Chorus of Maryland, received the Lifetime • sharing with other music directors and educators Achievement Award from the Organization of American nationwide vital insights into children’s vocal development, Kodaly Educators at their annual conference in Minneapolis. thus protecting the voices of both their students and her OAKE presents this prestigious honor to “the rare person own; whose impact upon Kodaly music education transcends that of what might be considered an outstanding educator, • elevating the performance standards of children’s choruses administrator or researcher.” nationwide by providing her exceptional guest conducting services, by always advocating music literacy training In April, Betty was the subject of a very over rote instruction, and by taking CCM choirs well received thesis project presented by to perform at conferences and performance Mairee Pantzer as part of her graduating tours, thus repeatedly demonstrating what is requirement with a Master’s in truly possible musically when the children in Choral Conducting from St. Thomas a chorus are fully trained as competent and University in Minneapolis, St. Paul. capable musicians. Mairee has been invited to present her thesis again at the University of Betty, you have tirelessly and passionately St. Thomas’ Graduate Music Education’s served others, and most especially our children, Annual Research Roundtable—a great honor with great dignity, much self-sacrifice, and supreme which is extended to only a small percentage of thesis integrity, and we salute you. Thank you. writers each year. In June, the “Sing for Success!” research project in Hagerstown In May, Betty was recognized with the presentation of a is concluding the implementation portion of its three-year plaque and a tribute page in the concert program at the Spring study into the impact of frequent music literacy training on Concert as part of CCM’s 35th Anniversary celebration. academic achievement in small children. Dr. Bertaux serves as the Director of the “Sing for Success!” project, and is looking The plaque reads: “In recognition of her unparalleled forward to seeing contribution to the field of music education; her lifetime the results of commitment to the creation of challenging and beautiful the study, once compositions worthy of the young musicians who would sing all the testing is them; her outstanding achievements as teacher, conductor, completed and the composer, author, performer and director; her devoted results have been mentoring of the teachers and conductors who would analyzed. follow in her footsteps; and especially, in honor of her role Yes, it’s been a Betty with those who nominated her as Founder, Director and Advocate for CCM throughout (LEFT TO RIGHT: Caroline Crocker, Betty, its 35-year history, On this, the occasion of our Thirty-Fifth big year for CCM’s Mairee Pantzer, Emily Hines) anniversary, Children’s Chorus of Maryland and School of founder Betty Music awards this plaque to Betty Bertaux, Founder and Bertaux. As CCM parent and Kodály teacher Emily Hines Director Emeritus, with our deep and abiding gratitude.” observed, “Betty has the most admirable quality to see what a child… is doing well and point it out, while continuing to Excerpts from the tribute page include: challenge that person to perform at a higher level.” One might We speak for all CCM students, parents, volunteers, staff even say that she has the admirable quality of also doing the same thing for herself! and teachers over the past 35 years in thanking Betty for U vol. v, no. iii in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 7 ccmers speak out

Secrets Galore: chorister’s house. It was 8:30 AM—way at all). Then we began singingLetter to a too early to be up on a Saturday—but we Friend. The notes resonated throughout the Preparing a Secret Gift for had doughnut holes to keep us awake. Gordon Center. There wasn’t much room, but we managed Miss Mairee I’ll miss you, Miss Mairee, but I don’t think to squeeze the whole chorus into the living the send-off could have gone any better. Best iss Mairee was leaving Children’s room somehow. We sang through the song wishes for the next chapter of your life! Chorus of Maryland. again, working through the hard parts. —Liana Garrett, Solfa III Student It shouldn’t have been surprising. Then, after an hour and a half of working MShe wanted to spend more time with Mercy on Letter to a Friend, we all carpooled to St. Joy, which she couldn’t accommodate with Tim’s. We took extra precautions to trickle a full-time job. But of course, if she was in convincingly, exactly as if there was leaving, she had to have a proper tear-jerking absolutely nothing suspicious going on at all send-off. (I don’t think anyone actually noticed). Then Miss Betty composed a song, entitled Letter we worked for another two and a half hours to a Friend. The Concert Choir was going to on the rest of our songs with Miss Mairee. learn it in snatches of time before our regular Later, she said she couldn’t understand at the rehearsals, and perform it at the Spring time why we were so tired! Concert. The catch? It had to be learned Meanwhile, other gifts were being planned. completely in secret. Treble and Lyric choristers picked flowers FLASHMOB FUN! The first secret rehearsal was in a classroom from their gardens, which were collected upstairs on a Saturday morning, while Miss surreptitiously by a few parents. These were n the jungle, the mighty jungle”…As Mairee was working with the Lyric Choir. given to Miss Mairee at the CCM Birthday the first brave singer breaks through As I crept up the stairs, a Treble Chorister Party, the day before the concert. There were the noise of the crowd…”ah wee said loudly, “Are you here for the secret so many flowers we needed a bin the size “Imah weh, a wee mah weh”… of a laundry basket to hold them all! Miss thing?!” In the past late winter of 2011, a volunteer Mairee wore them in her hair for the concert “Yes, shhh,” I hushed her. sampling of Lyric Choir choristers gave a the next day. surprise performance at a local business fair. Miss Betty described the origin of the Choristers were also invited to write letters piece. The poem was written by a monk, Fra A “flashmob” is when a group of singers (or to Miss Mairee. At the concert, after we Giovanni Giocondo, for his friend Countess other performers) enter a public area for the had sung our final, full-chorus song, it was Allagia Aldobrandeschi. He wanted to give announced that we had a gift for Miss purpose of a spontaneous performance. her something, but she was rich, and didn’t Mairee. A Solfa IV student walked out with Often, one person begins singing the need any more material items. So in his a mailbox so big she could hardly wrap her letter, he gave her abstract things: “Take beginning solo. As the piece moves on, arms around it. It was stuffed full of the Heaven, take Joy, take Peace.” Miss Betty each singer joins in singing as their part letters all the choristers had written. put an excerpt to music, using a style that arrives. Eventually, all singers form into a drew on harmonic overtones, pitches whose Then Miss Betty said, “But there’s one letter group to complete the musical piece. frequencies resonate together. This gave it a that’s too big to fit into the mailbox…” At the end of the piece the singers blend warm, rich tone, perfect for Letter to a Friend. We rearranged ourselves on the crowded back into the crowd with their “disguises” The following Saturday, we arrived, sleepy- stage (with some difficulty, as, in our secrecy, (coats, hats, etc.)…all of this before the eyed, at our next rendezvous—another we hadn’t been able to rehearse the staging “audience” can even congratulate them. Flashmobs are fun, especially if you like laughing, singing, and surprising people. It’s Come Join the Fun! like a big, humorous (and harmless) stealth Do you know a child who loves to sing? operation. It is really fun to see the shocked Send them our way! Interviews for the and perplexed look on people’s faces when we start singing. 2011-2012 Season are being scheduled NOW. My favorite part of a flashmob is blending Encourage young musicians to sign up for back into the crowd and discreetly leaving as an interview. Call the CCM office at if nothing happened. Success! They thought (410) 494-1480 or visit the website: this was just a normal day. www.ccmsings.org. We invite you to join us in the next CCM Thanks for helping spread the word about Flashmob. It’s a blast, it’s fun, and CCM Children’s Chorus of Maryland! really puts the mob in “flashmob.” —Christopher Plimpton 8 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. iii meet your new artistic director

Alyson Shirk joins Children’s Chorus of Maryland after a the Ho Chi Minh Symphony Orchestra in Vietnam. In July 24 year hiatus, having graduated from the organization in 2010, she traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to research and 1988. Dr. Shirk has degrees in Music Education and Vocal perform the music of Argentine composer Carlos Guastavino. Pedagogy from Susquehanna and Marywood In addition to her regional and international Universities and she recently earned her work as a soloist, Dr. Shirk conducts the doctorate in vocal performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory in May 2009. She Bryn Mawr School’s Upper School choirs was awarded the Dean’s Graduate Scholar and serves as Director of Music for the Award for excellence in scholarship for her Bryn Mawr School where her top choir dissertation “Mad Women in Opera: An performed at Carnegie Hall in the spring Investigation of Madness and Selected Mad of 2011. Dr. Shirk frequently serves as a choral adjudicator, Scenes for Soprano. In December 2009, Dr. Shirk taught clinician, lecturer, and master class teacher. She loves research, master classes and performed the Brahms’ Requiem with performance, and choral education.

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