VocalEssence Singers Of This Age: Voices Calling, ACDA Concert Program Book

VOICES CALLING G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor Opening Night Concert American Choral Directors Association Central and North Central Region

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Uihlein Hall Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

THE PROGRAM I. JOINT SELECTION WITH ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR Yup’ik Chant

II. VOICES CALLING IN GRATITUDE AND PRAISE Ndikhokele Bawo

Heilig

Ossie Kairaiuak, shared by aural tradition

Traditional, arr. Lhente-Mari Pitout Mark Foster Music, 00288201 Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) CPDL

VOICES CALLING US INTO COMMUNITY L’eccho (The Echo Song)

Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594) CPDL

Mravalzhamieri

Traditional song from the Republic of Georgia, as taught by the Mila Vocal Ensemble Manuscript Ke Nale Monna

Traditional song from LeSotho, South Africa, arr. Vuyani Buti

VOICES CALLING US INTO ACTION Speak Myron Butler, as adapted by Trey McLaughlin

We are the Peace co-created by members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Manuscript More Love

Hands Are Knockin’

Mark Miller Hal Leonard, HL 00216066

Kyle Pederson, piano

Kyle Pederson Santa Barbara Music Publishing, SBMP 1551

III. JOINT SELECTION WITH NATION Say Something Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Nate Hills, Tim Mosley, and Larrance Dopson,

arr. Nation (Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach) Manuscript IV. JOINT SELECTIONS WITH NATION, ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, AND JOINING VOICES CHOIR A Path to Each Other Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach

Graphite Publishing GP-N004 Love Has Broken Down the Wall

Love Is Love

Mark Miller Choristers Guild CGA1384 Abbie Betinis Justice Choir Songbook

Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

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TEXTS I. YUP’IK CHANT Ossie Kairaiuak, created in the tradition of the

Central Alaskan Inuit people

MRAVALZHAMIERI Traditional, Republic of Georgia

A toast typically sung at a feast, wishing the listener many years of life.

Many hearts. One voice.

Long life to you!

KE NALE MONNA Traditional, LeSotho, South Africa, arr. Vuyani Buti

II. NDIKHOKHELE BAWO arr. Lhente-Mari Pitout

Calling the community into celebration and joy.

Thanksgiving for protection and guidance.

SPEAK Myron Butler, as adapted by Trey McLaughlin

sung in Isixhosa Lead me oh Father Lead me my Savior In all the sorrows of this world Father I thank you For you still protect me Although you are not with me Yes, although you are not near Father I thank you For you still protect me Oh Lord although you are not near me Father I thank you For you still protect me —Traditional

Speaking our dreams into reality.

Sung in Hmong, Spanish, English, and through American Sign Language I shall have, what I decree.

Yes. I believe, it belongs to me.

I will speak into the atmosphere.

WE ARE THE PEACE

co-created by members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

A reminder that we are better together.

We are the peace within the hate. We are the spark in the night.

The spark that births wildfires and we sing with all our might.

HEILIG (HOLY), OP. 27 Felix Mendelssohn

We are the glow of the earth. We are a light in the dark.

We hold each other up when life is hard.

Voices singing out in praise and adoration.

Holy, holy, holy is God, the Lord Sabaoth!

Every nation proclaims that glorious praise.

Sing Hosanna in the heights.

O blest are they that come in God’s holy name.

Sing Hosanna in the heights.

–from the Ordinary of the Lutheran Mass

L’ECCHO (THE ECHO SONG)

Orlando di Lasso Voices in conversation and dialog.

Oh, hey! What a great echo!

Let’s try it out: “Pleasure to meet you!

Ha. Ha. Ha! Everybody laugh.

O, fine companion, what would you like?

I’d like you to sing a song.

Why? What for? Why not?

Because I don’t feel like it.

Why don’t you feel like it?

Because I’m not into that.

Shut up, I say.

Yes, sir.

No more now. Let’s go.

Goodbye, fine echo!

Go in peace.

Enough! Enough!”

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Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

MORE LOVE

Mark Miller Four simple words…More love. Less hate.

Four simple words we sing today.

With these four words we ought to pray, And take to heart this sacred phrase: “More love, less hate.”

It seems so easy on its face.

Four words to heal the human race, And yet we struggle to create More love, less hate.

For love we stand!

More love in this land!

Will you join? Come, take my hand!

More love, less hate.

When fear and violence touch our lives, Hate separates, seeks to divide.

Our faith in love won’t be denied.

More love, less hate.

Just as the night gives way to dawn, Justice shines forth before too long.

Until that day we will sing on, “More love, less hate.”

HANDS ARE KNOCKIN’

Kyle Pederson Committing to use our hands for healing and positive action.

Naftahhu athhanana, Alhamdulillah Naftahhu qulubana, Alhamdulillah Namuddu aydeeyana, Alhamdulillah We open our minds, thanks to God (Alleluia) We open our hearts, thanks to God (Alleluia) We reach out our hands, thanks to God (Alleluia) Can you let them in? Will you let them in?

Hands are knockin’

III. SAY SOMETHING

Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Nate Hills,

Tim Mosley, and Larrance Dopson arr. Nation (Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach)

IV. A PATH TO EACH OTHER

Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach Each word a stone.

We can build a wall or a path to each other.

We can build a path.

Each word a stone.

We can build a path to each other.

–Julia Klatt Singer LOVE HAS BROKEN DOWN THE WALL

Mark Miller A call to acceptance and action.

Love has broken down the wall.

Let us join our hearts as one.

Love has broken down the wall.

Everyone knows all about my direction.

And in my heart somewhere I wanna go there.

Still I don’t go there Everybody says “say something” I don’t wanna get caught up in the rhythm of it.

But I can’t help myself, no, I can’t help myself.

Maybe I’m looking for something that I can’t have.

We’re accepted as we are.

Through love’s power all is reconciled.

Love has broken down the wall.

Everyone knows all about my transgressions.

Still in my heart somewhere, there’s melody and harmony For you and me, tonight.

I hear them call my name.

Everybody says “say something” I don’t want to get caught up in the rhythm of it But I can’t get help myself, no, I can’t help myself.

Maybe I’m looking for something that I can’t have.

We will tear down the wall.

Love has called us one and all.

Love has broken down the wall.

LOVE IS LOVE

Abbie Betinis

Sometimes the greatest the way to say something, is to say nothing at all.

Sometimes the greatest the way to say something, is to say nothing.

Cast aside your doubts and fears.

Peace and love, freely offered here; Cast aside your doubts and fears.

Love is love is love is love.

Love, love, love.

All we need is love, love, love.

Ubi caritus et amor, Where there is charity and love, Where there’s love, Love is love.

Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

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ABOUT VOCALESSENCE VocalEssence champions choral music of all genres, celebrating the vocal experience through innovative performances, commissioning of new music, and engaging with diverse constituencies.

VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE (VESOTA)

As a leading Minnesota arts organization, VocalEssence uses the power of choral music to enhance our community by producing innovative vocal music events that stir people’s souls. We engage people of all ages and cultures through innovative, enticing choral music programming, such as performing ensembles, school curricula, elder learning initiatives, and advocacy projects.

Called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, VocalEssence is renowned for its innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments under the enthusiastic direction of Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Each season, VocalEssence presents an eclectic series of concerts featuring the VocalEssence Chorus, the professional Ensemble Singers, the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, guest soloists, and instrumentalists.

As a part of its core vision, VocalEssence seeks to develop future singing generations in ways that are reflective of and responsive to diverse constituencies. VocalEssence consistently highlights the contributions of many cultures in its programming and recently began the journey towards developing intercultural competency through a commitment to Inclusion, Access, and Equity (IAE).

While this focus on IAE is prevalent throughout the organization, perhaps the most vivid outgrowth of this commitment is the establishment of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA).

G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement Known for fostering community and inspiring action among people of all ages and abilities, G. Phillip Shoultz, III, enjoys a multifaceted career in the arts, learning, and worship arenas. Phillip serves as Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement of VocalEssence and also oversees worship and music activities at Good Samaritan UMC. Phillip frequently conducts choirs and leads workshops across the United States and beyond. His teaching experiences includes time at the University of St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota, and Georgia State University, and his service in the public schools garnered multiple Teacher of the Year honors. The winner of the 2015 ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and an International Conductors’ Exchange Program Participant, Phillip believes in the transformative power of shared singing experiences.

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Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a dynamic group of young people from over twenty Twin Cities area high schools who sing, move, write their own music, rap, and reflect the diversity of our community in its membership. Under the visionary leadership of founding director, G. Phillip Shoultz, III, the students present a wide range of music—from classical to hip-hop, with a focus on selections that represent the backgrounds and shared values of its membership. They perform in world-class venues, awaken their creativity through immersive arts experiences with teaching artists representing a variety of artistic disciplines, and belong to an accepting community of peers from all walks of life. VESOTA is in residence at Augsburg University. The program is completely FREE to participants upon successful completion of an interview process and harnesses the power of group singing to enhance community and encourage a wider circle of participation in our art form.

G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Founding Director and Conductor Corey Cellurale, Choral Assistant Robert Graham and Patricia Kramer, Section Coaches Rhiannon Fiskradatz, Operations Manager Acacia Johnstone Alise Moore Ally Swanson Angelica Marko Anna Olivarez Austin Vang Brian Baltazar Claire Olson Drew Fischer Elijah Ojo Ella Wright-Ansorge Emilia Sisson Euan Lim Isa Benegas Isaiah Bates

Jade Shionoya Jaydon Gilkes Jerilyn Moya-Hypolite John Nguyen Joshua Hoffman Joshua Ojo Joshua Ramirez Josh Sabin Karena Yang Kayla Gibson Kim Parkinson Krista Hines Liana Whitlock Lotus Deuel Lucas Plaman

Malcolm Kinard Margaret Feng Ricquelle Miles Sierra Trejo Simone Meyer Skylar Bandelin Soliyana Woldu Stephon Marcus Tatiana Dickerson Yee Choua Thao Zairhia Code Zero Al’aziz

GETTING TO KNOW THE VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE #mybodymychoice Anna, 15 Young girls/women feel conflicted about other people trying to take control of their bodies. #WeShallNotBeMoved Tatiana, 15 Encompasses all the work that has been done by the black community and continues to be done to this day. #peace Josh, 19 There’s too much to be scared of these days. With peace, we can begin to fix some of these issues. #passionate Sierra, 17 I’ve always been a person who doesn’t stray from what I believe in and how I feel. I’m very proud of the things I stand up for. #coexist Drew, 16 I saw it on a bumper sticker and it calls for us to stand up in the face of injustice. #MeToo Lotus, 14 As someone who has been assaulted. I now know how to speak out. #Ally Kayla, 15 I support everyone and do not judge people based on who they are.

#twodegrees Margaret, 17 If global warming increases above two degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels, the consequences will be irreparable. We, as responsible world citizens, must make both individual and legislative changes that will prevent this from happening. Climate change is very real and affects every single person on this Earth. #EqualPay Liana, 16 It really bothers me when someone talks about how people of color and women get paid less. #allloveisprecious Isabel, 14 Love is powerful and any form of it should be valued. #TheEarthIsOnFire Claire, 16 Climate change is not being taken seriously. It is a critical issue that has brought attention to racial discrimination and wealth disparities.

It needs more advocates. #Paintingsonmyskin Jerilyn, 15 My scars represent my beauty. My skin color represents my culture and my life.

#Ally Yee Choua, 16 I am willing to be a friend and to provide support to many. I will listen, learn, and seek to understand and be open-minded. #love Soliyana, 16 All of this world’s problems stem from hate. If we all had love for each other, even just on the basis that we are all HUMAN, we could live happily and peacefully. #biraciallivesmatter Alise, 17 Not to take away from BLM, but we struggle a lot from being discriminated on both ends of our racial identity. #BlackLivesMatter Malcolm, 17 I’m black and I’m tired of seeing discrimination against my people. #biracial Ricquelle, 14 Biracial children who are mixed with black won’t be seen for what they really are other than being a minority. #BiPride Josh, 16 It is part of my identity and I feel like I need to show more pride in this part of my identity.

Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

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#BLM Simone, 17 Throughout the world this discrimination and that is something that does not make sense to me. #godisgood Elijah, 17 God wakes me up everyday and is the reason I am alive today. God is the only lover of my soul. God is the maker of heaven and earth. God is the Alpha and Omega. With God, all things are possible. #mybody Ella, 14 I want to raise awareness about rape and consent. We should have pride in our own bodies and not let anyone make us feel unsafe or physically judged. #Ally Austin, 17 My best friend helped me to understand more about being gay and I am there to offer support. #BLM Zairhia, 17 There are a lot of opportunities that are not available to me because I am black. #EqualJustice Jade, 17 Every day, people fall victim to injustice.

All people deserve rights. All people deserve equal representation. #blacklivesmatter Joshua, 14 Our world needs to live in a way that truly shows this is more than a statement. #equalitymatters Josh, 15 I will use my voice to call out to people by spreading the word of love through song.

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#unidos Brian, 18 In this world where my people are criminalized, separated from the ones that they love, we must stay together.

Necesitamos hacer unidos. #equality Karena, 16 We are all equal. No matter where we come from, what race we are, or how much money we make. We are human, we are all equal. #equalrights Euan, 17 America loves to boast about its equality: Freedom and justice for all!

But equality is easier said than done, and, more often than not, we lose view of the true way America needs to step up its game—everyone needs to be equal! After all, are we not all but human? #BlackLivesMatter Jaydon, 17 In this day and age, we need to let it be known that we won’t stop the fight until ‘victory is won.’ #Bi-raciallivesmatter Kim, 15 Being mixed is wonderful, but hard.

Even though I’m also white, I get viewed as only black. People ignore part of my identity. #BLM Acacia, 16 It is important for me to voice my opinion and to support families and victims of those who have been treated unjustly. #womenpower Angelica, 17 Women are still treated unequally when compared to me. This needs to change.

Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

#bi Krista, 14 I like girls and guys, but also I am bi-racial and a lot of people don’t see that about me. #perfectlyimperfect Emi, 14 All the imperfect parts of me make me who I am today, and I’ve finally learned to accept that. #Translivesmatter Skylar, 15 Some people refuse to acknowledge the existence of trans-persons in our communities. It’s time for us to speak up and stand up for ALL people. #Ally Ally, 16 Everyone needs an Ally in their life. #intersectionality John, 18 As a gay Vietnamese-American, I feel that the term ‘intersectionality’ embodies me. It has been a long, difficult journey coming to terms with my identity. #LGBTQ Isaiah, 16 It seems basic, but this reminds me that I break multiple stereotypes within the community. #Equity Stephon, 16 This isn’t a statement just for the LGBT+ community, this statement is for anyone—black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Muslim, Jew, Gay, straight, Transgender or cis-gender, Christian or Atheist. We are all equal and the sooner we accept that, the sooner we can fix the true problems of the world.

OUR VOICES ARE CALLING “I will sing with VESOTA, hoping to inspire young children and adults as well to make the world a better place.”

“I will inspire youth to fight for their rights, their beliefs, and to not be silenced.”

“Although we do not have to agree with each other’s choices, we should respect them.”

“I will do my best to never discriminate. Singing is for everyone!”

“I will use my voice by creating and making music people can relate to.”

“I use my voice to share myself and all I have to offer to the world.”

“I will use my voice to join in with others to sing in peace.”

“I will use my voice to call out and bring attention to those who are overlooked.”

“I will use my voice as a way to stand up for what I believe in.”

“One way I’ll use my voice to call out to the world is by performing with VESOTA. I feel like we touch so many lives when we perform.”

“I will use my voice to make sure everyone is loved and respected as they are.”

“I will show people that even though I’m 16, I’m serious, focused, and determined.”

“I will sing with passion and connect with people’s hearts, and represent the paintings on my skin.”

“I will not just be a bystander. I will speak up, rather than stay silent.”

“I will use my voice by expressing exactly what I need through song.”

OUR MUSIC IS CALLING Ndikhokele Bawo inspires me to passionately sing out my love for everyone.

Love has Broken Down the Wall reminds us that love can break barriers and unite us all.

We Are the Peace speaks to me individually.

I heard it for the first time at a point in my life when I really needed this message.

“We will tear down the walls” in Love Has Broken Down the Wall is so unifying and breathtaking. It connects people together.

More Love reminds me that at the heart of the climate crisis is hate, greed, and corruption.

Speak represents how music and song is universal.

We Are the Peace calls out to me and others because it literally represents our group (our choir and our generation). We wrote the words.

They are hopeful words, which is very different from how other generations might feel about us.

Love Has Broken Down the Wall encourages me to use my voice to call out the good things on earth, like love.

Speak pushes the messages that positive thoughts attract positive actions. That hits close to home.

Ndikhokele Bawo calls me to sing out with all my heart and all my soul.

The deep chest resonance in Mravalzhamieri is so strong and connects with me on a fundamental level. I feel so touched and inspired by this call to “long life.”

The way Ke Nale Monna begins with one group calling the rest of the voices of the community into a celebration TOGETHER, inspires me.

Hands are Knockin’ gives me hope that we can open people’s eyes to make it easier for immigrants to receive citizenship in this country.

Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

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INTEREST SESSION NOTES

Building a BIGGER Table Inclusion, Access, and Equity in the Choral Arts

WHAT: VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) was established in 2017 with these goals in mind: • • •

Expand the range of possibilities associated with choral music Reduce barriers to participation in the choral art form Reflect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the Twin Cities in its membership

WHO: VESOTA is open to all high students (grades 9-12) in Twin Cities area schools.

HOW: VESOTA members are selected upon completion of a successful interview process, which includes a video submission, a conversation with parents / guardians and participation in a rehearsal.

WHY: VESOTA provides young people with opportunities to explore creative expression, develop musical / vocal skills, and introduces young people to artists and community leaders. VESOTA also includes experiences that support academic success, and encourages the development of skills in leadership, time management, and healthy communication. The entire program is implemented in a way that seeks to nurture the social, emotional, and physical well-being of each participant.

Setting your table IMPACT: It’s All in the Relationships!​ ​ Relationships are fundamental—at the core of everything we do…with youth, artists, families, funders, the community.​The way you cultivate relationships has a direct correlation​on the depth of your impact​. ​ What are your CORE VALUES? •

Safe—Belonging—Believing—Acceptance

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Voices Calling: ACDA Regional Conference

Who’s at your table?

EXPANDING the choral art form •

Cultivate diverse choral communities o Affirm and empower identities o Build the Room o Listen and Share

•

Connect with diverse artists o learn from and perform with them​

•

Make yourself less, so the art can be more​ o Collaboration—reimaging roles​ o Sharing—rehearsal time, artistic vision, goals​

​ What’s on the menu?

EXPANDING the choral art form •

Explore a wide range of: o musical genres and artistic disciplines​ o vocal timbres and learning styles

•

Excellence is a Continuum of experiences

•

Quality is not fixed o Diversity of aural objectives— performance practices​ o What is your criteria? Is it authentic? ​

The BIGGER Table How far outside of your comfort zone ​are you (and your organization) willing to go to make room for everyone at your table?​ •

Who shifts? When? How?

•

What will YOU risk?​ o Your community has a certain perception about you—​about your work o Are you willing to listen?—to cultivate new relationships?—to adapt?

—to change?

1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 | vocalessence.org

VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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