Distinguished Concerts International - New York

Saturday, June 6, 2009
8:00 pm

STERN AUDITORIUM/PERELMAN STAGE, CARNEGIE HALL

Shawnee Press 70th Anniversary Gala

Timothy Seelig, Conductor Laureate

Greg Gilpin, Mark Hayes, and Joseph Martin, Composers/Guest-Artist-in-Residence

One World - Mark Hayes • When I Have Sung My Songs - Earnest Charles / arr. Timothy Seelig • Come to the Music - Joseph Martin • Battle Hymn of the Republic - arr. Ringwald • Dry Bones - arr. Livingston Gearhart • One Voice from Sing for the Cure - Joseph M. Martin • Hear a Voice A Prayin' • America the Beautiful - Samuel Ward / arr. Marvin Gaspard • The Awakening - Joseph Martin • Swingin' With the Saints (1981) - arr. Mark Hayes • God Bless America (1969) - arr. Roy Ringwald • The Rhythm of Life (1975) - Dorothy Fields and Cy Coleman / arr. By Richard Barnes • A Parting Blessing (1974) - J. Jerome Williams

Works composed and conducted by Mark Hayes

Te Deum

Works composed and conducted by Greg Gilpin

Ding-a Ding-a Ding • Live Your Dream • Nothin' Gonna Stumble My Feet • Why We Sing

Works composed and conducted by Joseph Martin

Festive Call to Praise or Shout to God • Of Tears and Sorrows from The Weeping Tree • Song for The Unsung Hero

Featuring Distinguished Concerts Singers International: Blakeslee United Methodist Church Choir (PA), Cathedral Singers of North United Methodist Church (IN), Country Acres Baptist Church Worship Choir (KS), Chancel Choir of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (MD), Chapel Singers (ON), Crossroads (KS), Dove Of The Desert United Methodist Church Celebration Singers (AZ), Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale (PA), First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir (MI), Heritage Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir (GA), Kirkwood Chancel Choir (FL), Manassas Community Chorale (VA), Middle Tennessee State University Women's Chorale (TN), Mountain View Presbyterian Church (AZ), Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church (TX), Spiritful Voices Community Choir of Oklahoma City (OK), Surfside United Methodist Church Spirit Singers (SC), Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (IN), West Congregational Church Chancel Choir (AZ)

read what people said

top

Ensemble bios

Blakeslee United Methodist Church Choir (PA)

The Blakeslee United Methodist Church Choir consists of 15 members. The Choir performs one or two anthems every Sunday worship service throughout the year. The members range in age from 11 to 78. There are four generations of singers: mother, son, grandson and great-grandson!

The Choir has participanted in the Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, PA musical program for four years. They have performed in a World Day for Prayer service and have been represented for the past 15 years in the Pocono Mountain Chorus of Churches Easter Concert. Members have also participated in the past three years singing in Shawnee Press' Music in the Mountains concert featuring cantatas by Joseph Martin.

Director Julie Kerrick Geiser has had this honor since she was a senior in high school. She is a graduate of Wilkes Universiy, Wilkes-Barre, PA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Julie directed the Choir through her years at Wilkes as well as through 30 years in retail sales and management.

Under her direction, the Choir has been as small as 6 and as large as 15, the current number of members. She volunteers her time as Director and Pianist as she has had no professional musical training. Julie began playing piano for Blakeslee United Methodist in 1970, joining her uncle who was the organist at that time.

Top of page

Cathedral Singers of North United Methodist Church (IN)

A versatile singing actor, Mark Gilgallon, director, has performed in roles ranging from Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady to Giorgio Germont in Verdi's La Traviata. He has made his solo debuts with the Detroit, Pittsburgh and Baltimore Symphonies with Maestro Jack Everly, with the Kansas City Symphony in Sandi Patty's Broadway, and just last month with the Cincinnati Pops under the direction of Maestro Erich Kunzel.

Mark is a former Artistic Ambassador for the United Information Agency. In addition to his performing career, he serves as the Director of Music at North United Methodist Church, an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Butler University both in Indianapolis, Vocal Director for the Indianapolis Symphony's Yuletide Celebration and Vocal Coach to five-time Grammy winner Sandi Patty.

Top of page

Country Acres Baptist Church Worship Choir (KS)

The Worship Choir of Country Acres Baptist Church is an all-volunteer choir that maintains a very busy schedule singing weekly in the worship services as well as presenting three major concerts a year. The choir performs a wide variety of literature and holds an annual composer's retreat with such composers as Joseph Martin and Mary McDonald. The choir strives for excellence in every aspect of the choral art and believes music is one of the greatest expressions of corporate worship.

Top of page

Chancel Choir of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (MD)

The Chancel Choir of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church in Maryland is a choral ensemble of 45 voices that leads worship three Sundays a month. Each Advent and Lent, the choir presents a cantata by contemporary musicians such as Joseph M. Martin as well as classical composers, spanning a wide variety of styles and traditions. Each spring the choir invites a nationally-known composer to work with the adult ensembles to present a concert for the community and our congregation. Former artists include Fred Gramman, Joseph M. Martin, William A. Payn, and Arnold Sherman.

Ann Y. Schmidt is the Director of Music at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where she oversees a fourteen-choir program: seven handbell teams and seven choral choirs varying in age and style. She has been an active church musician since 1973, serving seven churches and three schools. Ann is a past board member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and has served in many leadership positions for that organization including chair of a five-state area. This fall, Ann directed the King Farm Chorus at the dedication of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville, Maryland. She is listed in Who's Who 2006, Who's Who of American Women 2008-2009, and Who's Who in American Education 2006-2007.

Top of page

Crossroads (KS)

Crossroads, directed by Lynn Fisher, is a singing ensemble comprised of members who participate in a "singing ministry". The musical style and content of Crossroads is steeped in the rich Southern tradition of a true gospel sound.

Members of Crossroads come from all walks of life and denominations. The relaxed gospel style is sung around a piano producing not only a full musical experience, but also a harmony that rings in your very soul. The love of Jesus and the love for others are expressed with special music for everyone who listens. Crossroads invites all who are willing to join us in praising His precious name.

Top of page

Dove Of The Desert United Methodist Church Celebration Singers (AZ)

Under the direction of Matt Deller, the Celebration Singers of Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church is a volunteer choir open to anyone who loves to sing and share in fun, fellowship, and faith. About 65 voices round out the membership singing a variety of music from classical to gospel. We are fortunate to host many events throughout the year including an annual church district choir festival and a Memorial Day patriotic concert. We are honored to sing in Carnegie Hall and thank our congregation at Dove of the Desert for the opportunity to represent our church in New York City.

Top of page

Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale (PA)

The Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale has been in existence for 55 years with a membership of over 35 singers from five counties in western PA and OH. The Chorale presents two concert series annually for community and religious functions with a repertoire of both sacred and secular music.

Some featured performances in the Chorale's history include NY Chautauqua Institution, Washington, D.C., PA's Capitol Dome for Governor Robert Casey, Frankenmuth, MI, Disney World, FL and most recently the group was honored to perform the National Anthem at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Joyce has been employed as a church musician since 1984, currently holding the Director of Music position at the Bakerstown United Methodist Church, Gibsonia, PA. Ms. Gindlesperger owns a piano teaching studio, maintaining 55 private students weekly. Her professional affiliations include the National Piano Teachers' Guild, the American Choral Directors' Association and the National Federation of Music Clubs where she serves as an audition adjudicator in both PA and OH.

Top of page

First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir (MI)

First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir has sung at a number of churches throughout lower Michigan, as well as appearing as guest choir with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra in a number of performances including Mahler's Symphony No. 2, the "Resurrection" Symphony and Puccini's "Tosca." They have also appeared in numerous performances with the Jackson Chorale. The Chancel Choir has recorded a number of CDs which include such works as "Te Deum" and "Swingin' With the Saints" by Mark Hayes and "The Awakening" by Joseph Martin. The Chancel Choir is the backbone of a strong music ministry at First United Methodist Church of Jackson, Michigan.

Top of page

Heritage Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir (GA)

Heritage has a proud tradition of having an active music program. Anchored by the Chancel Choir, it has grown not only in size, but also in active participation in the community. From nursing home performances to multi-church choral festivals, there is no program too small for the Chancel Choir. The Shawnee Press 70th Anniversary Gala performance caps off a whirlwind of musical events for Heritage, from our 2007 Christmas performance of the masterful work "Let Heaven and Nature Sing Gloria" conducted by composer Mark Hayes to this past Christmas season's performance of Joseph Martin's "The Winter Rose". We are grateful for the opportunity to sing in the gala and dedicate our performance to those members who have passed on but who helped shape who we are today.

Originally from Massillon, Ohio, Scott Estep joined the church staff as music director in the fall of 1998 and his family, while living in Atlanta, has made Heritage their church home since 1990. Scott's interest in the music ministry was greatly influenced by his father, Roy, who was the Director of Music at Trinity United Methodist Church. Scott counts as some of his warmest memories the times spent with his dad as he prepared for the Christmas and Easter seasons. At Ohio University Scott studied voice and performed with the University Singers select choral group. Scott's first entrιe in the music ministry came at Parkview Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he led a youth wind ensemble. Since then he has directed youth choirs at Pilgrimage Presbyterian Church in Norcross, Georgia and at Heritage before becoming Director of Music.

Top of page

Kirkwood Chancel Choir (FL)

Kirkwood Presbyterian's Chancel Choir in Bradenton, Florida, has been singing God's praises for 30 years. Several current choir members are still from the original group! We perform a variety of music and enjoy the ability to sing eight-part harmony. One of our highlights in 2008 and 2009 was having Joseph Martin come to Kirkwood as part of our concert series. Our choral year includes a Christmas cantata with strings, Sunday services that regularly feature soloists, instrumentalists, vocal ensembles, and handbells, and mission-oriented programs within the choir. We are blessed with a talented organist, Rebecca Lowdermilk, and sensitive pianist, Sibyl Hull.

Cathy Dekker, Kirkwood Presbyterian's music director since May 2004, earned her music degree from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1993. She became director of music at a Methodist church, as well as an ISU adjunct instructor of Music Appreciation, an orchestra director at two high schools in Terre Haute, assistant director of the Terre Haute Children's Choir, and violin teacher for a private studio of students.

In August 2001, Cathy and her husband Don moved from Indiana to Florida. Cathy taught strings at an elementary school for three years before arriving at her beloved Kirkwood.

Top of page

Manassas Community Chorale (VA)

Under the leadership of Rebecca D. Verner, the Manassas Community Chorale has been performing since 1994. They present four concerts in the Manassas area each season and in December they sing at Bruton Parish Church in historic Williamsburg, VA for the Christmas Candlelight Concert Series. The Chorale performs for community events, church services, and local retirement facilities. Their select Ensemble has sung the Prelude to Evensong at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. They have been selected as the Non-Profit Arts & Entertainment Member of the Year by the Prince William/Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce and as the Outstanding Arts Organization by the Prince William County Arts Council and the same Chamber of Commerce.

Top of page

Middle Tennessee State University Women's Chorale (TN)

The MTSU Women's Chorale is a 50-voice ensemble composed of women from throughout the university. These singers represent a variety of musical backgrounds and academic disciplines. It is one of seven vocal ensembles offered by the MTSU School of Music. Women in this ensemble may also audition for the a cappella female jazz ensemble MTSU Bel Canto. The MTSU Women's Chorale has performed for the state convention of the Tennessee Music Education Association and was invited by former governor Don Sundquist to perform at the Tennessee Holocaust Memorial Observance.

Top of page

Mountain View Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir (AZ)

Mountain View Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir is 100 members strong, every single one of them a volunteer. They sing at two services every Sunday morning and sing for memorial services performed at the church. They have been on four European tours and are planning their next trip to Spain in 2011. Every other year they present a dinner theatre for six nights to sell-out crowds, starring their pastor. They have recorded four CDs and have sold over 6,000 copies of their music all over the valley. With the proceeds from the CD sales and their performances, they have been able to support numerous mission projects all over the world and have sent over $65,000 to support numerous causes. They are extremely proud of the music they make and the ministry that they provide to the church and all over the valley of the sun!

Top of page

Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church (TX)

The Sanctuary Choir is the main worship choir at First Baptist in Austin, Texas. They sing a varied list of sacred anthems, from Bach and Beethoven to Courtney and Martin. They were twice the featured choir, singing Mozart's Requiem, on a unique program with Ballet Austin, The Wall of Names, choreographed by Stephen Mills, Artistic Director. They have performed many major works, including Faure and Rutter's Requiems, Schubert's Mass in G and Handel's Chandos Anthems and Messiah. They boast among their church membership Joseph Martin, renowned pianist, composer and clinician.

Louise Kemp Avant is the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church where she oversees 12 vocal and instrumental ensembles. She directs the Sanctuary Choir, the Women's Ensemble, the Youth Choir and one of the children's choirs, and also plans worship for the 1000-member church.

Louise has served as Music Director and Organist at area churches and serves as accompanist to area high schools and colleges. She obtained a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Texas. Her favorite hobbies are gardening and singing.

Top of page

Spiritful Voices Community Choir of Oklahoma City (OK)

Spiritful Voices Community Choir of Oklahoma City is an independent, 50-member volunteer adult mixed chorus dedicated to performing an eclectic variety of music. Founded in 1999, the choir performs during two seasons each year--spring and fall-with repertoire that includes pop, classical, contemporary, ballads, gospel, Broadway showtunes, patriotic, jazz, seasonal, spiritual, swing, humorous and ethnic pieces. The chorus operates as an exempt charity and has performed throughout Oklahoma at public venues, shopping malls, and arts festivals. One of the group's main missions has been to provide scores of free outreach concerts for thousands of residents of area retirement communities, nursing homes, and convalescent centers, who might not otherwise be able to attend concerts in traditional settings.

Sam P. Vladovich is the Founder and Executive Director of Spiritful Voices Community Choir, Inc., in Oklahoma City. He is a native of Washington, D.C., and a member of the American Choral Directors Association, and was a presenter at the 2009 ACDA National Convention. For more than 20 years, Mr. Vladovich served on the faculties of several colleges and universities. He was one of 168 choir members chosen to sing at the dedication ceremony of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. He also served as the Director of Music Ministries for a local United Methodist church, where he conducted the adult choir, youth choir, and orchestra. His favorite "job" is being dad to his 15-year-old daughter, Nichole, and husband to his soul mate, Carol Ann.

Top of page

Surfside United Methodist Church Spirit Singers (SC)

Surfside United Methodist Church Chancel Choir was founded with its supporting church in 1966. In those 43 years, the Choir has grown from a handful of members at the piano to an ensemble of over 50 members, presenting large-scale cantatas with orchestra at Christmas and Easter. Since 2000, under the leadership of Glynis Hopkins, the Choir has participated in several multi-church cantatas and programs, including the South Strand Community Choir Festival. The vision of the Choir is to connect spiritually through music with its own congregation, the South Strand community and beyond.

Glynis Hopkins is Music Director at Surfside United Methodist Church. Each year, her ensembles perform large scale works with chamber orchestra during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and regularly perform smaller works for Community Choral Festivals and Brookgreen Gardens. During her graduate studies in choral conducting at Westminster Choir College, she worked with James Jordan, Westin Noble, Andrew Megill, Bruce Chamberlain and Charles Bruffy. Ms. Hopkins is also a concert pianist, and has performed solo and collaborative recitals across the United States and abroad. During her graduate studies in piano performance and piano pedagogy at University of Iowa and University of Texas, she trained with David Renner, Arthur Rowe and Sylvia Wang. Ms. Hopkins currently resides in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she teaches privately.

Top of page

Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (IN)

The Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, founded in 1851 in Indianapolis, Indiana, has had a long-standing tradition of providing musical excellence in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Throughout the years the Sanctuary Choir has provided music for Sunday morning worship services and for special services throughout the Christian year, as well as for community events and television specials. The choir is comprised mainly of volunteer members from the congregation of the church.

The Sanctuary Choir has provided music for various radio and television broadcasts produced in conjunction with Tabernacle Media including our annual Christmas Eve telecast, broadcasts featuring the history and meaning of church architecture in Indianapolis, Good Friday telecasts, and specials featuring the story of creation and the history of hymnody. In 2008, Tabernacle Presbyterian's television production of "Te Deum," which featured the music of Mark Hayes as well as an interview with the composer, was nominated for the Most Outstanding Television Special 2008 by the National Religious Broadcasters Association.

Matthew P. Kauffman is Minister of Music at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. For over 30 years Mr. Kauffman has served churches in New York, Oregon, and the Indianapolis area. Born in Indianapolis, Mr. Kauffman attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York; University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He has been Minister of Music at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, for 18 years and is the resident carillonneur of Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana, home to the world's first double-carillon installation.

He and his wife, Debbie, reside in Greenwood, Indiana.

Top of page

West Congregational Church Chancel Choir (AZ)

West Congregational Church has enjoyed having a choir from its beginning 50 years ago. The choir has had many voices for 4-part singing to just a few who sang 2- or 3-part music. No matter how many voices were available, the music was beautiful and greatly appreciated by the membership. One of our choir directors was with us for over 20 years, and the choir grew both in numbers and musical skills. Upon his retirement, our voices became fewer, but the spirit was maintained at a high level. We have had several choir directors since and have always presented the congregation with our annual Christmas and Easter cantatas, much to their delight and pleasure. We are currently under the direction of Ms. Leighanne Twaddle, who has been with us since January 2008. With her guidance, we have grown both in members and musical technique. Our choir remains an integral part of our worship service and church life.

Leighanne Twaddle has been the choral director for West Congregational Church since January 2008. Prior to that, she served as choral director for 25 years at various Methodist churches in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Leighanne graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Music degree and University of Phoenix with a Master of Arts in Education degree. She has been teaching choir in the Scottsdale Unified School District for 31 years. She also directs a senior citizens' choir and has a private piano studio. She sang with the Arizona Masterworks Chorale in the early 80's, in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Skitch Henderson, and in Los Angeles under the direction of Carmen Dragon. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her two children, Ryan and Meagan, and their dog, Suzy.

Top of page

Chapel Singers (ON)

Chapel Singers is an interdenominational faith-based community choir, whose mission is to "Sing for the Glory of God". With 70 members from several communities in beautiful southern Ontario, Chapel Singers performs about 12 concerts each year. Concerts have included successful fundraisers for local, regional and international charitable organizations as well as sacred programs in various churches throughout the Niagara Region.

In 1977 Chapel Singers was founded by visionary choral director Henry Goerzen. Led by Joyce Rempel since 1999, along with current accompanist Brenda Carile, Chapel Singers continues to seek new and exciting ways to inspire, uplift and encourage audiences through choral music.

From an early age, Joyce Rempel had a passion for choral music. Raised in the home of a Baptist minister, she had many opportunities to develop and use her music leadership ability.

Joyce had a wonderful career as an elementary school music teacher for 29 years. She is currently director of Chapel Singers, as well as music director of Kingsway Baptist Church in Toronto, Ontario.

The compositions and arrangements of Joseph Martin, Greg Gilpin and Mark Hayes have greatly inspired and influenced Joyce. Her choirs have also benefitted tremendously from the choral techniques of Dr. Timothy Seelig.

Together with Chapel Singers, Joyce Rempel would like to congratulate Shawnee Press on 70 years of excellence in the music publishing industry.

Top of page

What People Said...

From NewsOK / The Oklahoman: Oklahoma City's Spiritful Voices Community Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall

Top of page

From CBS's Early Show, June 6, 2009 -- Performers appear in the audience to promote the concert

Top of page

Timothy Seelig
Conductor Laureates

The rehearsals were organized beautifully. The rehearsal space, although crowded with 300+ singers at each session, was truly wonderful. Again, the staff was amazing. Announcements were succinct and informative -- never too many or too few.

The day in Carnegie Hall went off flawlessly. The performance was everything and more than anyone could have imagined. It ran smoothly and was simply beyond belief.

And then there was the after party. Oh my goodness. Having celebrated many performances at cast parties in my life, I found this was the most amazing. The setting was stunning, of course, but everything else about the event was amazing.

DCINY is the most organized, thoughtful, amazing group with whom I have ever worked. I have heard from many of the singers who have immediately said, "When can we do this again?" followed by, "We'll never go without DCINY again!"

Thank you, Jonathan and Iris, for your personal investment in making this experience perfect. I cannot believe you were there every moment to oversee the entire event. This made a huge difference in how things ran.

Top of page

Melody Barton
Crossroads

Top of page

Timothy T. Meunier
First United Methodist Church

Top of page

Pat Maldoven
Surfside United Methodist Church Spirit Singers

Participation in the Shawnee Press 70th Gala Anniversary Concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am still in awe of being a part of it. The organization of such a large group was smooth and I so enjoyed working with Joseph Martin, Greg Gilpin, and Tim Seelig. They really do make music fun! I also enjoyed my visit to New York and meeting singers from other states. Thank you for this opportunity.

Top of page

Lisa Couture
Surfside United Methodist Church Spirit Singers

What a wonderful experience and privilege to be taught and led by such great composers and conductors. I learned so much and enjoyed every minute of my stay in New York City. Thank you for all you and your staff did and do to make these concerts a success.

Top of page

Joyce Rempel
Director
Chapel Singers

On behalf of Chapel Singers and myself, I would like to thank you for the wonderful work you did in making our Carnegie Hall experience such a magical and memorable event.

The choir members were thrilled with the entire NYC experience and it was such an honour to be able to take part in the Shawnee Press Anniversary concert. Many are now indicating that they would like to consider singing next year with Timothy Seelig in the Sing for the Cure concert.

Top of page

Mark Hayes
Composer/Guest-Artist-in-Residence

I was so pleased with the concert and the whole experience. What a wonderful job you and the entire staff did! This was my first experience with DCINY and I hope it won't be the last. I've heard nothing but great things about your organization from all the participants.

Top of page

Joan Wolter
Mountain View Presbyterian Church

Top of page

Marvin Gaspard
Director of Music
St. Luke's Presbyterian Church

What I found to be even more surprising was the attitude of the orchestra members. They were engaged with us and seemed genuinely interested in our program. The finest professionals in the country -- treating us with respect and regard -- another miracle! And their musicianship was absolutely amazing!

The cast party was un-believable! We had Tavern on the Green all to ourselves! Exceptional food - open bar - in one of the most famous restaurants in the world - WOW! Somehow, I don't know how you pulled these spectacular things off -- but you did....more miracles!

Once we returned to Houston, and reality, we realized what a wonderful gift DCINY had given each of us. A concert opportunity in Carnegie Hall, photographs, the experience of working with great conductors, Tavern on the Green, etc. However, these things would not have been as wonderful without the gift of hospitality from your gracious staff. On behalf of St. Luke's Presbyterian Church Choir, I thank you for that. You gave us a beautifully planned and executed experience that we will never forget, and we are grateful to all of you.

Top of page