In demand as a guest director and clinician, Ms. Mowery was active with children’s choirs in the Los Angeles area for over 25 years before coming to Syracuse and served as Director of Children’s and Youth Music at All Saints Church in Pasadena, California from 1986-2011

Ms. Mowery has been selected as one of eight conducting fellows to participate in the Transient Glory Conducting Symposium in New York City in February.  Conducting fellows as well as 60 guest auditors will work with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City Founder and Artistic Director, Francisco Núnez, visiting guest artists Grant Gershon from Los Master Chorale, Janet Galván from Ithaca College and Philip Brunelle of VocalEssence, as well as eight contemporary composers. Each conductor will be paired with a composer for an in-depth study of a recently-composed work for young voices.

The culmination of this event is the opportunity for each conductor to conduct the Young People’s Chorus of New York City in a performance at Carnegie Hall.  Ms. Mowery has been selected for the rare opportunity to conduct on two separate occasions during the symposium, both at Carnegie Hall and Le Poisson Rouge.

A special light…

Just one candle…

Lighting up the evening

The Nine Lessons and Carols concert concludes with a performance of Stille Nacht (Silent Night). Members of Chorale hold candles as they surround the audience and illuminate Most Holy Rosary Church for the finale.

Each year, we give families the opportunity to bring someone dear to their heart a bit closer during the performance.  By lighting a candle in honor or in memory of a loved one, you can make a personal connection between those you care for and the choristers of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus.

For a donation of $10, your loved one’s name will be listed in our concert program and a candle will be lit in their honor.  A card of acknowledgment will also be sent to your loved one or another person of your choosing on behalf of SCC.

Please click here to download and print an order form.

THE SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S CHORUS PRESENTS

THE NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

With Dr. Patrick Jones, guest narrator

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, with Artistic Director Stephanie Mowery and Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, continues its 2011-2012 Season with The Nine Lessons and Carols. Join the Chorus as we celebrate the holiday season with our seventeenth presentation of the beloved holiday concert, narrated by Dr. Patrick Jones, Director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 4:00pm at Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse.

A century old service held annually at King’s College in Cambridge, The Nine Lessons and Carols draws from both Old and New Testaments and weaves together readings and carols retelling the Christmas story.  Enjoy the angelic voices of the choristers as they perform the traditional Once in Royal David’s City alongside selections such as Lee Kesselman’s Shalom Friends and John Rutter’s Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day. Accompanied by pianist Sabine Krantz and organist Abel Searor, the choirs will present perennial favorites such as Ding Dong! Merrily on High! The audience is invited to join in the singing of familiar carols, including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Come, All Ye Faithful during the performance.  The Nine Lessons and Carols will conclude with choristers surrounding the audience for a candlelit performance of Stille Nacht (Silent Night).   Be sure to include this timeless tradition of readings and carols as part of your holiday season!

Advance sale prices for individual tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children and seniors in General Admission Seating and $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors in Priority Seating.  Group rates are available.  Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the concert for $18 for adults and $16 for children and seniors in General Admission Seating only.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office at 315.478.0582, by e-mail at SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org, or visit our website at www.SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus 2011-2012 Season is sponsored in part by Driver’s Village.

It’s time for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus Annual Poinsettia/Wreath Sale!

Our florist-quality poinsettias are in 6 ½ inch wrapped pots and available in red, pink, white or pink-and-white marble. For the second year in a row, SCC is pleased to also offer wreaths as part of our poinsettia sale! Our balsam wreaths are between 18 inches and 20 inches in outer diameter and include a festive holiday bow. These gorgeous plants and wreaths come from Chuck Hafner’s Farm Market and Garden Center and make excellent gifts or decorations for your home and office. As large and beautiful as ever, Syracuse Children’s Chorus poinsettias sell for just $13.00 each, while wreaths are available for only $18.00! Orders will be delivered in early December.

Please call the Chorus at 478.0582 for more information about special delivery requests. Orders are due Nov. 18.

A concert to benefit the CNY Affiliate of

Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Artistic Director Stephanie Mowery and Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, and accompanied by Sabine Krantz is pleased to announce its first concert of the 2011-2012 season, the third annual A Fall Festival of Choirs, benefitting breast cancer research and education in Central New York. The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus with Director Kay Crawford and Assistant Directors Sky Harris and Rhonda Spolestra, and Syracuse University’s only all-male a capella group Orange Appeal directed by Alex Amadeo will share the stage with the Syracuse Children’s Chorus for an uplifting afternoon of song on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 2:00pm at Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse. Audience members will enjoy musical selections from a variety of genres and marvel at the sound of over 200 voices joining together for Charles Tindley’s The Storm is Passing Over. Join us as we present a concert for a cause and celebrate the talent and diversity of the fine choirs in our community!

A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold for this concert will benefit the CNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The Syracuse Children’s Chorus 2011-2012 season is sponsored in part by Driver’s Village. 9-WSYR is the official media partner for this event.

According to a study by Chorus America in 2009, an estimated 42.6 million Americans sing in choruses. The study found that singing in one of the 270,000 choruses in the U.S., such as a community chorus or a school or church choir, is strongly correlated with greater civic involvement, discipline, and teamwork. The Chorus hosted A Fall Festival of Choirs on October 24, 2009 and again on October 23, 2010. To date, several school, church, community, collegiate and professional choirs such as the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, Kirk Choir from Park Central Presbyterian Church, the Silk & Satin vocal jazz ensemble from C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, Syracuse Chorale, St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir, and the Westhill High School Concert Choir have joined the SCC for this annual event. As a result of the 2009 and 2010 presentations of A Fall Festival of Choirs, more than $2,000 has been raised to help support the efforts of the CNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Advance sale prices for individual tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children and seniors in General Admission and $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors in Priority Seating. Season Subscriptions are still available for discounted prices. Group rates are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office at 315.478.0582, by e-mail at SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.

We’re having a picnic!

To kick-off our 31st season, all current SCC families and their music teachers are invited to join us for an evening of food and fun!

Please RSVP no later than Friday, July 1, 2011 by phone (315.478.0582) or Email (SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org)

Picnic-style food will be provided by the Chorus. Please contact the SCC office if you are willing to volunteer your time or provide a dish to pass.

Directions to Ryder Park
Take Rte. 481 to Exit 3 (DeWitt)
Bear right onto Erie Blvd.
Turn right on Kinne Rd.
At the second stop sign turn left onto Butternut Dr.
Turn right into the second lot on Butternut Dr. (DeWitt Town Hall)

The Board of Directors of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus is very pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Mowery of Pasadena, CA as Artistic Director of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus to begin July 1, 2011. “In choosing Stephanie to assume the position of Artistic Director, the Board of Directors has found the person with the exemplary artistry, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit that will continue the musical excellence that has been the earmark of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus” stated Jamie Sutphen, President of the Board of Directors.

Stephanie Mowery has been the Director of Children’s and Youth Music at All Saints Church, Pasadena, California since 1986 where she directed six choirs, grades K-12. She also served as Associate Director of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus from 1987–1995 and Apprentice Choir Director from 2004-2007. In demand as a guest director and clinician, Ms. Mowery is active with children’s choirs in the Los Angeles area and serves as a leader in teacher education and festival organization. Stephanie holds degrees from Occidental College and Westminster Choir College. She was awarded the Artist-Teacher Diploma from the Choral Music Experience Institute in 1995. Her choirs from All Saints Church have been featured at regional and state conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), and the National Convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association.

In response to her recent appointment, Ms. Mowery has said, “I am thrilled to join the staff of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus. For nearly 20 years, I have known the Syracuse Children’s Chorus as a world class choral music education organization committed to offering amazing collaborative opportunities for young singers to experience the joy of singing. It is an honor and a privilege to now be able to build upon the legacy of artistic excellence and leadership in the children’s chorus community established by Founder and Director Emeritus, Dr. Barbara M. Tagg. I’m tremendously excited about making music with the children, working with the parents, staff and Board and developing new relationships within the Syracuse community.”

Ms. Mowery will be welcomed into the Syracuse community at the Syracuse Children’s Chorus’ 30th Anniversary Celebration dinner to be held on the evening of April 29, 2011 at 6:15pm at Traditions at the Links in East Syracuse. The Chorus will also honor Ms. Mowery at the final concert of their 30th Anniversary Season, 30 Years of Premieres, to be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00pm in Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University campus. Tickets for these events can be purchased from the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office by calling 315.478.0582 or emailing SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.

THE SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S CHORUS PRESENTS
THE WORLD BEGINS AT HOME
With Nick Page, song-leader

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, with Associate Director Deborah A. Cunningham, Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, and Interim Director of Chorale Carolyn Weber, continues its 30^th Anniversary Season with The World Begins at Home. Join us as we welcome nationally-renowned composer, conductor, author and song-leader Nick Page for a community singing event that brings the Syracuse Children’s Chorus and audience together in song on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00pm at Eastern Hills Bible Church located at 8277 Cazenovia Road in Manlius.

Each of the three choirs of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus will perform songs from Page’s repertoire that exemplify the concert’s theme, The World Begins at Home, accompanied by Nathan Sumrall and Michael Copps. The audience will have the unique opportunity to join the Chorus in song during the performance in singing both new and familiar pieces led by Mr. Page.  Come experience the power of music through the collaboration of chorus and community!  Members of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus will also join Nick Page for an in-school assembly at the H.W. Smith School in Syracuse on Friday, March 18, 2011.  In addition, the Chorus has made a number of tickets for the March 19 concert available to the students of H.W. Smith due in part to the generosity of several local funders, including the Cultural Resources Council.

Nick Page is a Boston based composer, conductor and author who is best known for his song leading.  Nick has led sings throughout North America (including Disneyworld with Dr. Barbara Tagg) and Europe.  In 2007, Nick conducted his Nursery Rhyme Cantata at Carnegie Hall and he has conducted at countless honor choir festivals in North America and abroad.  Nick was a conductor with the Chicago Children’s Choir in the 1980s and since 1990 has conducted Boston’s MYSTIC CHORALE whose concerts always feature audience sing-along.  He has over seventy published choral pieces from Hal Leonard, Boosey & Hawkes, Transcontinental, earthsongs, Colla Voce, and Alliance including his SING WITH US songbook from Hal Leonard.

Advance sale prices for individual tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children (age 12 and under) in General Admission Seating and $19 for adults and $17 for children (age 12 and under) in Priority Seating.  Group rates are also available.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office at 315.478.0582, by e-mail at SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org, or visit our website at www.SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.

This concert is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Grant Program, a State Agency, and the Cultural Resources Council, a Regional Arts Council.  This concert is also sponsored in part by Community Bank, N.A. The Syracuse Children’s Chorus 30^th Anniversary Season is sponsored in part by Driver’s Village.

Come spend the day with fellow SCC families as we cheer on the Syracuse Crunch hockey team and benefit SCC! A block of seats in the stage section have been reserved for SCC friends and families at a discounted rate of $10, $5 of which will benefit the Chorus. SCC Chorale choristers will also be singing the National Anthem prior to the 3:00pm start time!

To order tickets, stop by our office or print out the attached photo and mail (with payment) to:

Syracuse Children’s Chorus
The Skyline – Suite 7
753 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203

Members of SCC’s Chorale will perform at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Saturday, October 30, as part of the Zoo’s Annual Zoo Boo.  Details are below.

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Spooky Hollow Stage

For more information, please refer to the Zoo Boo Brochure.

It’s time for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus Annual Poinsettia Sale!

Our florist-quality poinsettias are in 6 ½ inch wrapped pots and available in red, pink, white or pink-and-white marble.  For the first time, SCC is pleased to also offer wreaths as part of our poinsettia sale!  Our balsam wreaths are between 18 inches and 20 inches in outer diameter and include a festive holiday bow.  These gorgeous plants and wreaths come from Chuck Hafner’s Farm Market and Garden Center and make excellent gifts or decorations for your home and office.

As large and beautiful as ever, Syracuse Children’s Chorus poinsettias continue to sell for just $12.00 each, while wreaths are available for only $18.00!

Orders will be delivered in early December.  Please call the Chorus at 478.0582 for more information about special delivery requests.

To order your poinsettias or balsam wreaths, please fill out an order form and return it to the Chorus office by November 19.

THE SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S CHORUS HOSTS

A FALL FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS

A Concert to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure

UPDATE:

YNN was at Saturday’s performance and took a moment to interview Rebecca Miller, Director of Operations for the Chorus.  To see the interview, click here.

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, with Associate Director Deborah A. Cunningham, Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, and Interim Director of Chorale Carolyn Weber, is pleased to announce its first concert of the 2010-2011 season, the second annual A Fall Festival of Choirs, benefitting breast cancer research and education in Central New York. Schola Cantorum of Syracuse under the direction of Barry Torres, Syracuse Chorale with director Warren Ottey, the St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir conducted by Joyce Irwin, and the Westhill High School Concert Choir with director Joseph Buchmann will share the stage with the Syracuse Children’s Chorus for an uplifting afternoon of song on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00pm at Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse.  Audience members will experience musical selections from a variety of cultures and marvel at the sound of over 400 voices singing Gregg Smith’s moving selection, Now I Walk in Beauty.   Join us as we present a concert for a cause and celebrate the talent and diversity of the fine choirs in our community! A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold for this concert will benefit the CNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus 30^th Anniversary Season is sponsored in part by Driver’s Village. YNN is the official media partner for this event.

According to a new study by Chorus America in 2009, an estimated 42.6 million Americans sing in choruses. The study found that singing in one of the 270,000 choruses in the U.S., such as a community chorus or a school or church choir, is strongly correlated with greater civic involvement, discipline, and teamwork.  On October 24, 2009, the Chorus hosted the first A Fall Festival of Choirs featuring Syracuse University Oratorio Society, Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, Kirk Choir from Park Central Presbyterian Church, and the Silk & Satin vocal jazz ensemble from C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville.  As a result of the 2009 presentation of A Fall Festival of Choirs, more than $1,000 was raised to help support the efforts of the CNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Advance sale prices for individual tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children in General Admission and $19 for adults and $17 for children in Priority Seating.  Season Subscriptions are still available for discounted prices.  Group rates are also available.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office at 315.478.0582, by e-mail at SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org, or visit our website at www.SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.

UPDATE:
Carrie performed on News Channel 9 Bridge Street on 9.16.10

On Thursday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m., Le Moyne College’s music program will present their Gala Opening Night with vocalist Carrie Manolakos (SCC Chorister 1992-1998). This will mark Ms. Manolakos’ second appearance on the Le Moyne campus, having previously appeared in a concert version of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years. On September 16th, Manolakos will be joined by pianist Dominick Amendum, who currently serves as Music Director and conductor for the Broadway company of Wicked.

Held in the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts, the evening will feature Broadway and Pop favorites, as well as original songs penned by Ms. Manolakos. Following the concert, audience members are invited to join in a champagne toast and will have the opportunity to meet the artists, as well as participate in a silent auction. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the music program at Le Moyne College, facilitating the maintenance and purchase of instruments, music, and the presentation of events throughout the 2010-2011 school year.

Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased by calling (315) 445-4523. Due to limited seating capacity, reservations are recommended.

Le Moyne College students may attend a FREE Open Rehearsal on Wednesday, Sept. 15th at 7:30 PM, also at the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts.

About Carrie Manolakos
Upon graduating from Manlius Pebble Hill School in 2002, Manolakos attended New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. While attending NYU, Manolakos was cast in the touring production, and later in the Broadway company, of Mamma Mia!, the hit musical celebrating the music of ABBA. Most recently, she performed as the standby for Elphaba in the second National Tour of Wicked.

About Music at Le Moyne College
The music program at Le Moyne College has grown from an intramural activity to an academic program supporting a number of vocal and instrumental ensembles. Our newly configured music minor, academic classes in music theory, lessons and individual instruction point toward a bright future for Le Moyne musicians.

A vital component of Music at Le Moyne is our wide array of musical performance offerings each season. World-renowned artists perform alongside our student ensembles, creating a strong learning atmosphere for our students as well as excellent concert experiences for audience members. Additionally, the popular Piano at the Panasci series offers a wonderful acoustic experience in the stunning Panasci Family Chapel.

For more information, please visit www.lemoyne.edu/music.

SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S CHORUS ANNOUNCES 2010-2011 SEASON

Sponsored by Driver’s Village

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Associate Director, Deborah A. Cunningham, Assistant Director, Marcia DeMartini, and Interim Conductor of Chorale, Carolyn Weber, is pleased to announce its 30th Anniversary concert season! Season highlights are set to include the sixteenth presentation of the holiday favorite The Nine Lessons and Carols, a community singing event with renowned song-leader, Nick Page, and a celebration of the Chorus’ long-standing tradition of premiering new works with compositions by local composers Joseph Downing and Crystal LaPoint. Performances this season will be accompanied by Michael Copps, Nathan Sumrall, and Glenn Kime.

A Fall Festival of Choirs
Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Avenue, Syracuse

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus is pleased to host our second annual A Fall Festival of Choirs, benefitting breast cancer research and education in Central New York on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse. Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, Syracuse Chorale, St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir, and the Westhill High School Concert Choir will share the stage with the Syracuse Children’s Chorus for an uplifting afternoon of song. Audience members will experience musical selections from a variety of cultures and marvel at the sound of over 400 voices singing Gregg Smith’s moving selection, Now I Walk in Beauty. Join us as we present a concert for a cause and celebrate the talent and diversity of the fine choirs in our community! A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold for this concert will benefit the CNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Your News Now is the official media partner for this event.

The Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Avenue, Syracuse

Celebrate your holiday season with the Syracuse Children’s Chorus at our sixteenth presentation of the beloved The Nine Lessons and Carols, narrated by Neva Pilgrim on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 4:00 pm. The angelic voices of the choristers will fill Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse as they perform holiday favorites and celebrated carols alongside contemporary selections. Be sure to include this evening of centuries-old readings, carols, and the candlelight singing of Stille Nacht (Silent Night) as part of your holiday tradition! This concert is sponsored in part by Alliance Bank.

The World Begins at Home
Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Eastern Hills Bible Church, 8277 Cazenovia Rd, Manlius

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus welcomes nationally-renowned composer, conductor, author, and song-leader, Nick Page, for a community singing event that brings the Syracuse Children’s Chorus and audience together in song on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius. Each choir will perform selections from Page’s repertoire that exemplify the concert’s theme, The World Begins at Home. Come experience the power of music through the collaboration of chorus and community! This concert is sponsored in part by Community Bank N.A.

30 Years of Premieres
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University

Commemorate the rich history of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus as we conclude our 30th anniversary season with an afternoon of joyful singing! Choristers will perform selections from over 85 works commissioned and premiered by the Chorus throughout its history on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University campus. Works by renowned composers Joseph Downing, Vijay Singh, Ernst Bacon, and Crystal LaPoint will be featured alongside world premieres by Diego Davidenko and Deborah Cunningham. Join us for the finale of our May concert as we bring together choristers, alumni, composers, family and friends in the singing of the SCC favorite, My Own Song.

Additional Concerts:
Friday-Saturday, November 5-6, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Post-Standard Classics Series
Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus will join the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra on Friday and Saturday, November 5-6, 2010 at 8:00 pm at the Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter to perform selections from Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs as part of the SSO’s Post-Standard Classics Series concert Brahm’s Choral Masterpiece. Tickets for this concert are available from the SSO Box Office at 315.424.8200 or online at www.SyracuseSymphony.org.

Ticket Information

Season Subscriptions: Receive a 10% discount when you purchase tickets to all four of our concerts. Season subscriptions are available until the October 23, 2010 concert.

Priority Seating – Floor level, Front/Middle section, Includes rear balcony at Hendricks
Adult: $68 Child (12 and under): $61

General Admission – Floor level, Rear section, includes balcony at Most Holy Rosary and side balconies at Hendricks
Adult: $54 Child (12 and under): $47

Single Tickets: Save $3 when you purchase your tickets in advance instead of at the door. Priority Seating is not available the day of the concert.

Priority Seating:
Advance Sale: Adult: $19 Child (12 and under): $17

General Admission:
Advance Sale: Adult: $15 Child (12 and under): $13 SCC Alumni (May concert only): $5
At the Door: Adult: $18 Child (12 and under): $16 SCC Alumni (May concert only): $5

Group Rates:
Discounted pricing for groups of 10 or more are available. Please contact the Chorus office for more information.

The internationally acclaimed Syracuse Children’s Chorus has named Carolyn Weber of DeWitt as the Interim Conductor of Chorale for the 2010-2011 concert season.  Deborah Cunningham and Marcia DeMartini will continue their roles as Associate Director and Assistant Director, respectively, as Barbara M. Tagg assumes the role of Founder and Director Emeritus.

Carolyn Weber is an instructor of voice at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music and is Chancel Choir Director at DeWitt Community Church.  Ms. Weber was a vocal/general music teacher at Wellwood Middle School in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District for ten years, and was also featured as a guest conductor for the OCMEA Elementary All-County Chorus.   As a mezzo-soprano, she has performed principal roles in opera and musical theater including the Third Spirit in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and the Witch in Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” with the Syracuse Opera Company.  She has also performed as a soloist with the Syracuse Symphony Pops Chorus.  Most known to Central New York as an oratorio soloist, Carolyn has performed works by Bach, Brahms, Fauré, Handel, Kean, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rutter and Vivaldi with community choruses throughout the region including the Marcellus Chorale, Hamilton College Community Chorus and the Oneida Area Civic Chorale, and Park Central Presbyterian and DeWitt Community Church (DCC) choirs.  At DCC she was soloist and alto section leader for over 20 years, and directed the DCC Junior choir for five years.

Mrs. Weber holds a bachelor of music in Choral/General Music Education from Indiana University and a master of music in Vocal Performance from Syracuse University.  Mrs. Weber, a native of Central New York, maintains a private voice studio in her DeWitt home where she lives with her husband and three children who have been members of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus throughout the past 10 years.

“Carolyn is a beloved member of the Syracuse arts community” said Dr. Barbara M. Tagg, Founder and Director Emeritus of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus.  “We are fortunate to have her join us!”

THE SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S CHORUS PRESENTS SOARING WITH SONG

featuring works by Stephen Paulus, Shawn Crouch, Liu Zhuang, and more!

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Barbara Marble Tagg welcomes composers Stephen Paulus and Shawn Crouch to Syracuse on May 1, 2010 for the premiere performance of new works commissioned by the Syracuse Children’s Chorus.  Paulus’ piece, Hope is the Thing, featuring Deborah Coble, flute, and Ursula Kwasnicka, harp, will be the centerpiece of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus’ May 1, 2010 concert to be held at 7:30 pm at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University Campus. Four premieres will be presented by Tagg in her last concert as Artistic Director of the ensemble currently in its 29^th season.  Miami, Florida based Composer Shawn Crouch will be in residence for the premiere of his piece composed specifically for this concert titled, Sun Tracks. Yimeng Mountain Ditty, to be sung in Chinese, was given to Tagg by former Syracuse University faculty member and current resident of Beijing, China, Liu Zhuang in honor of Tagg’s departure from the Chorus.

Additional works to be performed include those by composers J.S. Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, Libby Larsen, John Rutter, Melchior Franck, Leonard Enns, Jean Ashworth Bartle, Aaron Copland, and Lee Kesselman.  Concert artists will feature Associate Director Deborah Cunningham, Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, and accompanists Kaitlin Schneekloth, Michael Copps and Alice Muzquiz, a twenty-nine year member of the artistic staff.  All alumni of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus are invited to participate in the final selection of the concert with the traditional singing of My Own Song written for the Chorus in 1983 by former SCC accompanist Crystal LaPoint.

About the Guest Composers

Composer Stephen Paulus has been hailed as “…a bright, fluent inventor with a ready lyric gift.” (The New Yorker) His prolific output of more than two hundred works is represented in many genres, including music for orchestra, chorus, chamber ensembles, solo voice, keyboard and opera. Paulus has been commissioned to write works for some of the world’s great solo artists, including Thomas Hampson, Hakan Hagegard, Doc Severinsen, William Preucil, Cynthia Phelps, Evelyn Lear, Leo Kottke and Robert McDuffie. His choral works have been performed and recorded by some of the most distinguished choruses in the United States, including the New York Concert Singers, Dale Warland Singers, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Robert Shaw Festival Singers, New Music Group of Philadelphia, Master Chorale of Washington DC, Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and dozens of other professional, community, church and college choirs. He is one of the most frequently recorded contemporary composers with his music being represented on over fifty recordings.

A recipient of both Guggenheim and NEA Fellowships, Paulus is also a strong advocate for the music of his colleagues.  He is co-founder and a current Board Vice President of the highly esteemed American Composers Forum, the largest composer service organization in the world. Paulus also serves on the ASCAP Board of Directors as the Concert Music Representative, a post he has held since 1990.

Gramophone Magazine calls Shawn Crouch a “gifted young composer” and Anthony Tommisini of the New York Times describes Shawn Crouch’s work as music of “gnarling atonal energy”. Shawn has received awards from The American Academy of Arts and Letters, ASCAP, Yale University, Meet the Composer and the Percussive Arts Society. An educator as well as a composer, Shawn Crouch has served on the music faculty at the Hunter College Campus School in New York City for the past seven years teaching students grades 7-12 where he successfully designed and implemented a computer music curriculum and instructor manual for grades 7-10 and built a strong choral program, beginning with 20 singers and over a seven-year period, growing to more than 80 singers and four choruses.

Liu Zhuang is a Chinese-born composer with strong ties to Syracuse University. She is a member of the Chinese Musicians’ Association and the Chinese Film Music Society and from 1989 to 1991 was Asian scholar-in-residence at Syracuse University on a Fulbright Fellowship. Liu’s music is technically accomplished and characterized by clarity of structure and poetic expression. Many of her compositions have been performed and recorded both in China and abroad.

Soaring with Song is supported in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Helen R. Brady Memorial Fund. The concert is also made possible, in part, through an Enitiative award. Enitiative (the Syracuse-Campus Community Entrepreneurship Initiative) is funded by a grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, focusing on entrepreneurship in the arts, technology, and our neighborhoods.

Tickets: $15 advance/$18 at the door – $5 for Alumni of the Chorus

For ticket information, call 315.478.0582 or email SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org

The Spring 2010 issue of The Chorister is now available! Click here to view the most recent issue of SCC’s newsletter.

The Syracuse Children’s Chorus will be joined by Syracuse Children’s Chorus Alumni on March 6, 2010 at Most Holy Rosary Church in Syracuse to honor Founder and Artistic Director Dr. Barbara Marble Tagg as she passes the baton after 29 years of dedicated leadership of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus.  Under the direction of Founder Barbara Marble Tagg, Associate Director Deborah A. Cunningham, and Assistant Director Marcia DeMartini, choristers will perform pieces that exemplify the Chorus’ mission to artistically challenge young singers.

The 7:30pm concert will feature solos and ensembles, new works and old favorites with many surprises along the way.  Performers will be accompanied by Alice Muzquiz, Michael Copps, Kaitlin Schneekloth¸ and Glenn Kime. “Dr. Tagg’s passion and enthusiasm for music has inspired countless people over the past 29 years.  It isn’t surprising that so many of them felt the need to come back to show their gratitude,” stated Courtney Chiavara, Vice President of the Board of Directors and SCC alumna.  The concert will close with the SCC favorite My Own Song accompanied by Crystal LaPoint who wrote the piece for the Chorus in 1982.

“The journey of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus from dream to reality over the past 30 years has been extraordinary.  It has been and continues to be about the smiling faces of children singing, collaboration, and all things possible with the support of our area music teachers, families, guest artists, composers, staff, board, and supporters,” states Barbara Tagg.  “We celebrate the profound ability of children to touch our hearts through song.”  Tagg will remain a member of the music education faculty at Syracuse University where she is conductor of the SU Women’s Choir.  She will also continue her work as a clinician and guest conductor in the choral community.

Encore! is sponsored in part by Community Bank N.A. and Driver’s Village.

For ticket information, please contact the Syracuse Children’s Chorus office at 315.478.0582 or by e-mail at SCCInfo@SyracuseChildrensChorus.org.   Alumni interested in participating in this concert should contact Courtney Chiavara at CourtneyChiavara@yahoo.com.  A complete dress rehearsal schedule for alumni members participating in this event has been posted on the Alumni Page of the SCC website.

JPMorgan Chase is letting Facebook users help decide how to give away $5 million.

The idea is to get small, local charities on Chase’s radar — ones that don’t have the operating budget to go around asking for grants but do a lot of good work in their communities.

The “Chase Community Giving” program will let Facebook users choose from more than half a million charities that have an operating budget of less than $10 million apiece. Examples include the Children’s Diabetes Foundation in Denver, the East Bay Habitat for Humanity in Oakland, Calif., and the Montana Connection For Afghan Women in Bozeman, Mont.

The Chase program is not the first time a company has asked Facebook users to vote on its charitable dollars. But it is the first time that they can nominate charities that the giver likely hasn’t even heard of.

“We are moving from a centralized way of philanthropic giving to the wisdom of friends,” said Elliot Schrage, Facebook’s vice president of communications.

The 100 charities getting the most votes by Dec. 11 will each receive $25,000 from Chase.

In the program’s second round, one of the 100 will get a grant of $1 million, determined by a Facebook vote that begins Jan. 15. Five runners-up will receive $100,000 each. In addition, an advisory board will award $1 million to nominated charities of its choice.

Read More

Click the button below to vote for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus

Members of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus performed with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Full Cast Audio,  narrator Bruce Coville, and conductor John DiCostanzo to bring Eudora Welty’s book, The Shoe Bird, to life on Saturday, November 14, 2009.  This whimsical tale tells the story of Arturo the Parrot and his flock of friends, who find themselves in trouble when they decide to wear shoes instead of fly.

Our Fall 2009 edition of The Chorister, SCC’s semi-annual newsletter, is now available to view online.  Please click the picture below to be redirected to the appropriate page.

It’s time for the Syracuse Children’s Chorus Annual Poinsettia Sale! 

Our florist-quality poinsettias are in 6 ½ inch wrapped pots and available in red, pink, white or pink-and-white marble.  These gorgeous plants come from Chuck Hafner’s Farm Market and Garden Center and make excellent gifts or decorations for your home or office.   As large and beautiful as ever, Syracuse Children’s Chorus poinsettias continue to sell for just $12.00 each!  

Orders and payment must be received by November 20th.  Your poinsettias will be delivered to you in early December, just in time to enjoy them throughout the holiday season!

 Please call the Chorus at 478.0582 for more information about business orders and special delivery requests.