ACCORDO VOCE Grand Cities Children’s Choir

Grand Cities Children’s Choir

ACCORDO VOCE

Geoff Mercer Director

Cassel Everson Piano

Assisted by Emily Doll, Horn Jacy Thibert, Horn

North Dakota American Choral Directors Association 2010 State Convention

Showcase Concert

United Lutheran Church Grand Forks, North Dakota Friday, February 5, 2010

7:30 p.m.

PROGRAM

The Grand Cities Children’s Choir (GCCC) program is thrilled that Accordo Voce has been selected to perform for such a prestigious audience! This ensemble is composed of students in grades 4-6 who are excellent examples of the fine quality music programs in the Grand Forks area. These young singers are wonderful musicians and dedicated ensemble members with an admirable work ethic. We are honored to have them represent GCCC at this special occasion. It is our pleasure to have an outstanding music educator like Geoff Mercer conducting these young singers. During their weekly rehearsals together, he teaches them about music, singing, teamwork, excellence, leadership, and fun. Mr. Mercer is assisted by a wonderful accompanist, student mentors and their coordinator, and supportive choir parents. We appreciate all of their efforts in preparing the choir

for this special performance. I believe in the saying that the journey is more important than the destination. While we are proud of the performance these young people will share with you tonight, more importantly we are excited about the things they have learned along the way which will allow them continued growth in their musical endeavors. We thank you for this opportunity and hope you enjoy the performance! Melanie Popejoy Founder and Artistic Director Grand Cities Children’s Choir

Congratulations to the Grand Cities Children’s Choir for being recognized as a chosen performance group at the American Choral Directors Association state convention. GCCC is an integral part of the Summer Performing Arts program, providing instruction in vocal music for students in the Northern Red River Valley, while at the same time encouraging them to be citizens of good character. The GCCC staff, students, and mentors come together to create a dynamic, energetic, and enriching educational experience, and I am grateful that their talents will be showcased for you at this performance. Thank you for your support of the Arts! Dean Opp, SPA Administrative Director

Accordo Voce Accordo Voce Accordo Voce Accordo Voce –––– Grand Cities Children’s Choir Grand Cities Children’s Choir Grand Cities Children’s Choir Grand Cities Children’s Choir Geoff Mercer, Geoff Mercer, Geoff Mercer, Geoff Mercer, DirectorDirectorDirectorDirector Cassel Everson, PiaCassel Everson, PiaCassel Everson, PiaCassel Everson, Pianononono

North Dakota American Choral Directors AssociationNorth Dakota American Choral Directors AssociationNorth Dakota American Choral Directors AssociationNorth Dakota American Choral Directors Association State ConventionState ConventionState ConventionState Convention Showcase Showcase Showcase Showcase CCCConcertoncertoncertoncert

Looking Glass RiverLooking Glass RiverLooking Glass RiverLooking Glass River ........................................................................................................................... Janet Gardner Janet Gardner Janet Gardner Janet Gardner (Shawnee Press E0598)

The wonderful words of poet Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) have been beautifully set to music by educator and composer Janet Gardner. The flowing melody of the voices paired with the rolling piano accompaniment cultivates skills for expression, dynamic contrast and musical phrasing. "A Child's Garden of Verses" appeals to a child's nature because it is written in simple verse that children can readily understand and enjoy. This collection of forty four poems was published in 1885 and was one of the earlier efforts of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Mailied, D. 199Mailied, D. 199Mailied, D. 199Mailied, D. 199 ............................................................................................................Franz Schubert (1797Franz Schubert (1797Franz Schubert (1797Franz Schubert (1797----1828)1828)1828)1828) (Boosey & Hawkes)

EmEmEmEmily Dollily Dollily Dollily Doll, Horn , Horn , Horn , Horn Jacy ThibertJacy ThibertJacy ThibertJacy Thibert, Horn, Horn, Horn, Horn

Shubert composed this “May Song” 26 May, 1815 at the young age of 18 around the same time as the first version of his famous Erlkönig. Mailied was originally published in 1892 by Breitkopf & Härtel in a collection of duets for unaccompanied voices or horns (Deutsch 199, 202, 203, 204, 205). Poet Ludwig Hölty’s (1748-1796) text paints a picture highlighting the wonders of the sights and sounds of springtime. Doreen Rao has transposed this duet up a third from its original key to better suit the range and capabilities of the young treble voice. For this performance, instead of Shubert’s suggestion of voices or horns, we have decided we like both!

Grüner wird die au, und der himmel blau! Schwalhen kehren wieder und die erstlings lieder

kleiner vögelein zwitschern durch ein hain. Aus dem blüethenstrauch weht der liebe hauch Seit der lenz ershienen, waltet sie im grünen,

Malt die blume bunt, roth des mädchens mund. Seht der tauber girt, seht der tauber schwirrt

Um sein liebes täubschen! Nehmt euch auch ein wibchen, wie der tauber thut,

Und seid wohlgemuth!

Green the valley now, and the sky is blue. Swallows are returning and the birds are singing of the youngest bird, singing through the woods.

Breathe the scent of love in the springtime of flowers, trees are growing and the breezes blowing, maidens sing of love echoing high above.

Hear, the dove now coos in the flight above. Over hills and valleys!

Through the sky and forest, to the youngest dove, wooing all her love.

III. Galop III. Galop III. Galop III. Galop –––– from from from from SolFege SuiteSolFege SuiteSolFege SuiteSolFege Suite ................................................................................................................Ken Berg Ken Berg Ken Berg Ken Berg (Pavane Publishing P1307)

The composer reminds us, “A galop is a lively round dance, not to be confused with a horse’s run at full speed.” This dance is in rondo form (ABACABA) and has a very familiar feel. It begins with a major tonality and shifts momentarily to a minor tonality before recapitulating to the opening theme. Solfege Suite was originally written for the 2006 Alabama ACDA Young Voices Boys Choir. We spend many hours in warm ups and rehearsal teaching and preaching solfege to our students. Ken Berg has written 2 outstanding “solfege suites” from which these many hours become a little more exciting and challenging. We were able to learn about form, tonality, cadenza, accelerando, exposition, recapitulation, etc. The composer has cleverly hidden these elements within a piece in which our young students love singing. This piece is definitely more than just “fun”!

Accordo Voce

Anna Amundson (5) Ella Dostal (5) Whitney Longie (5) Gretchen Schreiner (6) Rebekah Born (5) Danika Flanders (5) Grace Netz (5) Anna Shallman (5) Kyra Bostad (6) Katie Gabik (6) Madisynn Noeldner (6) Emily Shimpa (5) Kaylynn Campoverde (5) Frankie Good (6) Rebekah Noyes (6) Zachary Straw (6) Brendan Carter (6) Tina Gray (6) Rebecca Rage (5) Jenson Thompson (6) Seth Cline (6) Jared Hollingworth (6) Brinna Richtsmeier (5) Rebecca Warnke (5) Shanlee Cox (6) Nick Hovey (4) Brooke Rieger (5) Kloe Wavra (4) Lauren Craig (5) Maia Jackson (4) Grace Roehl (6) Julia Werth (4) Francine Dong (5) Maggie Jensen (5) Katelyn Rudolph (4) Hannah Wilkinson (6) Emily Dosch (5) Elaine Larson (5) Michael Schauer (6) Kristen Zettler (6)

Darrel Cory, GG coordinator

Grazioso Guidares (Gracious Guides): Jill Ames, Phil Brockman, Matthew Davis, Niall Davis, Joe Frech, Audra Hendrickson, Jacy Thibert, and Tyler Wicken

Geoff Mercer, Director, Accordo Voce. Geoff Mercer is excited to begin his second year with the Grand Cities Children's Choir. Geoff is entering his 5th year as a choir director at Grand Forks Central and 9th year teaching vocal music. Mr. Mercer's duties at Grand Forks Central include directing the Concert Choir, Women's Choir, and Chamber Choir, as well as teaching voice lessons. He has been an instructor in many different capacities for the Summer Performing Arts Company since 2001, this last summer as a "School of Rock" instructor and the musical director of "Bye, Bye, Birdie". Geoff also teaches private piano lessons. Geoff graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocal Music Education from North Dakota State University. He is currently working on a Master of Music degree in Music Education at the same institution. Mr. Mercer is a member of North Dakota Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Chicago Bears Fan Club. Geoff lives in Grand Forks with his wife Becky, son Tommy, and golden retriever, Jake.

Cassel Everson, Accompanist, Accordo Voce. Cassel Everson has been teaching elementary and middle school band students in the Grand Forks Public Schools since 1982. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University, and a Masters of Education from the University of North Dakota. She is the principal bassoonist with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony and a charter member of Higher Ground, the contemporary worship team of Sharon Lutheran Church. Cassel is an accomplished instrumentalist in percussion, woodwinds, and brass. She has been a proud parent supporter of the Grand Cities Children’s Choir since the inaugural season and an equally proud SPA parent supporter since 1992.

Grand Cities Children’s Choir Directors

Melanie Popejoy, Artistic Director, Divo Voce. Melanie Popejoy is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Grand Cities Children’s Choir. She holds bachelors and masters degrees in music education from Central Missouri State University, and has taught in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas prior to coming to North Dakota. In her 29 years of teaching, Mrs. Popejoy has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. She has earned many teaching awards, conducted honor choirs, and regularly serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator. She was the 2006 Athena Award recipient from the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, and the 2004 Sam’s Club North Dakota "Teacher of the Year." In 2010, Mrs. Popejoy has been invited to guest conduct the North Dakota Middle School All-State Honor Choir. She is currently the Director of Choirs and Vocal Music Instructor at Valley Middle School in the Grand Forks Public School District.

Becky Mercer, Director, Primo Voce. Mrs. Mercer is very excited to be spending her fifth year with the Grand Cities Children’s Choir. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from North Dakota State University. She is currently working on her masters in music education at NDSU. Mrs. Mercer taught four years in Pierz, MN where she directed choral music for grades six through twelve. She has been a member of the SPA voice faculty for a number of summers, and is currently teaching her fifth year of sixth grade general music at Valley Middle School. Mrs. Mercer loves spending her free time with her husband Geoff, son Tommy, and golden retriever Jake.

Ruth Ann Tuseth, Director, Canto Voce. Ruth Ann Tuseth brings a variety of experience to the GCCC directing team. She has served as an elementary music specialist at Lake Agassiz, Lewis and Clark and Winship schools in Grand Forks and a K-12 Vocal Music specialist at Thompson ND. She has had training in Creating Original Opera for children through the Education at the Met program and had the opportunity to work on several original productions with kids. Presently she serves as the chancel choir director and principal organist at First Presbyterian Church. Ruth Ann also teaches a section of Music for Elementary Teachers at UND and she is a principal accompanist for the Summer Performing Arts program. Ruth Ann received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music degree from the University of North Dakota. She is looking forward to her third year as the director of Canto Voce.

Connie Stordalen, Director, Poco Voce. Mrs. Stordalen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from North Dakota State University in 1998. She has been an elementary music specialist in the Grand Forks Public School district for 11 years. Some of her additional teaching experiences include private piano and voice lessons, vocal instructor with SPA and Musical Assistant for the production of “Babes on Broadway” in the SPA 1999 season. Mrs. Stordalen is currently a member of and has been a featured Soprano soloist with the Grand Forks Master Chorale. Mrs. Stordalen enjoys spending time with her husband Erik, son Konnor, two daughters Samantha and MeKayla. Mrs. Stordalen is thrilled to be starting her third year as director of Poco Voce and looks forward to a wonderful year of making music together.

Grand Cities Children’s Choir Faculty, Staff, & Parent Board

Directors Accompanists Melanie Popejoy, Founder & Artistic Director Mary Ann Devig

Becky Mercer, Associate Director Cassel Everson Geoff Mercer, Associate Director Roxanne Gessler

Ruth Ann Tuseth, Associate Director Lynn Liepold Connie Stordalen, Associate Director

Parent Board & Staff

Kellie Burgess, Secretary Marjorie Myrold, Member At Large Peter & Karla Coen-Tuff, Concert Masters Greg Nelson, Finance Manager

JoAnn Cory, GG Program Director Barb Nistler, Social Chair (7-9) John & Beth Davis, Presidents Kecia Peters, Managing Director

Annette Hovey, Member At Large Fred & Donna Remer, Vice Presidents Val Jensen, Financial Assistant Sharilyn Richtsmeier, Social Chair (3-6) Lynn Liepold, Uniform Chair Carol Svendson, Program Chair Dave Molmen Member At Large Jeanne Thibert, Member At Large

Karen Molmen, Volunteer Coordinator Anne Wysocki, Historian

GCCC gives special thanks to our area music educators who support Accordo Voce singers.

Carolyn Berge Beth Boesel Kris Cook John Dungan Kathy Fiedler Kari Flanders Jillian Law Grygier Gary Hall Amanda Hill Annette Hovey Kathy Kram Paul Letvin Judy Megorden Becky Mercer Marjorie Myrold Kari Jo O’Keefe Mary Ralston Amy Rogers Connie Sherwood Mary Splichal

Alice Stokey Bernadette Whetham Annella Winger

About the Grand Cities Children’s Choir

Founded in 2002, the Grand Cities Children’s Choir is a performance based, music education program. The mission of the choir is to offer children of the Greater Grand Forks Area the experience of musical artistry and excellence through choral singing in a child centered atmosphere. The program operates five performing choirs: Divo Voce, Primo Voce, Accordo Voce, Canto Voce, and Poco Voce. Membership in the program is by audition and offered to boys and girls in grades three through nine. All of the choirs rehearse one evening a week during the academic school year. The Grand Cities Children’s Choir program strives to create a spirit of community and understanding through the universal language of music in which all children are encouraged to participate regardless of ethnic, social or economic background. The Grand Cities Children’s Choir program is a division of the Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA). SPA is an educational program that channels the energy of students into positive creativity and teamwork. These aspects, with a greater appreciation for the arts, help shape students into more active members of the Grand Forks Community.