WCC Christmas Concert Press Release

KCDA,

Please see the following announcement concerning the Wichita Chamber Chorale Christmas Concert.

Have a wonderful day!

Tiffani

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WCC Introduces 39^th Concert Season with Christmas Concert “Sounding Joy”

WICHITA – Wichita Chamber Chorale (WCC) opens its 39^th concert season in Wichita with its classic “Sounding Joy” Christmas Concert. This auditioned, semi-professional choir annually performs two major concerts. Each concert features the highest level of musicianship with literature spanning the entire breadth of the choral repertoire.

The theme for the Sounding Joy Christmas concert this year is “Simple Gifts”. Music over the centuries has celebrated the gift of the incarnation and the imitation that it inspires in humanity, regardless of nation or creed.  Sounding Joy will be built around one of Bach’s signature motets, and miniature gems of the high Baroque, “Jesu, meine Freude” (“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”). An array of traditional and contemporary selections evoking the notion of giving round out the program, including Alfred Houkom’s stunning “The Rune of Hospitality,” and the Midwest premiere of Canadian composer Robert Teehan’s, “O Nata Lux.”

The Wichita Chamber Chorale is the premier choral ensemble in the Wichita area. Dr. Mark Bartel is the Artistic Director and Conductor. He is also the Director of Choral Music at Friends University and Conductor of the Singing Quakers.

Performances of the Sounding Joy Christmas Concert are Saturday, December 10, 7:30pm at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, and Sunday, December 11, 2016, 3:00pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 S. Clifton.

Tickets are available online at www.wichitachorale.com, Senseney Music 2300 E. Lincoln, Wichita, by calling 316-737-7798, or may be purchased at the door.

Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. High School students are free.

WCC was formed in 1978 by graduates of Friends University who had been members of the Singing Quakers.  The mission of this non-profit chorale of approximately 30 singers is to champion significant choral music and perform it at the highest standards, contribute to the quality of the cultural life of Wichita and the State of Kansas, and foster music education in our communities. To learn more about WCC and upcoming concerts, visit WCC at www.wichitachorale.com

DEADLINE TODAY: Treble Honor Choir Auditions Close at Midnight

KCDA,

Please see the below message from Treble Honor Choir Chair Josh Wildin.  Today is the final day to submit students for the Treble Honor Choir.

Hope you are having a FANTASTIC Monday!

Tiffani Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

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Hello everyone,

                Tonight Tonight….(thank you Kelly for the idea J) Tonight is the night.  At midnight tonight the system will lock all auditions out from being uploaded.  An invoice will be generated for you from the system tomorrow.  All deadlines have been synched with the KMEA ML Choir deadlines so that no one is confused.   Payment to Steve Miller is expected to be postmarked by the 24^th of October. 

 

Jenni and I will be asking everyone to help with the judging process.  If you accept, you will have 3 weeks to listen to the recordings and judge them.  This is adequate time to complete this process.  We are all busy and I don’t want this to take forever so the more people that help the better. 

 

You will receive an invitation from the festivalscores.com system.  You will need to accept and create a judges account.  If you can’t help with this process we understand, but please…if you do accept make sure you get the judging done.  The rubric for our event can be found in the system. 

 

I hope you have all enjoyed the change to this system.  For myself as a director and as the chair it has been fabulous. 

 

Good luck to all of your kids!

 

Josh Wildin

National Worship Leader Conference - Discounted Rate!

KCDA,

Please see the following message from Suzie Stablein about the National Worship Leader Conference in October.  Consider taking advantage of the great discount!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tiffani N. Thompson

KCDA Webmaster

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Dear Kansas Choral Directors Association Member,

 

We are just a little over a month until the National Worship Leader Conference – Kansas in Lenexa (Kansas City area).  We have a special 20% discount rate just for KCDA members who are on staff at their church.  That rate is good for your whole team!  Volunteer team members can come at the mentoree rate of $199 (no additional discount on mentoree or student rates). PLUS you can bring your senior pastor for free – just email us after you register with their name and email address and we will add them to your group for free.

We’re excited about going to Westside Family Church in Lenexa, KS (Kansas City area) October 5 & 6.  Our speakers and worship leaders include:  David Nasser, Zac Hicks, Laura Story, Paul Baloche, William McDowell, Tommy Walker, Todd Dulaney, Ben Cantelon, and Brothers McClurg plus more!   We have changed from 3 days to 2 to help save you with taking time off work and with travel costs – but you still will get 8 workshops to attend live PLUS get all the recorded ones afterwards (still over 70 to choose from!). And this year you can bring those traveling with you to the nights of worship for FREE!

Our theme this year is “Teach Us to Pray” and we talk about the worship leader as prayer leader.  As our publisher, Chuck Fromm has shared the following quote in the past – “He who sings, prays twice” – it gives your job a new take, as a leader of sung prayer.

We’re being very intentional this year with our sessions.  You will find a fresh approach to the classic order of worship.  Each of the diverse voices and styles at the NWLC will come together under the classic order of worship: Gathering, The Word, The Table, and Sending Out. In order to both model and lead biblical worship that is inspired by the vast spectrum of God’s glory, every artist and teacher at NWLC is invested in the liturgy of the entire event. Robert Webber wrote on this topic extensively. In a short article in the September ’06 issue of Worship Leader magazine, we can catch a glimpse of this powerful way of thinking and part of the inspiration for designing the National Worship Leader Conference liturgy.

The National Worship Leader Conference is designed to take you away from the distractions and place you in a house of worship with others like you to learn, refresh and breathe in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Musicians, pastors, worship team members, and multimedia artists gather to find inspiration and renewal. When this happens, we believe your passion will flow forth with a powerful impact on your entire worship community. This is not merely a battery re-charge, this is a time to restore and rediscover your life’s passion and calling.

To get the special 20% off have you can register online athttp://www.nwlconf.com/ using the following code (KCDA20). 

Treble Honor Choir Submissions Now Open!

KCDA,

The link to submit Treble Honor Choir auditions is now live!!

Quick directions:

• CLICK HERE
• Login or create/setup an account
• Click "Activate New Audition" from the "Auditions" Menu at the top of the page
• Use the event tag: GWN5XM8
• Add students to your roster from the "Students" menu at the top of the page
• Assign students to audition from the "Entires" menu at the top of the page
• VOILA! Upload auditions!
• Mail audition fee check to KCDA Treasurer Steve Miller:
• Steve Miller
  12721 NW 60th St.
  Halstead, KS 67056

Deadlines:

• Auditions and registration forms (all online) are due by 11:59pm, Oct. 3, 2016
• Checks must be postmarked (to Steve) by Oct. 24, 2016

Reminders:

• The KCDA Statewide Treble Honor Choir performs as part of the KMEA In-Service Workshop and is open to all students grades 5-9 with unchanged voices.
• Dr. Patrick Freer is the clinician for 2017.
• Audition materials and specifications can be found at http://www.kansaschoral.com/treble-honor-choir.html
• Students may not audition for both the Treble Honor Choir AND the KMEA Middle Level Honor Choir

Please let us know if you have questions or any issues. Have a wonderful day!

Tiffani Thompson

KCDA Webmaster

KCDA Has Gone Mobile!

2016 KCDA Summer Convention: Kansas Sings!has gone mobile! We're excited to announce we have a brand new mobile guide for you to use on Guidebook! Get the guide to access the most up-to-date information about our event, including schedules, maps, and much more. Get our guide here: https://guidebook.com/g/kansassings2016 Android and iOS users: Tap the "Download" button to download the free Guidebook app Open Guidebook and you can find our "2016 KCDA Summer Convention: Kansas Sings!" guide See you in Topeka! © 2016 Guidebook

Accompanist Openings

KCDA,

The following schools have accompanist openings for the 2016-2017 school year.  Please read the below messages from their directors and share with those who may be looking or interested.

Thanks!
Tiffani

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Topeka West High School has an opening for an accompanist for the 2016-2017 school year. For more information or to apply, please email Joshua East, choir director, at Jeast@tps501.org.

Bonner Springs HS is seeking an accompanist for their choral program. Please contact Brian J. White, director, with questions and apply by clicking here: https://www.applitrack.com/bonnersprings/onlineapp/_application.aspx?posJobCodes=631&posFirstChoice=Instructional+Classified&posSpecialty=Accompanist

Summer Convention Headliner Sessions

The 2016 Summer Convention Kansas Sings begins ONE WEEK from tomorrow! 
If you haven't registered yet, it's not too late! Click here to register today.
For more information, to book your hotel, or renew your ACDA membership, please visit www.kansaschoral.com.

CONVENTION HEADLINER SESSIONS

Dr. Kevin Fenton (Florida State University)

Sessions 1 and 2:  Conductor and Choir: Creating a Collective Story

This session will describe an approach to the rehearsal process that emphasizes the creation of a collective story related to music being prepared specifically and related to the identity of the group internally and externally.  Those in attendance will work as members of the choir to develop behaviors of a story teller, and a sense of purpose as a choral ensemble. The first session will focus on teaching techniques for expression (Storytelling) and the second session will focus on facilitating the collective story through gesture.

Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (Composer, Conductor, and Founder Sweet Honey in the Rock)

Session 1: AN AFRICAN WORLD VIEW OF MUSIC.

  This session will explore an African world view of music as an introduction to oral/aural tradition in music

Session 2: LEARNING AND SINGING IN AN ORAL/AURAL TRADITION.

This session will focus on rhythms, chant, spirituals, and other musical forms that will be taught and learned in oral/aural tradition.

Choral Director Opening: El Dorado Public Schools

KCDA,

USD 490 (El Dorado Public Schools) is seeking a Choral Director, grades 6-12, to begin in the 2016-2017 school year.  The position includes three High School Choirs, three Middle School Choirs, and assisting with the 5th and 6th Grade Elementary choir once per week.   El Dorado is a 1/1 iPad/MacBook district and will be building a new auditorium in a few years.

For more information, or to apply, please click here.

Have a wonderful day!


Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

Accompanist Opening: Eudora Schools

KCDA,

The Eudora School District is seeking a full-time accompanist.  Please see the below message from Ashley Ramirez, Director of Choral Activities at Eudora High School and Middle School, for more information. Or visit  https://eudora.schoolrecruiter.net/ to apply.

Tiffani

KCDA Webmaster

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Are you passionate about education? Do you enjoy adolescent humans? Are you a skilled and experienced piano accompanist and pianist? Well, keep reading if that is you (or you know someone that might fit this description)!! The Eudora Schools in Eudora, Kansas (7 miles east of Lawrence) are currently in search of a new full-time vocal music accompanist/choral assistant. If you know of an individual who might be interested, please pass on this information, or if you are personally interested in this fabulous (in my biased opinion) position, please contact me at your convenience. The main goal of this position is to assist the vocal music instructor in creating a positive learning environment for students. General requirements for hire include: i) High School Diploma or Certificate, ii) Experience and Skill as an Accompanist and Pianist.

Daily rehearsal/classroom activities include, but are not limited to: accompanying middle school and high school choirs and students; assisting in creating a positive learning environment for students; appropriately operating all equipment and musical instruments as required; supporting the value of education.

Physical requirements and environmental conditions include, but are not limited to: prolonged sitting or standing; occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials; occasionally requires stooping, bending, and reaching; requires travel for festivals and events; must work in noisy and crowded environments, requires additional time outside of the school day (before school, after school, and evenings).

General Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting in the instruction and supervision of students in class, at rehearsals, and at performances; accompanying the choir during rehearsals and performances; tutoring students as directed in sectional rehearsals, individual sessions, and small group sessions; preparing instructional materials and supplies; supporting and accompanying elementary school choirs as needed for programs and events; supporting and accompany middle school and high school bands as needed for concerts, festivals, and events; assisting vocal music instructor with organization of choral music library and classroom materials; assisting vocal music instructor with preparation for events and activities; assisting in the maintenance and inventory of equipment and supplies; performing with students at concerts, festivals and community performances; assisting and accompany the fall musical and spring variety show; offering opinions when requested regarding musical style and interpretation; assisting substitute instructors in the absence of vocal music instructor; working effectively with students, teachers, parents, community agencies, and other groups; assisting with supervision to ensure that students observe district policies during all activities; keeping abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques; adhering to all district health and safety policies; performing other duties as assigned by the vocal music instructor or administrative staff.

For further discussion or questions, please contact Ashley Ramirez, Director of Choral Activities for Eudora Schools, at (785) 691-5108, ashleyramirez@eudoraschools.org, or feel free to send a private Facebook message to Ashley Kathleen Ramirez.
If you choose to apply, please complete an electronic application at the following link: https://eudora.schoolrecruiter.net/ In addition to the application, please include your resume and a cover letter.

Hotel Convention Rate Expires Tonight!

Are you headed to Topeka for the Summer Convention? Book your room at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel TODAY to receive the discounted room rate of $86.  The offer expires at midnight!

Haven't registered for the convention yet?  It's not too late! Visit the website for more information, to register, book your hotel, or renew your ACDA membership.

Have a great day!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster 

Andover Public Schools: 7-12 Vocal Music Opening

KCDA,

Please see the following message from Bob Schofer about a 7-12 Vocal Music opening in Andover.

Have a great day!
Tiffani N. Thompson

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Andover Public Schools is seeking a High School/Middle School Vocal Music Instructor, grades 7-12, for the 2016-2017 school year. You work with an amazing accompanist who is with you all day, almost everyday!!  Apply today at usd385.org, the job is going to be filled quickly. 

LAST CALL! Convention Pre-Registration Ends Tonight!

LAST CALL to take advantage of the Pre-Registration savings for this year's Summer Convention: Kansas Sings! By registering before 11:59pm TONIGHT you can save 20-30% on your registration costs AND guarantee your choice of reading packets.

Click Here to register now!

This year's convention features clinics and reading sessions from nationally-renowned headliners Dr. Kevin Fenton (Florida State University) and Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (Founder, Sweet Honey in the Rock), as well as local legends including Mark Hayes, Kevin Bogan, Timothy Tharaldson, Jacob Narverud, and Dr. Krista Blackwood.

A current schedule of events can be viewed here: Schedule At-A-Glance.

For more information, or to register, renew your ACDA membership, or book your hotel, please visit www.kansaschoral.com! We hope to see you in Topeka!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

Summer Convention! Pre-Registration Discounts End Friday!

HAPPY SUMMER!!! (Or almost Summer, to those who "enjoyed" some snow days this year).

We hope that you've got plenty of fun and relaxation planned for your break, and that as part of it, you've made plans to join us for what promises to be our best-yet Summer Convention!

Already know that you're going to join us in Topeka? Take advantage of the Pre-Registration savings and guarantee your choice of reading packets by registering before Friday, May 27! Click here and choose the appropriate Pre-Registration rate.

Convention Highlights Include:

• Headliners Dr. Ysaye Barnwell and Dr. Kevin Fenton
• Reading Sessions for all levels, ages, and styles
• Interest sessions by Jacob Narverud, Dr. Krista Blackwood, Mark Hayes, Timothy Tharaldson, and Kevin Bogan
• Performances by the Te Deum Chamber Choir (Matthew Shepard, conductor), the All-State Women's Choir (Dr. Mitos Andaya Hart, clinician), and the All-State Men's Choir (Brandon Williams, clinician)!

For more information, or to register, book your hotel, or renew your ACDA membership, please visit www.kansaschoral.com!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

Nominations Needed!

Good Afternoon!

Just a reminder to take a few moments as you wrap up your year to honor outstanding members of our organization! Just a reminder that nominations for our KCDA Awards are due by May 27.


HARRY ROBERT WILSON AWARD NOMINATION

PRELUDE AWARD NOMINATION

Southwestern College Conducting and Teaching Workshop

KCDA,

Please see the message below from Dr. Brian Winnie, Southwestern College, about a Choral Conducting and Teaching Workshop opportunity this summer.  

Have a great day!

Tiffani

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We are two months away from our 2^nd Annual Summer Choral Conducting and Teaching Workshop at Southwestern College with special guest Dr. Geoffrey Boers from the University of Washington. Last summer was a wonderful experience with new and experienced conductors who were able to delve deeper into the current trends in choral education and technique. I look forward to another summer workshop with even deeper analysis into reshaping how we “do what we do” to make the choral and vocal experience even more valuable and efficient for our students.

Space is extremely limited and there is a discount for registering prior to May 15^th!  You can register at:

https://form.jotform.com/SouthwesternCollege/ChoralConductingWorkshop

Below is a link for more information about the workshop and workshop leaders. Attached you will find our poster with information that you can send on to your elementary or middle school colleagues if you think they may be interested!

http://www.sckans.edu/undergraduate/music/choral-conducting-workshop/

I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes on the end of the year concerts,

Brian

Dr. Brian J. Winnie

Director of Choral Activities & Voice

Darbeth Bldg. Studio 4

Southwestern College

100 College St.

Winfield, KS 67156

Office:(620) 229-6302

Cell: (747) 777-6120

www.sckans.edu/music

Performing Arts Facebook Page

All-State Choir Deadline

KCDA,

Congratulations to those who had students selected for the 2016 KCDA All-State Women's Choir and All-State Men's Choir!  Please visit www.kansaschoral.com to view the rosters, or access the acceptance letter, medical release, or liability waiver.

Just a reminder that paperwork and the registration fee of $45 per student must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 22 to:

Amy Brown
Wichita Northwest High School
1220 N. Tyler Rd.
Wichita, KS 67212

Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful end to the school year!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

All-State Choirs Submission Deadline

High School and Community Choir Directors,

Applications and auditions for the 2016 All-State Men's and Women's Choirs are due by 11:59 THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 25.  To submit an audition, please visit www.kansaschoral.com and follow the instructions below.  A audition submission help guide is also available online in the "links" list of the Women's Choir page.

Have a great afternoon!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster
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Information for registering your Women's All-State Honor Choir women:

To submit a single mp3 audition file for the 2016 Women's All-State Honor Choir, consisting of the Boyce Alleluia, major scale on loo to bottom of range and a major scale to the top of range , directors will need to do the following:

Follow the link on http://kansaschoral/all-state-womens-choir.html? to festivalscores.com between March 12, 2016 and March 25, 2016.  Auditions can be uploaded up until midnight on March 25; applications must be postmarked by March 25 and mailed to Amy Brown, 1220 N. Tyler Rd., Wichita KS 67212 with $10.00 per student checks payable to KCDA.  These payments and mailings may be combined with Men's Honor Choir applications.

  1.  Go to LOGIN
  2.  Click on DIRECTOR
  3.  Create a new account
  4.  Login to the site and follow the directions to adding schools or community groups.
  5.  Add students using the info from the registration application
  6.  You will need the Event Tag 963J9Z9 to activate new event
  7.  Click on Manage Entries to add audition files.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy at abrown2@usd259.net or click on help on the festivalscores.com website.  Thank you for providing your students with this terrific opportunity.

KCDA All-State Men's and Women's Choirs

Directors of High School Students,

Please see the following information from Honor Choir chair Amy Brown concerning the process for submitting applications and audition files (women only) for the KCDA All-State Men's and Women's Choirs.  The submission window is NOW OPEN and will close at 11:59pm on March 25.

Have a wonderful day!

Tiffani N. Thompson
KCDA Webmaster

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Information for registering your Women's All-State Honor Choir women:

To submit a single mp3 audition file for the 2016 Women's All-State Honor Choir, consisting of the Boyce Alleluia, major scale on loo to bottom of range and a major scale to the top of range , directors will need to do the following:


Follow the link on http://kansaschoral/all-state-womens-choir.html? to festivalscores.com between March 12, 2016 and March 25, 2016.  Auditions can be uploaded up until midnight on March 25; applications must be postmarked by March 25 and mailed to Amy Brown, 1220 N. Tyler Rd., Wichita KS 67212 with $10.00 per student checks payable to KCDA.  These payments and mailings may be combined with Men's Honor Choir applications.

  1.  Go to LOGIN
  2.  Click on DIRECTOR
  3.  Create a new account
  4.  Login to the site and follow the directions to adding schools or community groups.
  5.  Add students using the info from the registration application
  6.  You will need the Event Tag 963J9Z9 to activate new event
  7.  Click on Manage Entries to add audition files.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy at abrown2@usd259.net or click on help on the festivalscores.com website.  Thank you for providing your students with this terrific opportunity.


Thanks!
Amy