SPRING 2012 vol. v, No. v

www.ccmSINGS.oRG

weather report:

page 3snow fantasy

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: CONCERT CHOIR SHOWS HOW TO DO-RE-MI IT • CCMERS IN THE

SPOTLIGHT • AN INTERVIEW WITH NPR’S ANYA GRUNDEMANN •ALUMNI GIVE BACK • & MORE!

We only get one voice…“Never mind I’ll find someone like you…” are perhaps the most sung lyrics around these days. From

American Idol would-be’s to friendly karaoke singers, everyone wants a shot at singing Adele’s sultry pop hit. Jennifer, Steven, and Randy cringe at the bad renditions but give a hearty “you nailed-it”

shout-out to others. The thing is, not even Adele is nailing it these days. When she recorded the original hit, it sported some pretty high (and slightly out of tune) belted notes. Later renditions reveal a re-written melody, substituting the high notes for low ones.This is not an article bashing Adele. I hope she has a full recovery and a long professional life. I think she offers something special to the music industry. If you’re not following, Adele recently underwent vocal surgery to remove nodules (like calluses) that formed on the edge of her vocal folds due to misuse of her voice. Adele is twenty-four. Her voice stopped working and she doesn’t get a new one. I was seventeen years old and in a very similar situation. A terrible bout of lingering laryngitis plagued me from prom to graduation. My music teacher gave me a big solo for graduation so I muscled through a performance of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum when I should have declined and rested. The day after graduation, I flew to Santa Barbara where I joined a bunch of other eager young musicians and together we prepared for a 90-concert singing tour across the United States and Canada. 90 concerts in 90 days. Given a big solo, I muscled through that every night and delivered a big-voiced performance but left the concert hall hoarse and dejected. I knew something was wrong. Months later, a doctor confirmed it: vocal hemorrhage due to overuse on laryngitis-damaged vocal folds. During the two weeks of silence and the ensuing therapy, I fretted, “What if my voice doesn’t heal? What if my singing voice was silenced?” The good news is: the body wants to heal. And with good rest and good therapy, I healed. I might not have, though, had my damage been worse or if I had not learned to care for my voice.We only get one voice. “Never mind I’ll find some…(substitute ‘voice’)…like you…” just doesn’t apply. My own scary experience has taken me on a journey to seek out the finest classroom and studio teachers so that I could learn to NEVER damage myself again. Three University degrees later and two jobs that put me squarely in charge of training adolescent voices, I feel so blessed to be able to share what I know and give the best direction to our children’s precious and delicately changing voices. Some other time, I’ll write about belting and Broadway (things I love and things that can be done carefully and healthily!) But for now, I’ll close with this challenge: Let’s all keep loving and caring for our bodies and voices by giving them the best training and care possible. We only get one voice!

—Alyson Shirk

CHArLESTOwN rETIrEmENT COmmUNITy CONCErTWHEN Sunday, March 25, 2012

3 PMWHO Lyric and Concert Choirs

“ST. mATTHEw’S PASSION,” BACH CONCErT SErIESWHEN Saturday, March 31, 2012

7:30 PMWHERE Christ Lutheran Church

701 S. Charles Street Baltimore

WHO Concert ChoirTickETs www.BachInBaltimore.org

or (410) 941-9262 Please mention CCM when purchasing!

GrANd rEHEArSAL 2, AwArdS CErEmONy & FAmILy CONCErTWHEN Saturday, April 28, 2012

TIME TBAWHERE The Bryn Mawr SchoolWHO All CCM Students TickETs On sale soon at

www.ccmsings.org

SPrING CONCErT: “COLOrFUL wOrLd”WHEN Sunday, April 29, 2012

3 PMWHERE The Bryn Mawr SchoolWHO All CCM Students TickETs On sale soon at

www.ccmsings.org

Coming Attractions

2 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. v

One hundred beautiful faces with bright eyes, groomed hair, perfect hems and pressed pants stared back with excitement shining in

their eyes approximately two hours prior to show time on December 4, 2011 and I asked myself: how had it all come to pass? Dedicated parents, bright children, and a crackerjack CCM staff could only be the answer.Performing for the hands attached to arms attached to the body of a new director is a tough thing but the students of CCM understand how to flow and make beautiful music. In fact, I’d say they made transcendent music that day. From the hushed strains of “Hatikva” to the surprising “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, the students performed with precision and musicality. From their still bodies to their beautifully formed vowels, the audience was delighted with the sound of children making professional music of the highest quality. Former Maryland superintendent of schools Nancy Grasmick thought so, too. Invited to attend to receive our CCM “Wings of Song Award” by our own beloved Dr. Betty Bertaux, Dr. Grasmick arrived early to greet each choir in rehearsal. Shaking hands, making eye contact, and thanking teachers for their hard work, she was the picture of grace, strength, and style. An ever close friend and generous supporter to CCM, Dr. Grasmick accepted her award and watched as the full throng of CCM children flooded the risers while Concert Choir serenaded her with a song of honor. CCM was joined by violinists Matthew Horwitz-Lee and Jacqueline Betz, string bassist Jonathan Jensen, and soprano Janice Eteme, it was an afternoon I will not soon forget.

—Alyson Shirk

“Snow Fantasy” Glistens

with Sparkling Performances

vol. v, no. v in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 3

TOwSON OFFICE FOr rENT! Are you looking for some professional or educational space? CCM has one furnished and decorated office room available, at the CCM offices in Towson, for people who just want to use space on a weekly or a sporadic basis. Meet with your homeschooling group, see clients, or just work on a special project in “peace and quiet.” Rent can include use of the scanner/fax/copier/printer, a Towson mailing address with mail forwarding, free parking for you and your clients, and furniture (desk, office chair, 2 meeting chairs, file cabinet, credenza, artwork, tree, and/or conference table). Contact Ramona Galey at rgaley@ccmsings.org to learn more!

ccmers [in the spotlight]KRISTINA ANASTASIADES, AUDRA LANE and EMMA SHANNON are scheduled to perform on March 17, 2012 in the National Honors Choirs of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) in Phoenix, AZ.

Michael Allman, vocal music teacher at Riderwood Elementary School and a member of the CCM family, sponsored the students for the OAKE auditions, and is now helping them prepare for the upcoming performance. Approximately 150–175 choristers from across the United States are chosen for the choir each year. The students, their parents and Mr. Allman will all be attending the OAKE National conference.

Kristina will perform with the Youth Honors Choir while Audra and Emma will perform in the Children’s Honors Choir. This will be Kristina’s third time attending the National Honors Choirs, Audra’s second time and Emma’s first time attending. Congratulations to all, and we wish them the best!

Congratulations are also due to JULIAN BARON and COLLIN POWER, both of whom were chosen for the 2012 Maryland All State Junior Chorus. From approximately 1000 auditionees, only 100 singers were accepted into the choir, which is rehearsing in Hagerstown as this issue goes to press, and will be performing on March 11th. Julian was nominated to the chorus by his teacher at Gilman. Collin is the first Calvert Hall student to be accepted into the choir.

CCM Alum, EMILY BISHOP, and current CCM chorister, MOLLY BISHOP, both will be performing in Mt. Hebron High School’s production of Annie.  Show times are Saturday, March 17, at 7pm, Sunday, March 18, at 2pm, and Thursday through Saturday, March 22 thru 24, at 7pm, in the high school auditorium at 9440 Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City.  For tickets, call the school office at 410-313-2883.

SAMUEL BISHOP will be performing the role of Benjamin in Patapsco

Middle School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Performances will be at Patapsco Middle School, 8885 Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City, on Friday, April 27th, and Saturday, April 28th, at 7pm.  For tickets, call the school office at 410-313-2848.

Congratulations to EHREN DIETRICK, who received the 2012-2013 Head’s Scholar Award at St James Academy. Based on academic excellence, leadership potential and strong school citizenship, this award is given to one boy and one girl entering 6th grade at SJA. 

ABBY HINES ran with her cross country team in the USA Track and Field Junior Olympic National Championship Meet, in Myrtle Beach this past December. Abby will also be playing the part of Lily St. Regis in Briggs Chaney Middle School’s production of Annie.

The Blake High School Stage Company will be presenting Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet March 16th through 24th. KIRSTEN HINES will be playing the part of Benvolio in that production.

AUDRA LANE composed music to accompany the words from Newberry Award-Winning Author Laurel Snyder’s Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains. She worked collaboratively with her instrumental teacher, Mike Allman, who wrote the accompaniment. Audra taught her fellow Bryn Mawr 5th graders the music which they performed for the author at their annual Newberry Luncheon on 3-7-2012.

AUSTIN NIKIRK and her a cappella group from St. James Academy, the Harmonators, will be singing the National Anthem at the Orioles versus the Yankees game on Monday, April 9th at 7:00.

MARISSA THOBE has just finished performing in Shakespeare’s All ’s Well that Ends Well, presented by Redeemer Classical Christian School.  This was her second school play this year. In the fall she performed in the comedy The Mousetrap. U

CCm TO SING BACH’S

St. Matthew PaSSion

On Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 PM, the Children’s Chorus of Maryland

will join the Bach Concert Series for a spectacular performance of Part I of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.  Widely considered to be one of the greatest choral works ever written, the St. Matthew Passion is certainly Bach’s masterpiece, and it is a work of such large scale that it will feature three choirs, two professional Baroque orchestras, and six world-class soloists and will be performed in two parts over two days.  Part II will take place on April 1 at 5:00 PM, at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore.  To purchase tickets, head over to www.BachInBaltimore.org, or call 1-410-941-9262.  The Children’s Chorus of Maryland will receive 30% of the profits from tickets sold to parents, relatives and friends of CCM members.  Please mention your CCM affiliation when ordering tickets. U

S C E N E S F R O M “ S N OW FA N TA S Y ” …

4 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. v

CCM CONCERT CHOIR DEMONSTRATES REHEARSAL TECHNIQUE FOR MARYLAND MUSIC EDUCATORSOn Saturday, CCM’s Concert Choir took a field trip. At 9:30 am, we boarded a Kangaroo Coach and headed downtown to the Inner Harbor where we held our rehearsal at the MMEA (Maryland Music Educator’s Association) state-wide conference. Every year, music educators from all over the state convene for a weekend of performances, conferences, and informational sessions intended to promote professional growth and networking. This year, I was asked to present a session of my choosing on choral music. I told the event planners that I could only be available if they allowed me to bring CCM to the conference. They agreed! It was a windy morning but we bundled up and ate croissants provided by Julian Baron and excitedly chatted on the way to the city. Once there, we were taken to our room where we would spend the next 90 minutes warming up and practicing our music in front of any music teacher who wished to watch our process. Teachers asked questions during the session and were impressed with the students’ musicianship and use of the Kodály method. Many music teachers choose not to use Kodály

syllables (do, re, mi, etc.) when they teach music because it is so time consuming if students are not well-grounded in the Kodály method. Many had their eyes opened to the uniqueness of our approach at music reading and how it empowers the students to make the music themselves rather than just repeat what the piano plays or what

has been demonstrated. One teacher wished we could travel two city blocks over to the hotel where All State Senior Chorus was rehearsing to perform Las Amarillas using solfège syllables. He was astounded at the precision of our students on this tricky rhythmic and melodic piece. He thought the folks over at All State could learn a bit from us. Too bad it wasn’t on our itinerary this time around!At noon, we boarded the bus and traveled home, talking and finishing up Julian’s croissants. It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday rehearsal! Special thanks goes to Ms. Emily Hines, who worked with Lyric Choir for 30 minutes that morning so that I could take attendance and get everyone safely on our way to the conference.I’m a lucky lady to work with your children twice a week!

—Alyson Shirk

How to Do-Re-mi It

M O R E S C E N E S F R O M “ S N OW FA N TA S Y ” …

vol. v, no. v in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 5

october

4 La’Mya Flowers10 Phyllis Jean Lehman11 Meghan Ward 16 Madison Coté22 Alyssa Platt24 Meredith Pepin26 Nina Feliciano

november

1 Mateo Lopez-Castro3 Maija Dixon 12 Sophia Justen13 Carrie Couch 18 Julia Parker19 Jesse Plank24 Julia Michael25 Giulio Katinis 26 Abigail Lo30 Leon Kowalczyk

december

3 Marissa Thobe15 Maya Conneally Sasha Howard16 Noelle Hargrave17 Robert Scott18 Mari Wetherington27 Margaret Kelly

january

5 Kate Halushka11 Ellen Nikirk17 Eli Lehman19 Brian Lee 22 Christopher Plimpton29 Caroline Cook

birthdays

In 1976, CCM’s founding year, Executive Producer of NPR Music and CCM Board Secretary, Anya Grundmann, began her CCM

experience. She was 8-years-old. Seven years later, at age 15, she graduated from CCM. She laughingly recalls feeling conflicted about attending Saturday rehearsals while her friends were home watching cartoons. But as an adult, Anya is well aware of the positive impact CCM had on her life. “It was a unifying moment of excellence for me,” she says. “I was proud to be in CCM and proud of learning to read music using solfa. In fact, I was the only student in my college ear training classes who could!” She sees the CCM experience for children as providing “an emotional outlet mixed with striving to do something well.”Of the many concerts in which Anya sang one stands out. “I remember singing with the Peabody Chamber Ensemble in The Fire and the Mountains. I had a solo,” she smiles. Anya also remembers tours to Canada, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. But most of all, she especially enjoyed performing in operas.As for her fellow choristers, she fondly recalls Carla Finklestein, Nancy Parsons, Laura Powers, Annie Azrael, Jenny Goldman and Jenny Goldberg. “I have kept up with several former CCM

choristers over the years,” says Anya.Anya graduated from Grinnell College as an English major and a member of the Grinnell Singers, and she pursued graduate

studies in musicology at Northern Arizona University. Anya broke into public radio after interning at KNAU, Flagstaff, as an on-air host for live music programs. She has since distinguished herself by using her vision, leadership, creativity and passion to expand the public radio system. “I want to share great music with others,” says Anya with a twinkle, “and find crafty ways to do it.” To learn more about Anya and what she does, go to www.npr.org/people/4828515/anya-grundmann and listen to her explain innovations that together she and her NPR team have made at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2a_mls-mCo.CCM is proud to have had a hand in making a difference in the lives of people who are making a difference in the lives of others!

—Betty Bertaux

ccm alumni profile:Anya Grundmann

L to R: Marianne Meyers, Anya Grundmann, Susan Marshall, circa 1977

Do you know other children who might enjoy the CCM experience? Auditions are being held throughout March and April, following Saturday rehearsals. For specific dates and times, and to sign up for an audition slot, please visit the CCM website: www.ccmsings.org. If you need an audition time other than those available on the website, please call the office at 410-494-1480 or email ccm@ccmsings.org.

Spring Auditions!

6 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. v

No doubt one reason Ms. Alyson was received at CCM with such

celebration last year was that it was an encore performance. As a CCM alumna, Ms. Alyson’s musical education, her passion for research and for choral chemistry, even the polish on her exquisite voice, were influenced by her time at CCM as a teenager. The enthusiasm with which she returned speaks volumes — about her experience here and the quality of the programs CCM offers young musicians. And Ms. Alyson is not alone. Alumni abound at CCM — from the secretary of our Board of Directors, Anya Grundmann, to teacher Suzannah Norris and percussionist Josh Bertaux, former choristers return to CCM every year — bringing with them the skills, passions and talents CCM helped engender. Here are just a few you might meet in the halls of St. Tim’s these days.A chorister from age 6 to 15, intern MORAN BEIDLEMAN’S CCM experiences included international travel, opera performances and even singing for the President of the United States. Today she helps teach our youngest choristers on Saturday mornings and plans to teach music full-time after college.Intern VERONICA PAGE joined CCM at age 9 and graduated in 2010. She credits CCM for inspiring her to audition for and enter the vocal program at the Carver Center for Arts & Technology, and outside of her studies she works with CCM students at every level and jumps in to help wherever she’s needed.

In fact, Veronica has been called upon to guest conduct in a pinch, help fit uniforms, fill in on a piano duet and even pick a broken lock so classes could start on time.JENNIfER MILLER entered CCM at age six and spent ten years here expanding her love and appreciation of music. After college, she was a volunteer substitute teacher at CCM before joining the full-time staff for eight years. Even with a busy family life and full-time position at Loyola Blakefield, Jennifer continues to substitute for our teachers when she can. According to Jennifer, the program, the focus, the discipline and the pure joy of CCM remain unchanged from her time here as a chorister. Administrative Assistant/soprano

soloist MERYEM AHMADIAN started in CCM as a Beginner III and was a member until she graduated in 2005. She began volunteering at CCM during college, in part to give back to the organization that provided her with such a love and understanding of music and which was a huge part of her life while growing up. (She does wish they’d had annual concert choir retreats then!) After a more formal internship, she’s a vital part of the CCM staff

and has a hand in all aspects of CCM—whether it’s keeping the office running smoothly or performing as soprano

soloist at last year’s White House concert. CCM graduate LISA DIVER returned last year to perform in our concert as soprano soloist, singing “Good Morning Baltimore” from Hairspray. She is completing her Master’s degree

in conducting at Westminster Choir College and will be returning to Baltimore in the fall to take the upper school music position at Roland Park Country School, her alma mater. After varied and enriching musical experiences performing chorally with such notables

as Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, and Bryn Terfel, conductors Peter Schreier and Sir Simon Rattle, and the Berlin Philharmonic, she’s thrilled to be returning to her old school, her hometown, and (we hope!) for many future collaborations with CCM. Welcome home, Lisa! Of course, it’s not just choristers who return. CCM Operations Director ANDREA BURGOYNE spent 12 years as a CCM parent and volunteer, shuttling her two choristers to countless rehearsals and performances and working behind the scenes at events year after year. Yet she, too, came back for more, drawn by her own passion for music and devotion to the organization. And where would we be without her?

—Katy Couch

“CCM had a great influence on my decision to continue to study music in high school and college. CCM gave me a great foundation in all aspects of music, including theory, technique and artistry. I was able to take the skills I learned and use them in my advanced music classes…Also, working with Ms. Betty was an amazing journey…She always believed in me and encouraged me, and I learned to have confidence in myself. I think CCM helped me to gain the confidence, strength, and skills to pursue music.”

Admin Assistant Meryem Ahmadian

“I discovered that I wanted to be a children’s chorus director about two or three years ago, and this is completely thanks to CCM. I’m grateful to get to be a part of the organization, and I hope to continue watching CCM grow and flourish for many years to come.”

Intern Veronica Page

Da Capo al Fine Love of music — and memories — bring alumni back to CCM.

“It says so much about an organization when the students don’t want to leave, and some even return in some other capacity. I am so grateful for my time at CCM, both as a student and as a teacher. CCM was and will continue to be a family I will treasure always.”

Former CCM teacher and substitute Jennifer Miller

vol. v, no. v in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland 7

Children’s Chorus of Maryland is funded by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

“I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself, …….what a wonderful world”

Louis Armstrong

This spring, CCM will celebrate our “Colorful World” with a concert devoted to the colorful sound of folk music. Each choir will

perform both an American and World Culture folk song and a popular jazz or Broadway standard. Each piece has been programmed to evoke feeling through colorful texts and beautiful sound. Experience this feast of sight and sound on the theatrical stage of the Bryn Mawr School’s Centennial Hall on April 28th and 29th. This special dual concert presentation will feature discounted ticket prices. Sunday, April 29th’s 3:00 pm concert will go on sale first so be watching for CCM’s emailed invitation to purchase tickets. Once the hall has filled, tickets for Saturday April 28th’s 1:00 pm Family Concert will go on sale. Sunday’s concert will be professionally recorded. Saturday’s Family Concert will be open to audience members of all ages and CCM students will have the opportunity to be the audience for each other’s performances. Come one, come all! U

Colorful World[spring concert preview:]

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8 in tune: the newsletter of the children’s chorus of maryland vol. v, no. v