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Dearest Readers,

Be part of the mission. Make a tax-deductible contribution. Or send checks payable to Myrtle Hart Society to: Myrtle Hart Society, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, Suite 2008S, Chicago IL 60615. If you want to be included in an upcoming edition of the eNewsletter, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click reply to the sender.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Boys Choir of Kenya in Chicago October 13th!
Performance and Fundraiser for Myrtle Hart Society

Named in honor of Myrtle Hart, a late-19^th century African American classical harpist, and formed in 2007, the Myrtle Hart Society publicizes the activities of Black and Latino artists performing classical music and educates the public about the history of the classical community of color. "Few people know that peoples of African descent have over four documented centuries as classical performers and composers. It's our pleasure to bring this little known fact to light by showcasing amazing artists from around the world in print, and now in person," says Rashida N. Black, Founder and Executive Director of the organization.

The highlight of the event will be The Boys Choir of Kenya, appearing in Chicago for the first time since their 2004 debut. The Choir comes to the Windy City as part of a tour of the United States. Touted as "Africa's best choral theatre," the Choir delights audiences with a bevy of selections from classical through Spirituals and Gospel to their own Pan-African traditional and contemporary tunes. 

Admission is $35 per person, cash bar - -payments by cash, credit card or check at the door. Online payments and reservations recommended. Please call Rashida Black at 773.373.2495 or RSVP via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Make checks payable to: Myrtle Hart Society.

The fundraiser and silent auction will be held at The G. R. N'Namdi Gallery, established in 1981 by George N'Namdi in Detroit, Michigan. With locations in Detroit, Chicago and New York, The Gallery is the oldest and largest existing African American owned gallery in the world. 

The Myrtle Hart Society's mission is to provide access to and visibility of world class musicians of color to the general public free of charge (notwithstanding special events). For more information about the MHS's fundraiser and reception featuring The Boys Choir of Kenya, visit www.myrtlehart.org.

Videmus announces the recent release of Good News solo songs and spirituals of Roland Hayes, Margaret Bonds, Harry Burleigh, and  Hall Johnson available exclusively through Videmus Records. Performers include baritone Robert Honeysucker, soprano Louise Toppin, mezzo-soprano Ruth Hamilton and pianist and arranger Vivian Taylor. This isn't the first time that Ms. Taylor and Mr. Honeysucker have performed together. This New York Times article reviews their 1984 "Explorer Series," which featured music by black and women composers.

From the liner notes: This project brings together some of the gems of the pioneers of African American art songs and spirituals (Hall Johnson,Roland Hayes,Harry Burleigh and Margaret Bonds). The vision of Videmus founder and pianist Vivian Taylor was to pair the music with the soulful spiritual singing of Ruth Hamilton,the rich baritone of Robert Honeysucker and the bell-like soprano of Louise Toppin. Good News was Vivian Taylor's last project as director of Videmus and the last project that Ruth Hamilton recorded. This recording is dedicated to her memory (1922-2001).

Tracks:
Johnson
Ride on King Jesus (1951)
Way up in Heaven (1930)
Hold On (1930)
Ain't Got time to Die (1955)

Burleigh
I hear his Footstep (Saracen Songs-1914) 1:25
Three Shadows (1916)
My Lord what a Mornin' (1918)
Give me Jesus (1926)

Burleigh/Taylor
Ev'ry Time I feel de Spirit (1925)

Hayes
Good News (1948)
Po'Pilgrim (1948)
Let my People Go (1948)

Bonds
Stopping by Woods on a snowy (1957)
(poet: Robert Frost)
I'll reach to Heaven (1946)
Sit down Servant (1946)
Feast (1965)
To a Brown Girl Dead (1933)
Spring will be so Sad (1941)
I got a Home in that Rock (1959)

Johnson
Le's have a Union (1954)
Jesus, Lay your Head (1930)

Johnson/Taylor
Spiritual Quodlibet

Review of Music from the Inside Out
By Amy Hondo

In making the documentary Music from the Inside Out (2004), David Anker collaborated with the musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra over a period of five years.  The film profiles a handful of the orchestra's 105 musicians through individual interviews, group discussions, and a variety of performances.  The movie's soundtrack covers a wide range, from standard orchestral fare to contemporary compositions by Tan Dun, as well as salsa, blue-grass, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons on accordion.  Ostensibly, music is at the center of this film, and the members of the orchestra are the means for exploring the power and mystery of the medium.  The glowing panorama of a celebrated orchestra and its great players is framed by a series of open-ended questions (e.g. What is music? How did you become a musician?  How do individuals fit together to make an orchestra?)   However, the film is so polished and controlled that these compelling questions are resolved in pat story-telling that skims the surface rather than delving into the rich and complicated tapestry of life, musicianship, and music.  

Throughout, the musicians are identified by first name only (if at all): the soloist who transitioned to orchestra work, a violinist who rebelled by becoming a musician instead of a doctor, the ex-jazz musician who took up marathon running, and a trombone player who moonlights in salsa clubs. The point seems to be that orchestra musicians have identities outside of orchestral music, but is this really a surprise?  Each story is potentially powerful, but the film sticks with a vague who and what, moving on before exploring the complications of why and how.  

For example, a violist shares that he came to his instrument almost by accident-he wanted to play violin, but there were only violas left in the school's instrument closet.  What a great entry point into the role of education and access! Unfortunately, the story ends too soon.  Similarly, an Israeli cellist tells of his collaborations with a Palestinian guitarist.  But the film quickly resolves any tension by telling us the musicians "don't talk about politics."  If there is no underlying political motivation, then why seek out a politically defined collaboration?  Why, then, it is important to bring together people from both backgrounds through music?  But rhythm of the film does not have time for this exploration.

The film teases the audience with profound questions like "What is Music?", but does not trust the audience with complex responses.   Through voiceovers, and snippets of group and individual interviews, we are left with the impression that music is many things, but with little indication that there are differences of opinion.  We learn that working in an orchestra involves being an individual and a team player, but learn little of how this works (or when it doesn't work).   The film shares anecdotes about the musicians' paths of musical development, but offers scant insight into the cultural, social, or economic issues that paved their way. 

In a great performance, the audience has the luxury of being consumed by only the music; the blood, sweat, and tears of production are hidden entirely from view.  Unlike a musical performance, this kind of documentary is intended to focus on the world behind the scenes.  Music from the Inside Out, never entirely pulls the curtain aside.  Instead, it chooses safe stories and sound bytes that leave the performances intact but the overall story unsatisfied.  Perhaps it is unfair to criticize this film for what it is not, for what it could have been.  Ultimately, this is a good, solid film that offers a nice, safe, introduction to classical music. However, musicians and ardent music lovers know that there is far more drama, discipline, tedium, and joy driving the art form.  An honest and fearless look into that would have made for a great documentary.

Amy Hondo, NYC, is a writer interested in the intersections of public education, the arts, and social justice.

Sonata

Set in chordal mystique -
The E-flat of Mozart's Magic Flute
Mirrored in Haydn's Creation
Of Beethoven's Pathétique

A roving caprice prologued
In salutation. Fanfare. Lament. Libation
A singular melody in song discernible
Deliberate. Decibels undulating
Weaving like a tapestry
Aural maze of tonal columns
Structured in Abyssinia
Modulating

Benign. Terse
Sublime. Surprise. Riddled
In apt dynamics, nuance
And contrapuntal balance
A kaleidoscope of pulse
Space. Cadence...Silence
Unfurled. Repeating
Like a Classical Sonata

Onward, developing. Traversing
Episoding, climaxes deferred
Cresting. Caressing
Luscious rubato bridging
Romantic nirvanas
Where worlds yet unknown
Spring forth in virgin blooms
Like bougainvillea at high morn

Of sparkling rays
Bristling colors
Sifting prisms, crystal
Yet refracting impressionisms
Nationalisms, minimalisms
In omnitonal sonisms
Recapitulating. Culminating:
A coda of contrapuntal balance
A kaleidoscope of pulse
Space. Cadence...and silence
Unfurled. Repeating
Like a Classical Sonata

- Derf Erkab  

For listings in the Philadelphia area, visit http://astro.temple.edu/~rgreene/musicphilly/printcalendar.pdf

Mr. Watts also performs on Friday, October 10 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, October 11 at 8:00 pm in Eastman Theatre with Rochester Philharmonic. Program: Shostakovich: Festive Overture; Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"; and Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 "New World." Christopher Seaman, conductor.

Branford Marsalis performs Filharmonia Brasileira on Friday, October 3 at 8:00 pm with Seattle Symphony.

Baritone Donnie Ray Albert performs with Rhode Island Philharmonic on Friday, October 17 at 5:30 pm (Open Rehearsal) and Saturday, October 18 at 8:00 pm. Program: Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer, Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 (Scottish) and Wagner: Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. Larry Rachleff, conductor.

Soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme performs with the Cincinnati Symphony on Friday, October 17 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, Octber 18 at 8:00 pm. Program: Mahler Symphony No. 2, Resurrection. Gilbert Kaplan, conductor.

Violinist Tai Murray performs with the Cincinnati Symphony on Friday, October 31 at 11:00 am. Program: Dvorak Scherzo capriccioso, Barber violin concerto and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5. Leonid Grin, conductor.

We hear wedding bells!! Congratulations to tenor Cornelius Johnson III and Malene Minor as they start their lives together as husband and wife. Send them your well-wishes and sign their guestbook.

Get your tickets to see The Sphinx Laureates at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00 pm. Purchase tickets online or call 212-247-7800.

John "Adidam" Littlejohn announces the Psalm Fresh EPK Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7vCHrMnx8Q) on YouTube! Combining live strings with DJ and drums, Psalm Fresh is creating a whole new market. They are currently booking for 2009, so if you're interested in bringing Psalm Fresh to your town/venue, contact Thrive City Productions, Phone:  778-297-1213; E-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Web:  www.AdidamMusic.com. For more videos please visit the Thrive City Channel on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/ThriveCityProduction).

Sunday Salon Series, Ongoing, Sundays at 3:00 pm in Preston Bradley Hall. This weekly series explores the rich landscape of classical music, from familiar Western orchestral compositions to contemporary improvisational forms and international classical traditions, plus family friendly programs. Be sure to check out the Latino Music Festival: Millennium Chamber Players on October 12. This performance includes works by Carlos Chávez, Silvestre Revueltas, Rubén González, Paquito D'Rivera, Gustavo Leone and Elbio Barilari.

A Midnight Cry: The Underground Railroad to Freedom
Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm in the Claudia Cassidy Theater
In this musical by James DeVita, whisperings of a railroad helping slaves get to the free states seemed to good to be true to young Lida Anderson. But with the help of other slaves, abolitionists and her family, Lida risks everything to be free. Leaving behind the only life she knows, she embarks on a dangerous journey out of slavery to freedom. This program is part of the educational initiatives surrounding the Auditorium Theater's November 2008 production of Margaret Garner and is presented by the Auditorium's Department of Creative Engagement.

The Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

With seminars in Boston, MA (Saturday, October 18), Charlotte, NC (Saturday, November 08), Dayton, OH (Saturday, October 11), Glenn Dale, MD (Saturday, October 25), and Chicago, IL (Saturday, November 01). Check web site for more information giamusic.com/aacms.

"MUSIC AND THE ARTS: STILL OUR ONLY FUTURE"

"Music and the Arts: Still Our Only Future"

A William Grant Still Tribute Conference

November 19-22, 2009

Historic Downtown Natchez, Mississippi

Over 400 prominent music educators from colleges, universities, and conservatories throughout the United States and abroad are expected to attend this inaugural event.

Call Dr. Wendy Hymes or Ms. Ablawa Reine at 314-652-6800 for registration and general logistics questions. (Scholarly papers, lecture-recital proposals no longer accepted.)

Looking for an orchestra job? Need to fill a position? Musical Chairs.

Grantwriter
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark NJ)

The Grantwriter position requires excellent writing and comprehension skills and entails creating proposals, reports and acknowledgments to help strengthen NJPAC's relationships with current and new donors--primarily foundations and government entities.  The Grantwriter maintains an accurate calendar of deadlines in Raiser's Edge related to foundation and government proposals; gathers information cross-departmentally such as program details, digital images, and financial data; and writes proposals and reports. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resumé to: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Human Resources Department Code: GW, One Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102, E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Fax 973 642 5484.

Opera New Jersey is looking for a dynamic individual who has five years or more successful senior management experience to join our team as Director of Business Operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, The Director of Business Operations translates corporate vision and strategy into organizational policies, directives and procedures and then integrates them into a coherent framework.  This individual is also responsible for ensuring the execution of all day-to-day tasks necessary to achieve the company's mission and vision.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership and communication skills.

Qualified applicants please send your resume and cover letter, including salary history and expectations, to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Indicate the job title "Director Business Operations" in the subject line. Only those applicants who meet our requirements for this position will be contacted.

Administrator
SEM Ensemble (Brooklyn NY)

S.E.M. Ensemble seeks administrator/manager for Ensemble & Orchestra (w/international schedule). Only serious people dedicated to new music! Flexible hours, salary is miserable but workable. Office located in Brooklyn Heights. Petr Kotik, Artistic Director, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it w/copy to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

The Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music, a comprehensive community music school with more than 5,000 students, seeks an organized and experienced part-time Grants Coordinator for its Brooklyn (Park Slope) location. The Grants Coordinator reports to the Executive Director, and is responsible for coordinating and executing grants research, writing, renewals, and reports.  Periodic database management and the generation of acknowledgment letters will also be part of the position.

Salary commensurate with experience. Health and dental benefits are offered. Position is available immediately. Email cover letter and resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail to:
Aaron Felder, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 58 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

Operations and Marketing Manager for renowned choral organization. Position requires: Exceptional computer skills and ability to learn new systems mandatory, with box office and online ticketing experience ideal.  Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.  Exceptional customer service skills. Participation in developing and implementing marketing strategies. Send resume to Emma Palzere-Rae, Chorus of Westerly, 119 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891.  Review of applications begins September 22.

The University of California, Berkeley invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Cal Performances, available in summer 2009. Cal Performances has an annual operating budget of $15.5 million, with a full-time staff of 68, a part-time staff of 110, and more than 200 volunteers. A Board of Trustees provides oversight, guidance, advocacy and financial support for programs and activities. The Director of Cal Performances provides the overall artistic vision, executive leadership, direction and management for the organization and ensures that Cal Performances achieves its goals for artistic excellence, financial stability, audience development, and community engagement.   Supported by a strong senior staff, the Director is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the operation, including planning; programming; marketing and public relations; budgeting and financial management; board development; fundraising; facilities; and human resource management. The Director represents Cal Performances within the University and with external communities.

Please send applications, preferably in electronic form as PDF or MS Word files, to:
Cal Performances Search Committee, c/o Catherine French Group, 2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623, Washington, DC  20007, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Recording Academy, celebrating 50 years of honoring achievements in music through the GRAMMY Awards, has an exciting opportunity available for an Project Manager, Classical Awards in Santa Monica, CA.

Reporting to the Director of Awards, the Project Manager will manage the GRAMMY Awards process for the Classical music genre. This includes online entries, eligibility verification, genre screening, the nomination process and database management. This person will also coordinate key meetings and events including the classical screenings and review meetings and the Salute to Classical Music event.

The Recording Academy offers an attractive compensation package, which includes a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

How to apply: Riverside Symphonia, 6035 Stoney Hill Road, New Hope, PA 18938, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Riverside Symphonia This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Reporting directly to the Director of the School of Music, the Associate Director for Administration assists the director and works closely with the Dean and Associate Dean of the College of the Arts. The Associate Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the School, including matters related to budget, staffing, planning, facilities, admissions, faculty assignments and course scheduling, registration and permit issues, scholarships, website and student information, preparatory and extension division programs, accreditation, special events, and concert/recital scheduling.

No electronic submissions, please.
Dr. Ronald Sharps, Montclair St Univ, 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
http://www.montclair.edu/hr/jobs.html

Live Arts seeks Director of Development and Community, with principal responsibility for all fundraising and special events, as well as team leader for education, marketing, and outreach. This loving builder of relationships, fearless closer, and strong leader will take an already exceptional set of programs to the next level. Live Arts has a successful 18-year history of forging community around live theater. Competitive salary, full benefits package, high energy work environment. Successful candidates have a solid history in fundraising and development and a passion for both the arts and this community. E-mail submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to Development Search, PO Box 1231, Charlottesville, 22902. No calls, please. EOE. Live Arts, 123 East Water Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: http://www.livearts.org/

Music Travel Management
Classical Movements, Inc. (Alexandria, VA)

Help us bring music to the world. Focused on custom travel for major symphony orchestras and choruses, Classical Movements, Inc. seeks an experienced group tour management professional for our Alexandria, VA office.

Your enthusiasm, adaptability and detail-oriented work ethic will help you succeed at planning and managing travel itinerary logistics, hotel contract negotiation, airline ticketing (Apollo-will train), liaising with clients, and managing billing with clients and vendors. Some projects require booking concert venues and coordinating promotion for performances. Occasional travel (US or International) to manage logistics on tour for clients.

Successful candidates must possess ability to multi-task, thrive under pressure, and interact professionally with high-profile clients. College degree plus experience as tour director of large groups, event planner, or tour operator desired. MS Word & Excel a must. Foreign language (esp. Italian or Spanish) and interest in music a plus. Base salary, medical coverage, and opportunity for professional growth. Help our prestigious clients bring their music to world-wide audiences. Address: 319 Cameron St, Alexandria VA 22314. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Web site: http://www.ClassicalMovements.com

Administrative Assistant
Opera/Vocal Management Offices
Columbia Artists Management Inc. (New York, NY)

CAMI seeks career-minded individuals, with a passion for the performing arts, to fill the position of Administrative Assistant to a Manager with an active roster of high profile vocal soloists and conductors. Please forward resume and cover letter to: 1790 Broadway, 16th Floor New York, NY 10019, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: http://eee.cami.com

Administration, Band, Bass, Brass, Choral Conducting, Church Music/Organ, Composition, Early Music, Ethnomusicology, Guitar, Jazz, Keyboard, Music Education, Music History, Music Theory, Musicology, Opera, Orchestra, Orchestral Conducting, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Summer only, Theater, Various Area, Voice, and Woodwind.

MUSIC@MENLO, the San Francisco Peninsula's chamber music festival, is currently seeking a Development Associate. This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible position and reports to the Development Manager. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and have outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills. The Development Associate will have an opportunity to serve as the public's first point of contact with one of classical music's leading organizations of international stature.

Qualified applicants please forward a hardcopy resume and cover letter to: Sally Takada, Development Manager, Music@Menlo, 50 Valparaiso Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027. Fax: (650) 330-2016. Find out more by visiting the organization's web site»

FUNdamentals of Music and Movement is hiring a part time Music and Dance teacher to teach Saturday morning Dance classes in Westchester County, NY. * Individual will be trained on our curriculum and music. *Individual should have experience with autistic children. *Individuals should have experience in Jazz based dance classes and will be able to incorporate their curriculum. *Individual hired will have the option of teaching more schools in Westchester and Manhattan immediately. Please email your cover letter in the body of an email with attached resume to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

The Office of Arts & Cultural Programming (ACP) at Montclair State University in New Jersey seeks an experienced Audio Engineer. ACP produces Peak Performances @ Montclair in the Alexander Kasser Theater, a state of art multi-use performance facility and the historic MSU Amphitheater. The Audio Engineer is responsible for all sound & video equipment in the Kasser Theater inventory and supervises ACP's recording studio.   The position reports to ACP's Production Manager while working with ACP's Technical Director to support performances in the Kasser Theater and Amphitheater including advancing, preparing, running, and striking productions. A complete job description is available at www.montclair.edu/hr/Jobs.html.  Send resume to: Montclair State University, Human Resources, Box CO 316 - Position V# 424, Montclair, NJ 07043.

LPAC Lab is committed to making sure that performers can find a stage, rehearsal room, skilled technicians, and encouraging audience members to develop their original work in progress. Our focus is to forge relationships with NYC based artists and companies whose work relates to multiculturalism and issues of social justice, as well as offering performing arts companies and artists the opportunity to develop and perform their work.

Artists must submit the following: one page artistic statement, half page description of proposed project, an excerpt of script ( if applicable) not to exceed 5 pages, bio or resume of primary artist(s), work sample request for dates for Little Theatre. Please send your materials to: Handan Ozbilgin, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Room E241, LIC/NY 11101.

These grants sponsor artist residencies in non-school settings where K-12 youth work with artists outside of the school environment during the school year. These settings include community/neighborhood centers, low-income housing projects, juvenile facilities, social service centers, after school programs, summer programs, parks/recreation programs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other community-based or governmental organizations or institutions that provide facilities and guidance during non-school hours. Artists may relate their art form to K-12 curriculum areas or to lessons on character building. AIE: After School/Summer Residency Grant Program, Ms. Cynthia Haas, Arts in Education Program Manager, Phone: (501) 324-9769, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Address: 1500 Tower Bldg., 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Fax: (501)324-9207. General Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Website: http://www.arkansasarts.com. Executive Director: Ms. Joy Pennington