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Dearest Readers,

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Rashida N. Black and the Boys Choir of Kenya Photo Credit: Foster Garvin, Jr.

Concert Review: 'The Boys Choir of Kenya'
By Quinton McArthur

Chicago, IL
October 13, 2008: The audience was charged at the G.R. N'Namdi Gallery in anticipation of the evening's concert by the Boys Choir of Kenya. Mrs. Selma White, an attendee sitting closest to the stage, wondered aloud if the African choir could also sing Palestrina in addition to the usual sample of Classical repertoire. The very idea that native songs and European art music would be sung consecutively dazzled in her eyes.  Other audience members also seemed interested to know how these two seemingly separate elements co-mingled. These inquiries mixed with the resolve to research ignited the Myrtle Hart Society (MHS) into existence in 2007--because, let's not forget, composer Scott Joplin was known to sample the African traditional instruments of the mbira, kora and balafon for some of his later works. Oh, you didn't know that? Well, then it is for you that MHS was founded as an educational not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of people of color in classical music. MHS offers the general public access to over 400 years of the black presence in classical music.

Dr. Fred Onovwersuoke ("FredO"), founder of the St. Louis African Chorus, introduced the Choir's diverse repertoire, which opened with "Egoko," a Kikuyu initiation chant. He explained that the Boys Choir of Kenya had joined the ranks of the most toured groups in the world - the October tour was their third US tour in 2008 alone! He attributed this success to the group's artistic philosophy, discipline and dedication. FredO ranked the ensemble amongst the Harlem Boys Choir of New York and the Vienna Boys Choirs of Austria, adding that the Boys Choir of Kenya is second to none in the realm of groups that can perform diverse repertoire with ease. It was through his connection with MHS as a classical composer that the Choir was able to journey to Chicago, a city they hadn't visited since 2004 and  in which they were not scheduled to appear this year.

The Boys Choir of Kenya, dressed in brownish traditional garbs, opened the program with solo flute and voices, tapping rhythms with rainsticks, later accompanied by a sole drummer. Throughout the evening, the Choir seamlessly shifted from chants to chorales to complexly composed pieces and back to roots music. Audience members danced in their seats, in the aisles and often among the performers, a sight which enchanted and invigorated the Choir! The second wardrobe change, into black slacks with white button down shirts and black cowboy hats, ushered in a new and western American feel. Choreographed dance routines elicited squeals of delight from female audience members, for whom some of the numbers were dedicated. Between songs, one of the performers interacted with the audience - giving translations and describing the context of the songs presented by the group.

During a brief intermission for the Choir's third costume change, MHS founder and Executive Director, Rashida N. Black, entertained the crowd with dances led by African Chorus' Ablawa Reine and joined by Chicago-newcomer cellist Tahirah Whittington. To conclude the evening, the Choir decked themselves in brilliant Massai tribal reds, with shields and spears to match, and offered powerful traditional chants with audience interaction. Such was the visual feast and choral theatre only experienced at a concert by the unbeatable Boys Choir of Kenya. It was clearly a fulfilling acclamation for the diversity of black arts and culture.

In her closing speech, Ms. Black spoke briefly about the need for support of positive black images and lamented the absence of the media to capture an event of such power and pristine artistry by young black men. She noted that the larger society ought to notice positive expressions  in the community and  put an effort to make the images more visible and accessible. The program also included a raffle of three pairs of Chicago Sinfonietta tickets, which the organization hoped would encourage participation in and support for the classical community of color. It was an extravaganza of epic proportions. [Video of the event can be found on YouTube.]

Quinton McArthur is an arts aficionado who resides in Cambridge, MA.

Two works of the 1930s, Virgil Thomson's Four Saints in Three Acts and George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, were more than merely operas for black performers--they were milestones in the history of black music. Gershwin's Porgy, advertised as "An American Folk Opera," received its premiere in Boston in September 1935 and opened in New York on October 10, 1935. DuBoise and Dorothy Heywood wrote the libretto, basing it on Heywood's novel Porgy and the later play of the same title. Ira Gershwin, George's brother, contributed most of the lyrics. Gershwin had spent the summer of 1934 in Charleston, South Carolina, working on his opera about black folk life on that city's imaginary Catfish Row and absorbing the musical sounds. He paid particular attention to the Gullahs on James Island, whose folkways seems close to the African tradition, and the Holy Roller prayer meeting that he attended left an indelible impression upon him. The summer's experiences enabled him to give the music of his opera an authenticity that helped make it an American masterpiece.

Porgy and Bess served as a showcase for talented singers from the time of its first production in 1935 through its numerous revivals in later years. Todd Duncan (b. 1903) was the first black male to sing with a major opera company. He came to the experience with excellent credentials; after obtaining his musical education at Butler University in Indianapolis (B.A.) and Columbia University Teachers College (M.A.) he studied privately. Thereafter he toured as a concert baritone, sang in several Broadway musicals, and sang in films. In 1934 he made his debut in Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana at the Mecca Temple in New York; in 1935 he created the role of Porgy in Porgy and Bess in New York; and in 1944 he made his concert debut at New York's Town Hall.

Soprano Anne Brown (b. 1915) created the role of Bess in the 1935 production. She obtained her musical training at Morgan College in Baltimore and at the Institute of Musical Art in New York (now the Juilliard School of Music). After her debut in Porgy and Bess she sang in Broadway musicals and, later, in revivals of Porgy. [The Music of Black Americans: A History. Eileen Southern. W. W. Norton & Company; 3rd edition.]

From The Music Designer's Studio

Composer Nkeiru Okoye says, "Come and Go with Me"

She's riding the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman to Hickory, NC, and invites music lovers of all ages to jump on board for an exciting world premiere 

Sporting hip hugging jeans on her near 6' frame, and an engaging smile that flashes across pecan brown skin, Nkeiru Okoye rewrites the notion of what composers are - literally.  The classically trained Ph.D. believes in writing music as a means to bring people of all backgrounds to the symphony.  With a style that incorporates classical training with mainstream influences (pop, R&B, gospel, jazz, and world music), her compositions have a built-in appeal to diverse audiences. 

It must be working.  Okoye's music has been performed on four continents; and she reigns supreme as the most performed African American woman in symphonic music.  While she enjoys the attention of major symphonies (the Philadelphia Orchestra and Detroit Symphony have performed her most popular piece, Voices Shouting Out; and the Moscow Symphony recorded her The Journey of Phillis Wheately,) most of her compositions begin in the more intimate setting of community concerts. 

"I set out to write a quick piece about Tubman - using spirituals and based on some fictitious midnight escape that ends with "Go Down Moses."  But that piece had already been written - many times, and besides... inside, I knew she deserved better.  So I researched Tubman, and found out that her true story was more powerful than anything made up." 

Whoever thought music about Harriet Tubman could be so joyful?

###

Western Piedmont Symphony presents "Freedom Road!" on Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 pm at the Ridgeview Music Festival, Hickory, NC. Program: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor-The Bamboula, Op. 75 (9'), William Grant Still-Summerland  (3'), Nkeiru Okoye-Songs of Harriet Tubman, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson-Mop, Mop (8') and Ulysses Kay-Southern Harmony (20'). For ticket information:  call 828-324-8603 or visit http://www.wpsymphony.org/

If you would like to schedule an interview with Nkeiru Okoye, please call Kevin Smoot at 678.698.2970

Ted Clayton, Carnegie Hall - Philip Glass' "Einstein on the Beach"

Bronx born and raised musician, producer and engineer Ted Clayton is also the founder of The Encore Music Forum, a New York City based concert series program dedicated to the exposure, promotion, and support of the top emerging classical, contemporary, jazz, and new age musicians. Their mission is to build a respectable and reputable outlet for the future of new musicians through collaboration, networking, and performance.

The Encore Music Forum aims to attract new and diverse listeners as well as proactively function as the leading liaison between classical and popular music. Clayton has worked with the following classical artists: Philip Glass, Bernard Augustin (Cello), Matrix Music Collaborators, Gavin Keese (Composer), Karen Satterthwaite (Cello), Eric V. Hachikian (Composer), Katrina R. Thompson (Harp), Ryan Tully (Composer), Jiseon Kim (Violin), Sheryl Lee (Piano), Eshantha Joseph Peiris (Piano), Avery Brooks (Composer), Irantzu Agirre (Harp), Jeanette Wong (Composer), Joyce Chan (Viola), and Enrique Castro (Percussion).

Harpist Brandee Younger performs in The Encore Music Forum Premiere Concert on Thursday, November 20 at 8:00 pm in Nabi Art Gallery, 137 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001.

Canons

Pachelbel Canon
Palestrina Masses, Byrd
Gibbons and Tallis
The Four Seasons of Vivaldi
As was Buxtehude's passacaglia
Canon reigned in the Sarabandes
Ecossaises and gigues

Revolving doors
Reflecting mirrors
Echoes, reverberations
Lines of sight
Cascading notes
Perched and perked
On hallowed beams

Canon on piano rolls
Skips, cakewalk and arpeggios
Seductive dances
On ledgered staircases
Into the upper room
Where Coltrane's horn crooned
In angst and passion on Ellington's
Lounge, felts of dampers
Caressing, clawed
On moaning strings

Canon on Bach's Inventions
Debussy's romantic impressions
Schonberg's 12-Tone permutations
And Ives' multitonal imaginations
Which for Cage and Glass
Was a shattered ceiling of parodies
Rippling waves, deepening troughs
Heaving crests and sinking sands
In destined time, note upon note
Line upon line, space within space

Blaring brass, snares and kit-hats
A Hanson mute on a lead trumpet
Beckoning Josephine Baker
In Paris, while Katharine Dunham
Trotted the globe from the banks
Of the Mississippi in East St. Louis
But William Grant-Still already
Was conjuring sessions in Hollywood:
Ask Ulysses Kay and George Walker
What they heard The Dean say

Canon is where couched
Proud, beautiful and elegant
Florence Price, courted
As Margaret Bonds sauntered
In girlie gait on the floraled
Corridors of concert halls
In Little Rock and Chicago

LEMMA
Now you have me wandering
Meandering and wondering
Why a Chopin's Mazurka
And a Joplin's lilting Rag
Get play on segregated dials

But I sing of canons and odes
To the likes of Gillespie's cornet
Spotted by dazzling neon lights
Charlie Parker's ricochets:
The advent and heydays
Of Bebop and Afro-Cuban

I chant of canons laid
And canons deferred
Till each one the other tell
Of canon blues riding the wings
Of yesterday, soaring into
The blue skies of tomorrow

Now, go tell it: tell it
On mountains and rooftops
That the voices of new canons
Open new diapasons, resounding
In songs, rhythms and dances

 - Derf Erkab  

Arthur Woodley

Warren Symphony Orchestra presents "America, the Melting Pot," an homage to Hispanic and African-American migrants featuring William Grant Still's Darker America on Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 pm in Macomb Center for Performing Arts.

Pianist Stewart Goodyear performs with the Chicago Symphony on November 6-8 at 8:00 pm. Program: Purcell - Suite from King Arthur, Hummel - Piano Concerto in A Minor, Handel - Concerto grosso in G Minor and Mozart - Symphony No. 33. He also performs on Thursday, November 20 at 8:00 pm, Friday, November 21 at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 pm in Verizon Hall with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Program: Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482 and Bruckner - Symphony No. 4 ("Romantic").

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, in association with Michigan Opera Theatre, proudly presents the Chicago Debut of MARGARET GARNER: A NEW AMERICAN OPERA IN TWO ACTS. This performance will feature mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves for whom the opera was originally written, and mezzo-soprano Tracie Luck, libretto by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, music by Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour. It is directed by Kenny Leon, conducted by Stefan Lano and orchestrated by the Chicago Sinfonietta, an ensemble dedicated to inclusiveness and innovation in high quality classical music. Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 2 at 3 pm (gala performance), Thursday, November 6 at 7 pm, Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm. Price: $150, $120, $85, $55, $40. Save 20% on tickets in price levels 2-5 to the Chicago premiere of Margaret Garner on November 6, 8 and 9 performances by using promotional code GARNER*.  * Not valid on previously purchased tickets. May not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. 

Violinist Tai Murray performs with the Cincinnati Symphony on Saturday, November 1 at 8:00 pm. Program: Dvorak Scherzo capriccioso, Barber violin concerto and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5. Leonid Grin, conductor.

Clayton Penrose-Whitmore

15-year-old violinist Clayton Penrose-Whitmore featured in Chicago Defender.

Attention musicians! 98.7 WFMT is soliciting additional bookings for 2009. 

98.7 WFMT-FM ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

LIVE FROM THE MORSE 

New series to air live Sundays 11AM - 12 Noon from The Morse Theatre, the new state-of-the-art venue in Rogers Park.

Chicago, IL- 98.7 WFMT-FM Chicago's Classical Experience has announced artist bookings through December for their new chamber music series Live from The Morse,which will originate at 11 AM Sunday mornings from the exciting new midsize performance venue in The Morse Theatre located at 1330 W. Morse Avenue in Chicago's Rogers Park.

98.7 WFMT will be broadcasting chamber music performed by the area's top ensembles Sundays in front of a live audience.  The 299-seat Morse Theatre has a 48 track digital live broadcast environment which was designed in consultation with our team of engineers to meet the high standards required for the proper presentation of acoustically oriented music. The seating arrangements are informal and relaxed -- The Morse combines the intimacy and ambience of a classic nightclub with the focus of a modern concert venue. 

Tickets will be $10.00 and a continental breakfast will be included. Tickets are available at www.themorse.com or by calling 773 654 5100. Please also visit www.WFMT.com for further information.

Current bookings include: Sonic Inertia (Nov. 2); The International Chamber Artists (Nov. 9); Members of The New Millennium Orchestra (Nov. 16); The Amazonas Trio (Nov. 23); The Chicago Ensemble (Nov. 30); The Norwegian Singers (Dec 7); Winston Choi, piano (Dec. 14). 

Contact: Gerry Fisher, 98.7 WFMT-FM
773.279.2121
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Created by Delta State University Charles W. Capps, Jr. Archives and Museum

William Grant Still (May 11, 1895 - December 3, 1978) was an African-American classical composer, born in Woodville, Mississippi, who wrote more than 150 compositions. He was the first African-American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, the first to have a symphony of his own (his first symphony) performed by a leading orchestra, the first to have an opera performed by a major opera company, and the first to have an opera performed on national television. He is often referred to as "the dean" of African-American composers.

And more to come!!!

With seminars in Charlotte, NC (Saturday, November 8) and Chicago, IL (Saturday, November 1). Check web site for more information giamusic.com/aacms.

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.

Musician/Composers for Modern Technique and Choreography
Princeton University (Princeton NJ)

Musicians/composers need to possess strong classical and/or Jazz training in percussion, piano or another instruments. Ability to play multiple instruments, collaborate with faculty and compose for student choreography a must. In addition, a broad knowledge of all music repertory necessary to recommend pieces for choreography. Please apply online:
https://jobs.princeton.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=57073 Deadline: 11/24/2008

University Vocal Competition (For high school students)
Classical Singer Magazine (Chicago IL)

The University Vocal Competition '09 begins with the First Round held May 29, 2009.
The Competition registration fee of $75 covers all rounds of the Competition, a ticket to the finale concert and Winners Reception at the Classical Singer Convention '09, plus a free subscription to Classical Singer magazine. The competition time for each student can be found on the official competition welcome letter. E-mail Becky Stoddard with any questions. For general questions about Repertoire Selection, At the Competition, Scholarships & Cash Prizes, e-mail Classical Singer for more information. Singers must bring a list, preferably word processed, with the singer's name and the titles and composers of the three selections. Students from the United States must be a University student between 18 and 25 years of age on May 31, 2009.

Submit application fee of $75 upon registration using the online credit card form below, or by mailing to: Classical Singer Magazine, ATTN: High School Competition, PO Box 1710, Draper, Utah 84020. Registration fees must be received before participating in the competition. An accompanist will be provided; however, participants may bring their own if they wish. If you are providing your own accompanist, please make us aware of this before your competition time is assigned. Participation will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once all competition times are filled, registration will be closed. www.classicalsinger.com Deadline: 12/17/2008

Inaugural Composition Competitions
Volitional Music (Medford MA)

Contemporary classical music label, now accepting new and unpublished works from composers worldwide.
Six inaugural competitions to celebrate our 2009 launch:
1. Best New Multi-Movement Miniature
Competition for best new short multi-movement work. Arrangement for solo instrument, duet, or trio.
2. Best New Piece of Night Music
Competition for best new nocturne, berceuse, or other work evocative of the night. Any instrumentation.
3. Best New Arrangement for Solo Piano: Suite No 1 for Two Pianos, Op 5 No 1, Sergei Rachmaninoff
Competition for best new arrangement for solo piano of the two-piano barcarolle movement of Rachmaninoff's Op 5.
4. Best New Arrangement of Any Work by J.S. Bach
Competition for best new arrangement for solo piano of any work or theme by Johann Sebastian Bach.
5. Best New Set of Variations
Competition for best new set of three or more variations on an existing work or theme composed prior to the year 1900. Arrangement for any instrument or group of instruments.
6. Best New Interpretation of an Existing Work, Solo Piano
Competition for best radically new interpretation of an existing work without substantial alteration to the underlying notes. Solo piano instrumentation only.

Award: $500. All top entries will be offered an opportunity to publish and record with Volitional Music. One winning entry will also receive a US$500 prize. Deadline is December 25, 2008. Application Instructions: Volitional Music, PO Box 984, Medford, MA 02155 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Web site: http://volitionalmusic.com/vm/ Deadline: 12/25/2008.

Assistant/Associate Professor
Texas Lutheran University (Seguin TX)

Anticipated rank is Assistant/Associate Professor. Salary is competitive; benefits are excellent. For more information, consult our web site at http://www.tlu.edu. Texas Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA's 28 colleges and universities value and practice academic freedom and prepare women and men for lives of leadership and service in a diverse world. Start Date: August 2009. Strong preference will be given to candidates who meet the above qualifications and who also offer the following: ·Teaching experience ·Recruiting experience ·Performance experience ·Suzuki certification and Suzuki teaching experience

Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, an audio recording or DVD of recent solo performance, and five references (names, addresses, and telephone numbers) to: Dr. Nick Lockard, Dean College of Professional Studies, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court Street, Seguin, Texas 78155. Phone: 830-372-6060 FAX: 830-372-6065 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: http://www.tlu.edu/hr/ Deadline: 12/31/2008. As part of a serious commitment to diversify its faculty, Texas Lutheran University especially encourages women and minority candidates to apply. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.  

Director of Music Ministry
Covenant Congregational Church (Boston MA)

Covenant Congregational Church of Boston, MA is seeking candidates for the position of Director of Music Ministry. Covenant Congregational Church is seeking a Director of Music Ministry to draw on his/her faith in Christ to lead the music ministries of the church, which include; directing the adult choir (and possibly children's choir), playing organ and piano during Sunday worship, encouraging the development and participation of musicians and singers, helping plan worship services, and helping lead the church in expanding our musical styles to include gospel/contemporary music as well as hymns on organ, to better reflect the diversity of our congregation and community. Salary range is $12,000-16,000 depending on education and experience for 10 hours per week. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Employment will be continuous from the date of appointment, notwithstanding an initial six-month probationary period, after which termination by either party requires 30 days written notice. The Director of Music Ministry has first refusal for all weddings and funerals. Application Instructions: Please send resume and letter of interest to: Rev Fred Elliott-Hart, Covenant Congregational Church, 455 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 ph. 617-524-0775 Or email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Web site www.bostoncov.org Deadline: 12/30/2008.

Soprano and Low Bass for Soldiers' Chorus
United States Army Field Band (Fort Meade MD)
Starting salary is $46,074-$51,792 annually at military rank of Staff Sergeant, plus all military benefits including the college loan repayment program up to $65,000 and enlistment bonuses up to $40,000.

Qualifications: Final candidates will be invited to travel to Fort Meade, Maryland, for a personal interview and audition at government expense. Application Instructions: www.armyfieldband.com Phone: 301-677-5681 ext. 6231 Fax: 301-677-6533 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Deadline: 12/10/2008.

Music Director
First Parish Church of Newbury (Newbury MA)

*Description: First Parish Church of Newbury, an up and coming church with an environmental vision, seeks an inspiring and talented musician and director to create a program that will allow a small, dedicated choir to shine and grow in innovative ways.

Application Instructions: Please contact Debbie at (978) 465-5597 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, MA 01951, www.firstparishofnewbury.org Deadline: 12/08/2008.

Auditions
Voce Carolina (Asheville NC)

Voce Carolina, North Carolina's Opera Consortium announces auditions, January 8-9, 2009 in Asheville, NC at Pack Place Arts Center in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Opera Carolina, Piedmont Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, Greensboro Opera, and the Opera Company of North Carolina will attend.

Qualifications: Upper level grad students and professional singers, managed and unmanaged, are invited to apply.

Application Instructions: To submit an audition request, send a cover letter, resume, headshot, repertoire list of audition material, and a CD containing at least one aria for prescreening. The CD should be current within the last year. All singers granted an audition will be required to pay a $20 audition fee. All applications must be received no later than December 5. Singers will be notified no later than December 12 of their audition status. Hard materials (no electronic) should be mailed to: Asheville Lyric Opera, Company Manager, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801 www.operacarolina.org Deadline: 12/05/2008.

Auditions for Television Special
Pacific Opera (New York NY)

Description: Pacific Opera in NY is currently auditioning male and female voices for a one-hour television premier special featuring ensembles from major operas, folk songs, and Broadway to be aired through PBS stations. These are volunteer positions, but be aware that there is a potential viewing audience of 100 million.

Qualifications: Rehearses every Monday night in Manhattan. Application Instructions: Contact 732-946-4825 or send resume & photo to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web: www.pacificencore.com Deadline: 12/01/2008.

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass Section Leaders
Church of St. Jean Baptiste (New York NY)

Description: Church of St. Jean Baptiste in New York City seeks Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass section leaders for Tuesday evening rehearsals from 6:30-8:00 pm. Fee is $50. Serve as section leader for amateur chorus of 15 members with additional singing opportunities and work availability.

Qualifications: Excellent sight-reading skills required. St. Jean Baptiste is located at 76th and Lexington, convenient to the #6 train. http://www.sjbrcc.net/ Application Instructions: Please e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Deadline: 12/01/2008.

Auditions
Capitol Opera Sacramento-Davis (Sacramento CA)

*Description: Capitol Opera Sacramento-Davis announces open auditions. Remainder of 2008/2009 Season includes:
The Mikado (performs Feb 5-16, '09)
Gounod's Romeo & Juliette (performs Apr 30-May 11, '09)
We are still looking for select roles in this seasons' productions, specifically male roles. The 2009/2010 season will include: DonGiovanni, Die Fledermaus, and Faust.

Application Instructions: Please e-mail your resume and headshot to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule an audition time. Local artists only. Auditions held October 4-5 from 3-10 pm at St Pauls United Methodist Church, 101 West St, Vacaville, CA 95688. Phone: 916.944.2149 Website: http://www.capopera.com/About_Us.html Deadline: 11/30/2008.

Auditions for Assistant Principal Viola*, 3rd Clarinet** and Section Violins
Delaware Symphony Orchestra (Wilmington DE)
 
*If position is won by a member of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the vacated position may be offered to the runner-up.
**This is a utility-based position and may include E-flat and bass clarinet in addition to the regular soprano clarinet.

The Delaware Symphony is a per service orchestra with approximately 70 services per season. Auditions will be held in late fall 2008. All auditions will take place in Wilmington, DE. We reserve the right to reject last-minute applications if space is not available.

Please send resume or letter to: Paul Eves, Personnel Manager, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 1870, Wilmington, DE 19899. Indicate on envelope: VA for Viola, CL for Clarinet, and VN for Section Violins. Phone: (302) 656.7442; Fax: (302) 656.7754; Website: www.desymphony.org Deadline: 11/30/2008.

Associate Conductor
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (Jacksonville FL)

Rehearse and conduct educational and other outreach concerts (will include some pops and classical subscriptions, specials, and family-oriented programs) and may cover for concerts as needed. Plan and participate in outreach programming and activities, in collaboration with Music Director, General Manager and applicable staff. Represent the orchestra as needed for promotional and development projects and events.

A complete application will include a resume, repertoire list, three professional letters of recommendation, 15-minute demonstration DVD/videotape if available, and essay. The essay should be no more than 1500 words, addressing this topic: Explain how you believe education and outreach performance activities should relate to the primary artistic mission of a modern American symphony orchestra. Finalists will be invited to Jacksonville for live auditions January 21-22, 2009.

Send completed application package to: Lora Unger, Conductor Search, 300 West Water Street Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Application materials will not be returned without a self-addressed envelope and sufficient postage. http://www.jaxsymphony.org/contactus/employment.html Deadline: 11/10/2008.

Choral Director, Children and Youth choirs
Plymouth Congregational Church (Belmont MA)

Experience with and knowledge of choral dynamics and vocal training of children preferred; enthusiasm about working with children and a sense of fun are essential. Rehearsals will likely be Sundays 12-2 pm. S Position available now through June 2009. If interested, please send resume (if available) and contact information to: Karen Ingwersen, 617-852-5550, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Deadline: 11/08/2008.

Band Officer/Conductor
United States Air Force Band (Washington DC)

The individual serves as an Air Force Band Officer with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Duties: A typical starting position is as a Deputy Commander, including leadership and management of a 45-piece Air Force Band, programming/rehearsing/conducting performances, overseeing budget, operations, personnel activities, while working closely with the Band Commander to learn the responsibilities of squadron command. There are many opportunities for travel, since Air Force Bands support American Servicemen and -women throughout the world, and proudly represent the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense to American and international audiences through public performances at home and abroad.

Submit: Resume, official transcripts, conducting repertoire list, conducting video, and letters of recommendation. The audition package must be submitted to as local Air Force Band Commander. Refer to (http://www.bands.af.mil/careers) to determine where to submit materials. The process is as follows: The Commander reviews the package and interviews the applicant. Following the interview, the Commander submits the package with recommendation to the Chief of Music's office, Washington, DC. All packages are then vetted and the applicants showing the most potential will be invited to the live audition at Bolling AFB, DC, on Nov. 13-14, 2008. Travel expenses are the applicant's responsibility. For additional information or questions, contact by phone: 202-404-2677; by fax: 202-767-0686; or by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.usafband.com Deadline: 11/21/2008.

Music Director
Westport/Weston United Methodist Church (Westport CT)

Position: Music Director. Congregation has 2-manual electric action pipe organ, 3-octaves hand bells, and 2-octaves choir chimes. Responsibilities: Direct 20-member adult choir and an 11-member bell choir. Thursday rehearsal, Sunday warm-up rehearsal plus one service.

Qualifications: Minimum Bachelor's degree, plus a broad knowledge base with associated experience of music styles including classical, contemporary, and spiritual. Possess exceptional organ, piano, and choral conducting skills; should also be comfortable with handbells. Candidate will be a committed Christian, have strong inter-personal skills and be a team player in a vital, growing, family-oriented church community that places a strong emphasis on its music program. Compensation: Part-time, 20 hours per week, $25,000 per year.

Send resume by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or mail to: Westport UMC, 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT 06880. Contact: Martha Hisey by phone: 203-366-9205. www.westportumc.org  Deadline: 11/24/2008.

Music Director and Conductor
Warren Symphony Orchestra (Warren MI)

Position: Music Director and Conductor. The WSO, founded in 1974, seeks a music director/conductor to begin with the 2010-11 season. The WSO is a 65-member paid community orchestra with an annual budget of $180,000, and a typical season runs from September through May, consisting of a series of five subscription concerts, a single series of day-time youth concerts, and other non-subscription concerts. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings beginning 3-4 weeks prior to a performance, with performances usually on Sunday afternoons. Members include professional freelance musicians, members of the Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra, and highly accomplished amateurs. Music Director David Daniels is retiring after 38 years as conductor. After telephone interviews and possible visitation/review of video recordings, up to four candidates will be invited to guest-conduct during the 2009-10 season

Review is in progress; apply ASAP. Submit: Letter of interest, a completed application form --available on the web-site: (http://www.warrensymphony.org)--, a resume, sample programs, and contact information for three professional references. Please do not send recordings at this time. Send to: WSO Director Search Committee, 4504 East Nine Mile Road, Warren, MI 48091; or by fax: 586-754-5507. http://www.warrensymphony.org Deadline: 11/24/2008.

Section Violin
Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Detroit MI)
Auditions to be held in Detroit: January 5-7, 2009
Repertoire and applications may be found at http://www.detroitsymphony.com
Please send all documents to: Alice Sauro, Auditions, Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201. Phone: (313) 576-5167  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Fax: 313-576-5157 Employment will begin immediately or upon mutual agreement with the winning candidate's earliest availability. Deadline: 11/24/2008.

Internship
Harlem School of The Arts (New York NY)

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is a nonprofit, community-based school of the arts that offers instruction in dance, music, theater and the visual arts to over 3,000 students annually.  Founded in 1964 our mission is to enrich the lives of children through exposure to and education in the arts.

The Harlem School of the Arts has an immediate opportunity for an unpaid and/or college credit intern in our Marketing and Communications Department.  Reporting to the Director of Communications & Marketing, the intern will provide assistance and support for the requisite publicity and marketing of the Harlem School of the Arts, its classes, programs and special events.

Email resume and cover letter with a subject line of "Internship - Comm. & Mktg." to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Only qualified candidates will receive a response. No phone calls, please.

Web Editor
ClassicalTV (telecommunicate)
ClassicalTV will be the only significant destination for an Internet user looking to watch classical music, opera, ballet, musicals, classic theatre, dance or other performing arts events and documentaries.  

Who we are looking for? This is a rare opportunity for someone who lives and breathes performing arts, to combine their excellent website editorial skills. To bring to life the world of performing arts by overseeing and developing the ClassicalTV website narrative... You will be required to produce accurate and inventive copy and to introduce "sticky" ideas to accompany the viewing of our massive video library.  You will also work with key teams and individuals to develop an effective 'voice' for Classical TV, both write and commission articles for the website. Location: US (Home based with regular team meetings in New York or Washington)

Instructions for applicants: Please email an up to date CV and brief covering note explaining why you would be suitable for this post and if available a sample of your work via either a URL link or PDF file.  Contact:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program & Travel Associate
Opus 3 Artists (New York NY)

Opus 3 Artists, leading classical music and performing arts management company, seeks an associate for the program and travel department.  This is a fast-paced position where knowledge of classical music is essential.  The successful candidate will be self-starting, detail-oriented, have strong organizational and communication skills, with a college degree and at least 1-2 years of prior administrative/management experience.  Responsibilities include assisting artists with all program and logistical details associated with concert tours; creating detailed tour itineraries, and other varied administrative duties.  Competitive entry-level salary plus excellent benefits.  Qualified candidates please email resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Marketing Manager
Opera New Jersey (Princeton NJ)

Opera New Jersey, one of the fastest growing opera companies in the country, is immediately seeking a full-time Marketing Manager to assist in the development and execution of marketing, advertising and promotional plans for the Company, including its winter and summer seasons.  The ideal candidate is a highly organized, self-starter with strong project management skills.  A bachelors' degree, minimum of three years experience in both traditional and digital media, direct mail, brand management, and knowledge of HTML is required.  The position is based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, and offers a competitive salary and benefit package.

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Communications should be addressed to Scott Altman, General and Artistic Director.  Please include Marketing Manager in the subject line.

Hello,

     Here's something interesting. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said "The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society." As you know, the Myrtle Hart Society (MHS) web site and monthly eNewsletter profile artists who lead successful and productive lives making them visible and accessible, but we need your help to make our society free.

     In a free society, we all have the right to exercise unlimited freedom in our own lives, freedom to live in whatever manner we choose, freedom to pursue our own goals, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others to do the same. However, in a truly free society, we would not be restricted to what type of music we may perform or listen to based on the color of our skin. Yet in 2008, this is still an issue.

     Since its humble beginnings in 2007, MHS has celebrated the legacy of classical musicians of color and bridged their history to the present, contextualizing their stories for the general public in an effort to analyze and lessen the issues surrounding music and race. As a reader wrote in the MHS guest book, "I am glad to see that you are now heading a very important foundation! I am less happy to see that such a foundation needs to exist, as if to promote or bringing to awareness great musicians, that only found themselves surrounded by a society that could not or only partly accept them because of their color. I wish it could be different." Do you also wish the same? As we move forward into our third year of service to African Americans and other African-descent communities, we ask that you help us to realize this vision of a free society with music as our entry. Contribute today.

     Knowledge of self, present and past, as well as accessibility to positive role models, goes far in creating a free society. As one vocalist said as a result of the MHS eNewsletter, "I now feel much more connected to other artists of color. It is inspiring and informative to see what is taking place with our artists." Although a member of the music community, the writer was previously unaware of the depth and longevity of people of color in his profession. As a result of reading this publication, he felt empowered to be part of such a rich heritage. Like this reader, MHS has been effective in reaching thousands of readers as evidenced by the tripled numbers of subscribers to the MHS eNewsletter since its inception. We have also facilitated or directly placed members in the position to acquire performance, teaching, competition and scholarship opportunities.

     As we come to the close of the calendar year, we ask you to join us in achieving our vision of a free society through the arts. We are honored to be able to offer an exclusive CD of the Boys Choir of Kenya's new album (AMERIKA JAMBO) to each of the first 10 contributors at the basic $50 giving level. The official release date of the CD is November 20, 2008, so you could be the first to own this amazing disc of talented young men celebrating life through music. This special offer ends November 30!

     Please help sustain MHS by making a tax-deductible donation today. We thank you in advance for considering to send us a contribution at any of the following giving levels:

*      $50 and all donor levels get mentioned in MHS newsletter and on the website;

*      $100 level gets 2 CD recordings by an African American, Afro-Caribbean, or African-descent composer or artist;

*      $250 level gets 3 CD recordings, plus a pair of free tickets to one concert in any city of your choice. (Concert must feature an African-American or other African-descent composer or artist);

*      $500 level gets all above, plus paid registration & hotel to FESAAM 2009 (Festival of African & African-American Music) in St. Louis, or the NANM (National Association of Negro Musicians) conference, the William Grant Still conference, or other conference focused on black composers in 2009;

*      $1000 level gets all of the above, plus a Valentine Day dinner gift certificate for two, complete with a bouquet of 12 roses for their named partner. A gourmet wine from a South African vineyard is also delivered, especially for you, at your dinner table.

     You can't beat those incentives, all to make the successful and productive members of the Myrtle Hart Society more visible and accessible! Please don't wait: make a contribution today. We must receive all contributions by January 1, 2009 for you to take advantage of these culturally enriching opportunities. Please take the time to contribute today. Remember, your donation is fully tax-deductible.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely, 

Angelique R. Ford
Director of Development

P.S.
Don't forget to take advantage of this limited-time offer to receive an advanced copy of the Boys Choir of Kenya's new album, Amerika Jambo. This offer ends November 30!