VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

VocalEssence and The St. Olaf Choir are proud to announce the formation of a new Minnesota High School Honors Choir for grades 11-12 mixed voices. The statewide Honors Choir participants, selected from fall 2008 competitive CD auditions, will participate in a residency project with composer Eric Whitacre in March of 2009. They will have the opportunity to sing Whitacre's music, conducted by the composer himself as well as by Anton Armstrong, Philip Brunelle and Sigrid Johnson.

The March residency will culminate in a grand festival concert on the stage of Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2009, featuring the Minnesota High School Honors Choir, VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, and The St. Olaf Choir, each performing separately and combining for a grand finale.

The Honors Choir will utilize downtown Minneapolis venues and facilities for rehearsing, performing, meals, and lodging beginning Friday, March 20, and ending on Sunday, March 22.

AUDITION MATERIALS AVAILABLE

Download Audition Materials (Students: You must submit your audition application through your choir director with other applicants from your school. Do not send in your audition form individually).

Download "Alma del core" solo audition excerpts for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass

The Audition Materials are available in a PDF file that include:

• Letter of Instructions to Directors
• Special Event Announcement for Minnesota Choral Directors
• Audition Registration Form
• Audition Recording Information & Mailing Procedures
• Student Expectations
• Director's Cover Sheet & Checklist
• Tips for making an audition CD /Digital Ethics

• Audition Materials: Available by download above
• Audition Deadline: November 1
• Student selection and notification: December 1
• Repertoire mailed: January 15
• Rehearsals scheduled: March 20-22
• Orchestra Hall Finale Concert: March 22

Honors Choir Coordinator: Bruce Becker, formerly of Apple Valley High School
Staff Associates:
Marie Spar Dymit, White Bear Lake High School
Susan Zemlin, Blaine High School
Mark Nelson, Annandale High School
Michael Ellingsen, Blue Earth Area High School