Blog

ChoralSong is proud to announce the arrival of Sandy Tiemens as our very first Executive Director. She will help lead and develop ChoralSong into a professional performing arts organization with a national reputation, while focusing closely on communication, fundraising, and strategic planning. She will work closely with our Board of Directors to help ChoralSong continue its remarkable growth and artistic mission. In addition to being the Piccoloist/3rd Flutist in the Fort Collins Symphony, and having performed with orchestras throughout the Front Range, Ms. Tiemens comes to ChoralSong with a combined total of 18 years of experience serving on non-profit boards for local and statewide arts organizations. Additionally, she has a thriving private flute studio with students of all ages. Ms. Tiemens holds a Bachelor of Music in flute performance and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Lawrence University (cum laude), as well as a Master of Music degree in flute performance...

Bachfest — it’s only 6 weeks away! Rehearsals have already begun for a tremendous concert featuring a delightful collection of some of Bach’s best and most famous works for choir and orchestra. Be sure to mark your calendars (Oct 5, 3pm, Grace & St Stephens Church), and tell your friends all about it!  (www.choralsong.org/concerts/) _________________________________________________________________________________________________ We are especially thrilled to introduce our outstanding Bachfest soloists! Noted for her shimmering voice with rich tones, soprano Deborah Anderson has captivated audiences of all ages with her performances. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Ms. Anderson is a recent Graduate of the Lamont School of Music. After performing several times at Lincoln Center and Steinway Hall, she sang the role of Adele in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. In addition to participating in The Vocal Arts Festival/Young Artists Summer Intensive with Martile Rowland and The Dandelion Opera Institute under the direction of Sahar Nouri, Ms. Anderson recently...

ChoralSong opened their recent concert, “Northern Lights and Summer Nights,” with the world premiere of a new concert-arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.  The first part of the program contained music inspired in some fashion by the heavens.  In this case, the stars in the night sky are being used as a metaphor for the nobility we strive for as a nation. “The Star-Spangled Banner” has a fascinating history.  In 1814, Francis Scott Key published his four-verse poem “The Defence of Fort M’Henry” two years after the Battle of Baltimore.  The poem’s fame grew rapidly when later that year it was combined with the melody of a popular British song “To Anacreon in Heaven” and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner”.  As a result of the song’s nationwide popularity, the United States Navy authorized it for official use in 1889 and the United States Congress adopted it as our official national anthem in 1931. When...

Libby Larsen (b.1950) is one of America’s most performed living composers. Known for a musical style filled with energy, optimism, rhythmic diversity, liberated tonality without harsh dissonance, and pervading lyricism, Ms. Larsen has written more than 500 works in virtually every genre, from intimate works for solo voice and chamber choir, to large symphonies and operas. The Settling Years is a brilliant example of Larsen’s style and is written for choir, woodwind quintet and piano. Composed in 1988, this 3-movement work is based on Three Pioneer Texts—poems that reflect the rugged beauty of both the people and mountains of the West. After beginning with swashbuckling cowboys “Comin’ to paint the town red,” we then move on to Vesta Crawford’s profound reflection on how “the courage of the mountains has bound me to this place.” The work then concludes with a rousing “Hoopla!”, a barn dance for the entire community. The Settling...

As part of our commitment to excellence, we are excited to announce that ChoralSong will be hosting Dr. David Farwig to present a clinic entitled “The Choral Art” at 6:45pm on April 16th at First Lutheran Church here in Colorado Springs. The clinic will include training vocalists how to “Sing on the Breath,” a discussion about the requirements of a professional chorister, and a rehearsal focused on applying those principles. Dr. Farwig is a professional conductor, vocalist, and recording artist currently residing in Denver who has dedicated his life to coaching and singing in professional choirs across the U.S. and in Europe. In addition to earning Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Choral Conducting from the DU Lamont School of Music and the UMKC Conservatory of Music respectively, David has performed as guest vocalist and clinician with a variety of professional ensembles, including the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, The U.S. Air...

How to Improve Your Singing Voice for Auditions and Concerts Nurturing a singing voice can be likened to tending a garden. Vocal growth requires dedication, consistency, and the right methods to cultivate something beautiful. Here, at ChoralSong, we understand this and have curated a range of vocal tips and ideas to assist you when thinking about how to improve your singing voice for auditions and concerts. How to Improve Your Singing Voice: Ten Simple Steps Here are 10 helpful tips you can use to guide your vocal progress and preparations for auditions and concerts:   Engage in Regular Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs: Just as a ballet dancer can't leap into a grand jeté without a warm-up, neither should a singer start belting out notes. Gentle humming or lip trills can work wonders in waking up your vocal cords and keep you from overexerting them.    Practice Breathing Exercises: Imagine your breath as the wind beneath the...

How To Promote Appreciation for Colorado Springs Art Scene Colorado Springs isn't just a city on a map. We are a vibrant collection of individuals, each of whom adds something special, thereby helping shape our community in some way. Those involved in the performing arts are focused in particular on the development of richness and beauty in our community. Our artists and arts organizations each add their own special colors to the Pikes Peak palette, and those who support support organizations like ChoralSong of Colorado Springs and a host of other artists help make those colors brighter. As the population of the Pikes Peak region continues its exponential growth, it is imperative that the local art scene keep up. How can we encourage all the wonderful talent of both new and established residents? We can’t do it alone, so come join us by helping promote appreciation for the arts–help it thrive...

ChoralSong Partners with Vehicles for Charity: Donate Your Vehicle Today! At ChoralSong, we believe in the power of harmony, not only in music but also in our communities. That's why we're thrilled to announce our partnership with Vehicles for Charity, offering you a unique opportunity to support our mission while parting with your unwanted vehicles. Why Donate Your Vehicle with ChoralSong and Vehicles for Charity? Support Local Music & Performing Arts: Your vehicle donation directly contributes to ChoralSong's efforts to grow the local performance arts community and provide opportunities for aspiring musicians. Maximize Your Impact: Through our partnership, your donation not only supports ChoralSong but also benefits other charitable causes supported by Vehicles for Charity. Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of selling or trading in your vehicle. Donating is quick, easy, and hassle-free with Vehicles for Charity. How It Works: Fill out our online donation form: Visit this page to provide details...

How to Improve Your Singing Voice for Auditions and Concerts Nurturing a singing voice can be likened to tending a garden. Vocal growth requires dedication, consistency, and the right methods to cultivate something beautiful. Here, at ChoralSong, we understand this and have curated a range of vocal tips and ideas to assist you when thinking about how to improve your singing voice for auditions and concerts. How to Improve Your Singing Voice: Ten Simple Steps Here are 10 helpful tips you can use to guide your vocal progress and preparations for auditions and concerts:   Engage in Regular Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs: Just as a ballet dancer can't leap into a grand jeté without a warm-up, neither should a singer start belting out notes. Gentle humming or lip trills can work wonders in waking up your vocal cords and keep you from overexerting them.    Practice Breathing Exercises: Imagine your breath as the wind beneath the...

First Christmases are often quite special.  Memories are made and traditions begun, and many experience the excitement of something new and wonderful.  ChoralSong’s first Christmas concert was all that—and more. After a brilliant “Wolcum!”, the choir gave an inspiring performance of Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols (ft. Jenna Hunt on Harp) followed by a series of traditional and new holiday favorites.  In addition to three stirring sing-alongs enhanced by the beautiful acoustic and organ of St. Mary’s Cathedral, ChoralSong invited audience members to enjoy works by composers such as Alfred Burt, Will Todd, John Denver and Derric Johnson. The Grand Finale earned a highly enthusiastic ovation, as the choir presented two outstanding Christmas Spirituals:  Sweet Little Jesus Boy (ft. baritone Jamal Sarikoki) and Go Tell It on the Mountain.  It was a celebration to be remembered! Members of our community make decisions every day how they want to celebrate their holidays.  So we were especially honored this year...