Itasca Community Chorus

It's Young & Old. Song & Dance. It's Broadway. . .

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:07:00 +0000

Last evening Itasca Community Chorus was mesmerized by the costumed Reif Dancers who lit up the lyrics "There's No Business Like Show Business." Dancing to the mellow tones of Greg Tuttle's "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" and spoofing themselves in Chicago's "all that jazz," these young women brought energy and fresh appeal to the beloved Broadway music.

Well known directors like Rhoda Flinck, Maria Annoni, and Eileen Grosland warmed the mikes with quality renditions of sections of 100 Years of Broadway and Beyond and narrators filled us in on the history of Broadway while slides of the show posters played on the wings of the Reif.

Several generations of Grand Rapids talented have joined hands in bringing this show alive. And it's ever so affordable for families--$8 adult general admission thanks to an Arrowhead Regional Arts grant and free student tickets courtesy of a Lake Country Operation RoundUp grant.

Tickets are available at the door. The Reif seats over 600, so come, savor a live performance, and acquaint yourselves anew with the heartwarming sounds of Broadway music.

That's this Friday, April 5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

We Need You

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:12:00 +0000

In the company of others, we all do better. Singers project better; dancers move more precisely, and friends smile more broadly.

Today we're looking for someone who really wants to connect friends who love to sing and an audience to keep them singing. Itasca Community Chorus needs a board member or volunteer who loves to build relationship through the social media.

Last night the chorus recorded for the dancers. Kate Smith is choreographing the Reif Dancers for the 7:00 pm concert April 5 at the Reif but we need AUDIENCE. That's where you come in. If you can help us publicize this concert and get us up and moving with regular communications throughout the year, please use Itasca Choral Society in the subject line and email grandrapidsarts@gmail.

YOU could be the difference.

100 Years of Broadway and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 02:06:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus resumes rehearsal Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Zion Lutheran Church. Gather for happy hour at 6:30, collect your music, and sample still more Christmas goodies.

No auditions are necessary to join Itasca Community Choir, but singers are serious about working hard to produce the best sound possible. The goal this semester is to pull off a professional performance Friday, April 5 at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids,

The Reif Dancers will begin rehearsal in January and bring their special magic to this show. So if you've ever wanted to sing with a multi-generation choir, please join us January 8.

Thursday Give to the Max

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Donate Now http://givemn.razoo.com/

It's your day to make the lives of so many others happier and healthier. Please support your local community chorus and keep Itasca County singing.

And come sing along yourself on Dec. 7 at Community Presbyterian Church at 7:00 pm or double up and see us again at United Methodist Church Dec. 9 at 3:00 pm.

Please click and Donate Now http://givemn.razoo.com/

Itasca Choral Society thanks you.

Keep Itasca County Singing

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Give to the Max Day is nearly here, so please remember Itasca Choral Society as you donate to your favorite causes. Log on to GiveMN.org. Type in Itasca Choral Society and the site will walk you through the process. You'll have an immediate receipt in hand, we'll have continuous record of our supporters, and you'll have the gratification of knowing that your gift has helped Itasca Community Chorus keep on singing.

Nothing of quality is cheap and Itasca Community Chorus hires highly qualified directors and accompanists. Itasca Community Chorus is open to all and dues are minimal. But that means Itasca Choral Society has to come up with significant funds for music, director, accompanist, rehearsal space, etc.

Your generous support is appreciated and your presence is requested at one of our fall concerts, Dec. 7 at Community Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. or Dec. 9 at United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m.

Minnesota Christmas Sampler

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus meets each Tuesday evening to make music and explore the best in choral composition. Among the many exciting new arrangements is Jocelyn Hagen's "O Come O Come Emmanuel." To listen check out The Singers/Minnesota Choral Artists' production at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgWrBKRen-g

The double chorus on Stephen Paulus' Silent Night is equally dense. Traditional music with a twenty first century complexity moves us toward the winter solstice and a real appreciation for Jerry Rubino's "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Catch the chorus in good, old-fashion community singing of patriotic and other familiar music, Friday evening, November 2 at MacRostie Art Center in downtown Grand Rapids, MN at 5:00 or Old Central School at 6:00. Sing a long and experience for yourself the camaraderie of singing with Itasca Community Chorus.

Minnesota Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:34:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus presents Minnesota Christmas Dec. 7 at Community Presbyterian Church and Dec. 9 at United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids.

Director Cheri Troumbly and accompanist Cathryn Shields have selected holiday music by Minnesota's own composers and arrangers. The choir is rehearsing music by Grand Rapids' own Brian Stubbs, Stephen Paulus, Matthew Culloton, C. Jennings, Jocelyn Hagen, Joshua Shank, Jerry Rubino, and Rene Clausen. Alfred Burt's niece Abbie Burt Betinis continues the family tradition of giving a Christmas gift of music in "Run, Toboggan, Run." The resonance and rhythm of the tune will set you thrumming as the toboggan races down the slope toward hot cocoa, plenty of laughter, and fond memories of those energetic days of youth.

New members are welcome throughout September. Itasca Community Chorus meets Tuesday evenings from 7-9:00 pm at Zion Lutheran. For more information, contact Cheri Troumbly at 218-398-1794.

Minnesota Spring

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:47:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus is practicing hard, soloists sound great, dancers are polishing their performance, and the accompanists are first-rate. For an uplifting concert of music composed and arranged by fellow Minnesotans, plan to attend Minnesota Spring, Sunday, April 15 at 3:00 p.m. Co-sponsored by Itasca Community College, the choir and its guests will be performing in Davies Hall at 3:00 p.m. Adult tickets @$8.00 are available from choir members or at the door. Children and students are free thanks to a Lake Country Power Operation Round-Up grant. For further information, contact Cheri Troumbly at 218-398-1794.

Minnesota Spring Rehearsals

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Rehearsals for Minnesota Spring begin January 10, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. A concert designed to lift spirits and keep the chorus singing through the grey, windy days, Minnesota Spring is comprised of lighter, quality choral selections from Minnesota arrangers like Rene Clausen and the Christiansens. New to the repertoire is Mankato composer David Dickau, and familiar to the chorus is Grand Rapids' own Elaine Aune. Directed by Cheri Troumbly and accompanied by Cathy Shields, the chorus is a fun place to be on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00.
The concert is slated for April 15 at Itasca Community College, so if you like to sing and can commit time and talent to this community of friends, please join Itasca Community Chorus as it keeps Itasca County singing.

Messiah Sunday Dec. 11 3:00 p.m.

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:11:00 +0000

The Messiah, one of those signature events that binds community together, will be performed by Itasca Community Chorus, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the Greenway Auditorium.

Parts I and III with 65-member chorus, including the Deer River Madrigal Choir.

Local soloists Jenny Graupmann (soprano), Maria Anoni (alto), John Schroeder (tenor), and Jason Thurm (bass).

Orchestra: violinists Mary LaPlant &Deb Lasik, cellist Becky Loomis, oboist Kim Young, ,Mike Wourms on trumpet. Organist Jan Bilden and Cathy Shields on harpsicord .

Public participation on “The Hallelujah Chorus”

$8 for adults at the door and free to students and children (courtesy of Lake Country Power’s Operation RoundUp)

Funded in part by an Arrowhead Regional Arts grant

Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, Dec. 2

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Friday evening, Dec. 2 from 4:30-8:00 pm, Itasca Community Chorus members will lead the community in Christmas caroling throughout the downtown. The art galleries in Grand Rapids that doing such a wonderful service of marrying the visual and audio arts will also be open.
Also, available that evening are flyers for the Messiah performance Dec. 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the Greenway Auditorium.
A string orchestra featuring Mary LaPlant and Deb Lasik on violin, Becky Loomis on cello, Kim Young, oboe and Mike Wourms will accompany the choir.

To fund the performance and keep the ticket price at only $8.00, members of the chorus are selling $1.00 tickets for the queen-size Christmas quilt, activities books, and other prizes. So please, help support your Itasca Community Choir: sing with us Dec. 2, donate for a chance to win one of the prizes to be given at the concert, attend the concert Dec. 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Greenway Auditorium.

Itasca Community Chorus in Service & Song

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:32:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus serves up spaghetti and Italian song, Oct. 25 from 5-7:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. $7.00 tickets are available from choir members or at the door. Funds raised through the dinner and quilt raffle will help off set concert expenses not covered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Grant.

Thanks to all of our loyal supporters, Itasca Community Choir is able to raise the funds to stage a massive community sing of Handel's Messiah, Dec. 11 at Greenway Auditorium in Coleraine.

Local high school choirs and Itasca Community Choir are working hard on the choruses. Vocal soloists Jenny Graupmann (soprano), Maria Anoni (alto), John Schroeder (tenor), and Jason Thurm (bass) complement a full chorus. A number of the Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus have swelled our ranks and with the capable leadership of Cheri Troumbly, Eileen Grosland, and rehearsal accompanist Cathy Shields, the chorus looks forward to another successful season.

Messiah Community Sing

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus meets Tuesdays at Zion Lutheran Church from 7:00-9:00 p.m. All who ever wanted to sing the Messiah and who can commit to regular rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from now until December are welcome.

The core chorus of 60 trained voices welcomes novices and looks forward to an exciting community event at the Greenway Auditorium Dec. 11. Soloists have been contracted, instrumentalists are committed, and the dynamic leadership under director Cheri Troumbly and accompanist Cathy Shields looks forward to an exciting semester of building this friendly community of singers.

For further information, contact Cheri at 245-2392.

First Rehearsal--Messiah Community Sing

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

What a fantastic first rehearsal tonight! I'm so proud of all of the singers for giving it their best shot, and putting their best cord forward. And Cathy, you did a wonderful job, as always. If it sounded this good at the first rehearsal, the possibilities are endless! Just think...we'll have at least a whole other choir singing with, then add the soloists, instrumentalists, organ, harpsichord, black tuxes...the works (minus the bling, of course). Can't wait!

Cheri

Itasca Community Chorus Potluck

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:22:00 +0000

Let's convene for good food and a good time, Aug. 30 at Harris Townhall. Please respond to Lisa Staber on Facebook. Bring a dish to share. See you there.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Michael Smith Choral Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:18:00 +0000

All Itasca Community Chorus singers are invited to participate in the Michael Smith Choral Workshop,Sunday, Aug.21 at Zion Lutheran Church at noon. Michael Smith is a longtime friend of Lee and Mary Jo and currently a choral director at Concordia College in Moorhead. It's a great day to start a new season. Please join us.

Don’t Forget: Reply to Mary Jo lmjess@mchsi.com

Tuesday, August 16: Sign up for Michael Smith Choral Workshop.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21: NOON AT ZION
Sandwich Lunch followed by Workshop till 3:00

Tuesday Noon Concerts Deliver the Best

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:49:00 +0000

July 26th!! Yikes, our summer is flying by. Each Tuesday noon we've feasted on incredible music provided by our generous musicians.

This Tuesday noon you'll find us at the Assemblies of God Church at 1585 E US Highway 169. Swing Delivery with Jim Mason and his ever-evolving group of talented musician friends will woo us with the Big Band era and favorites like "In the Mood," "Mr. Wonderful," "Lullaby of Birdland," and "Big Band Boogie." In its 10th year this 12-piece combo just keeps making its music better and better.

Tuesday Aug. 2 the Itasca Music Club will deliver "A Collage of Sound" at the Community Presbyterian Church at the 700 block on North Pokegama. These local instrumental and vocal teachers are set to deliver a program ranging from Vivaldi and Rachmaninoff to a Rhumba by Sanucci.

Aug. 9 features Dr. Mary Ellen Patnaude Haupert at the keyboard. Zion Lutheran at 2901 S HWY 169 hosts this one. Mary Ellen will be delivering a program of Spanish music and she invites one and all to come dance with her.

Closing out the season will be Marvin Havard, Cheri Troumbly and friends, and New Generation.

Itasca County's wonderful musicians just keep delivering so please come, enjoy, and help us all make this another wonderful season.

Psst! Just the other day Jan Holmgren confirmed a date for the Swedish Trio con Brio in June of 2012.

June 14 Arthur Pryor, the Music of JP Sousa Concert

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 21:43:00 +0000

Arthur Pryor—a name often forgotten but a style that still sets feet dancing. Arhur Pryor served as lead trombonist, composer, and arranger for John Phillip Sousa’s ragtime band. The Liberatti of the slide trombone, Pryor completed six coast to coast tours before tiring of life on the road. He also immortalized much of Sousa’s music by serving as recording coordinator and furthering the work of the Victor Talking Machine.
Tom Patnaude, longtime solo trombonist, and Jim Mason, accompanist par excellence bring Arthur Pryor’s music to life for the Grand Rapids Summer Series audience, Tuesday June 14 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at noon.
Treat your friends to a free 30-minute concert followed by a $6.00 luncheon served by the church women.

Keep Singing

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:19:00 +0000

Are you interested in singing Broadway songs in the spring of 2012? If so, here's a really strong argument.

Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey explains.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42441573#42441573

Support the arts! All of the arts!

Faure's Requiem & Spring Songs

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. Itasca Community Chorus will present Faure's Requiem & Spring Songs at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. To complement organist Gwen Degner's accompaniment, director Cheri Troumbly has assembled a small orchestra.

Mary LaPlant, known for her virtuoso violin performances will be doubling on the viola. Add Deena and Olivia Skaja (French horn& violin). Trumpet Mike Wourms is reknowned for his soaring notes as is soprano soloist Jennifer Graupmann. Bill Schnell's baritone and Becky Loomis's mellow cello tugs at the heart.

Gabriel Fauré composed the Requiem, following the deaths of his father and mother. The transcendent joy of the requiem is tribute to the cathartic value of music. Faure was interviewed by Louis Aguettant on July 12, 1902. The following excerpt on the Requiem was originally published in Comoedia (1954, p. 6). The English translation is taken from Robert Orledge's biography: "It has been said that my Requiem does not express the fear of death and someone has called it a lullaby of death. But it is thus that I see death: as a happy deliverance, an aspiration towards happiness above, rather than as a painful experience... perhaps I have also instinctively sought to escape from what is thought right and proper, after all the years of accompanying burial services on the organ! I know it all by heart. I wanted to write something different."

To complement the Requiem, Director Troumbly has chosen water songs. Like the spring thaw these choral settings bring us "Down to the River to Pray" and send us on our way singing like "A flat Crickets and BFlat Frogs."

Thanks to supporting grants form Operation RoundUp (Lake Country Power) and ARAC/McKnight grants funded by MN legacy dollars, tickets are free for students and only $5 for adults.

Come:) Sing Along; Practice Jan. 11

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:57:00 +0000

Calling all singers. Join Itasca Community Chorus. Director Cheri Troumbly requires no auditions, just a sincere desire to sing quality choral music with a fun-loving, hard-working choir. Practice for Faure's Requiem as well as lighter, spring music commences Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 7:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Folders of music are available for pickup at 6:30.

A number of wonderful singers as well as orchestra instrumentalists have already indicated an interest in collaborating with Itasca Community Chorus in delivering this concert before Easter.

Vivaldi's Gloria and Other Holiday Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus, under the direction of Cheri Troumbly, with the orchestra (Mary LaPlant, violin; Becky Loomis, cello; Butch Schmidt, bass; Kim Young, oboe) is rehearsing for the concert “Vivaldi’s Gloria and other Holiday Favorites.

This concert features Jenny Graupman and Maria Anoni as soloists, the St.Andrew's bell choir, Middle School Art, and a sing-a-long component for the audience.

Next Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:00 pm at Community Presbyterian Church, 703 North Pokegama, Grand Rapids, Itasca Community Chorus invites you to the event of the season---familiar to classical with a bit of everything to please your musical taste.

If you have a conflict Thursday, please join the choir Sunday, Dec. 19, 3 pm at Nashwauk Alliance Church in Nashwauk.

Organist Darcy Reich and pianist Becky Kangas, along with the newly-refurbished venue and beautiful stained-glass windows, further enhance a truly soul-inspiring concert. The concert is funded in part by Arrowhead Regional Art Council and Lake Country Operation Roundup grants so tickets are truly a bargain at $5.00 for adults and complimentary admission for all students, irregardless of age.

Songs of the Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:07:00 +0000

Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. is your last chance to hear Itasca Community Chorus's exciting spring program Songs of the Spirit. The chorus processes to the traditional South African folk tune"Gabi, Gabi," delivers a set of folk tunes and moves on to a series of jazz numbers.

Featured artists include dancers Marina Whight, Susie Mogan, & Christy Graupmann. On the string bass is Brian Harris and the percussion is manned by David Martin. Two exciting young musicians Graeme Shields as jazz pianist and Guilia Piscitelli, soprano, debut with the choir.

Rousing gospel numbers conclude the concert and the Choir invites the audience to stay for a reception.

$6.oo tickets are available at the door for all adults. Student tickets are free, courtesy of Lake Country Power. That's Itasca Community Choir at Zion Lutheran Church, 7:00 p.m., April 22.

Applebee's Pancake Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:04:00 +0000

This is it folks! Saturday, March 6 from 8:00-10:00 a.m., Itasca Community Chorus will be cooking and serving up those delicious pancake breakfasts. For a mere $6.00, you can not only dine, but be treated to smiling servers and a chance to catch up with old friends. Two light and fluffy pancakes smothered in butter and syrup, two sausage, scrambled eggs, and juice or coffee will start your day right.

So please, come on out, enjoy a breakfast with friends and family, and help keep Itasca County Singing,

Singing "Songs of the Spirit"

noreply@blogger.com (CMorrill) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:42:00 +0000

Itasca Community Chorus will present"Songs of the Spirit" Sunday afternoon, April 18 at 3:00 p.m. at he Edge of the Wilderness Performing Arts Center in Bigfork and Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Cheri Troumbly, Itasca Community Chorus director, reminds us all that "songs of the spirit" call us to laugh and cry while moving toward a stronger, more peaceful place. The concert will do just that as the choir sings folksongs from Israel, USA, and Africa before moving on to a set of jazz songs, and concluding the concert with spirituals. Come, enjoy, and take home with you a greater appreciation for the power of your own "Songs of the Spirit."