#choral groups

[kathywaller1]

The Melody Maids at Christmas, 1966

The Prairie Lea High School Melody Maids at the San Marcos Rotary Club meeting, December 1966 Kathy Waller Guest Shirley Hendricks Sherry Eby Kathy Pitts Sally Barber Patsy Kimball Sally Bagley White lines on the picture cover names that I restored in the list above. *** When I posted this photo several years ago, I dated it 1967, It was really 1966.

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[kathywaller1]

The Melody Maids at Christmas, 1967

The Melody Maids at Christmas, 1967

The Prairie Lea High School Melody Maids perform at the San Marcos Rotary Club meeting, December 1967. Kathy Waller Guest Shirley Hendricks Sherry Eby Kathy Pitts Sally Barber Patsy Kimball (Director) Sally Bagley White lines on the picture cover names that I restored in the list above.

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[wisconsinuniontheater]

Cantus: Alone Together

by Sebastian Khattabi Communications Intern

When I first heard the title of the Cantus concert, I was puzzled: “Alone Together”? The phrase itself sounds like a paradox or an oxymoron. However, a quick google search as to what the program will actually entail put my mind at ease. On November 11,  in Shannon Hall, Cantus will perform a compilation of songs that delve into the damning psychological effects  of technology. 

Thinking about it reminded me of a dramatic monologue I performed in high school. “368 Friends” by Bradley Walton focused on a socially awkward teenager trying to make friends in high school. Unable to do so in the real world, he starts to engage in social media and friend requests his classmates online. With a boosted ego he has a short period of pure bliss, until he realizes the lack of sincerity and genuineness of his “friends.” He starts to post about being depressed and lonely, only to find no one commenting or reaching out to him. This sends him spiraling down a bout of depression and suicidal thoughts. The monologue ends on a mysterious cliff where the protagonist stands at a cross roads between living on and suicide.

I really connected with the piece and thought it was very relevant in 2014 and still relevant in 2018.  I appreciated the exploration of how cyber negligence can have effects as detrimental to the psyche as cyber bullying.

Reminiscing on that dramatic piece prompted a self-reflection on the current way I utilize technology. I remember boasting to my friends when I finally reached 1,000 followers on Instagram. But did I really know all 1,000 people? I remember getting in passionate political arguments on Twitter. But would I ever get this heated in real life? I remember sending photo messages through Snapchat to my “streaks” because i did not want the streak of nonstop conversation to end. But would I still converse with them if the streak didn’t exist?

So is technology affecting our psychology?

The short answer is yes.

“By almost any measure, our ability to communicate has never been more advanced. Nevertheless, people and communities – though linked by technology – still struggle to connect in meaningful ways.” 

During its 2018-2019 touring season, Cantus explores the challenges of connecting in our modern age through works by Beethoven and Bernstein paired with such contemporary composers as Jennifer Higdon, David Lang, and Gabriel Kahane. "Alone Together" will also feature a brand new, multi-movement work by Libby Larsen.

In the video, a member of the group says “Cantus is uniquely positioned to tell this story because singing in it within itself is creating a community, and that's what really prompted us to put together this program.”

Check out more about Cantus’ “Alone Together”

Buy your tickets for this truly eye-opening event.

[lindaseccaspina]

Why does this Carleton Place Gem go Unnoticed?

Why does this Carleton Place Gem go Unnoticed?

Photo by Michael Gauthier

Author’s Note:

They say that singing brings about significant psychological and health benefits.  Maybe that’s why we all do it.  We sing– but we never think of ourselves as ‘singers’ because we just all like to do it.

Of course for most of us,  we only sing when no one can hear us– except if we get the chance to sing in a group like the Carleton Place Town Singers.…

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[crankyfacedknitter]

Speaking of music, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. This whole group is really great. 

[darthstitch]

Once upon a time, Darth Stitch worked for a certain Cultural Center in which it had been her good fortune to be around the Philippine Madrigal Singers.  The Madz won the grand prize in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy, which is pretty much the Olympics for the Choral Circuit.

Contest rules state that a choir winning said Grand Prize can't compete in any international choral competition that is a member of the European Grand Prix Association for the next two years.  So the Madz had to give it a rest for a while.  And then, once the waiting period was done, they came back to compete.

They won again. 

Here's to the MADZ!