Photo courtesy of Lisa Lutter
Members of Ramapo College's three singing groups – CantaNOVA, Skylark, and Take Twelve – at the International Festival of Academic Choirs in Prague where they won medals in every category of competition they entered. (L-R: Front): Katie Galvin, Ashley Cohen, Caitlin Carey, Alex Jones, Melissa Wood, Greg Elfers, Nicole Scaro, Lisa Lutter (director), Aimee Greenspan, Sarah Warren. (L-R: Middle): Marjorie Polunas, Roberta Koo, Keri Rand, Lori Mendez, Brielle Ocot, Jessica Abrams, Annie Davis, Felicia Donatiello, Gabriella DeCandia. (L-R: Back): Gina Cirillo, Matt Young, Jessica Mott, Angela Dorstek, Matt Armenti, Jenna Myers, Christopher Boone, Tom Mazzarella, Jimmy Santos, Adam Posluszny, David Dabney, Brittney Watson, Eric Mendelsohn, Anne Liberman, Itay Goren (pianist), Karl Cepeda, Erin Messina, Andrea Winawer-Wetzel. Not pictured: Amanda Sweatlock
Singing the Praises of Ramapo’s Choral Groups They’ve delighted attendees of Ramapo College events with their resonant melodies and moved audiences at solemn occasions. Recently, members of CantaNOVA, Skylark and Take Twelve, a men’s ensemble, broadened their experiences by participating in the International Festival of Academic Choirs in Prague and bringing home top honors.
Dr. Lisa Lutter, assistant professor of vocal performance, accompanied the students on their trip June 29 through July 8 to participate in the International Festival of Academic Choirs in the Czech Republic. The Ramapo choirs, participating for the first time, were the only American choirs invited to the festival. The competition included 17 international choirs from South Africa, China, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Ramapo’s three groups won medals in each competition category they entered. CantaNOVA won a bronze medal and Skylark a silver in the A Capella category; CantaNOVA and Skylark each won a silver medal in the Folklore category; CantaNOVA won a silver medal in the World Music category; Skylark won a silver medal in the Jazz category, and Take Twelve won a gold medal in the American Songbook category.
Winning was not the choirs’ goal said Lutter. “We kept focused on our chosen goal, to work together to sing to the best of our ability.”
into the 14th century town square to the richly costumed and choreographed South African competition performance – the friendships that sprung up in this fertile cultural ground have added a rich dimension to the students’ experience.”
The professor is grateful for the support received from the Ramapo College Foundation and the Office of the Provost to offset the cost of the tour. The grant money was used for educational and cultural experiences, such as a trip to the Terezin Internment Camp.
Lutter said, “In addition to the rich musical kaleidoscope we experienced – everything from the medieval brass choir heralding the choirs’ arrival
“Women Of Influence,” a Lecture and Networking Event, Held at Ramapo College
“Women of Influence in New Jersey,” a lecture and networking event honoring the State’s female leaders in business, government, academia and the arts was sponsored by Ramapo College and the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) on June 17.
The program featured presentations by Virginia S. Bauer, commissioner, Board of Commissioners,
Port Authority of NY and NJ; Brenda B. Hopper, state director, New Jersey Small Business Development Center; Nancy C. McDonald, Esq., founding managing partner, McDonald Law Group, LLC; and Ann M. Limberg, president, Bank of America of NJ and market executive, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management of NJ, PA and DE. Sally Glick of Sobel & Co., LLC moderated.
CIANJ is the leader in free enterprise advocacy to provide an economic climate that enhances business potential in the state. Ann M. Limberg, president, Bank of America of NJ, and member of Ramapo Foundation's Board of Governors
Ramapo magazine
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