UIC Choral Festival 2022

What Do You Want to Be? UIC Invitational Choral Festival Wed–Fri April 6–8, 2022 Notre Dame de Chicago 1334 W Flournoy St

Land Acknowledgement Statement

2

The UIC School of Theatre and Music sits on the traditional homeland of the original peoples of the area: the Three Fires Confederacy (the Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwe Nations) as well as the Menominee and Ho-Chunk who—along with many Indigenous people—were among its first inhabitants. With respect and gratitude, The School of Theatre and Music honors the many Native Americans who have, do, and will call this land their home.

STM acknowledges that we have benefitted from the repeated attacks on Native Americans that forced tribal representatives to sign the 1816 Treaty of St Louis, relinquishing to the U.S. all claims of the land from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. This land seizure led to the era of economic development and rapid growth that made Chicago the metropolis that it is today.

We have an obligation to our students and the nearly 65,000 Native Americans now living in Chicago to do no further harm, to amplify Native voices, and to fight for equity and inclusion by engaging in anti-racism policies and practices. For us, this work begins with this statement, and must be followed by actions that immediately affect our work and life on campus. STM therefore commits to the following initiatives: / The creation of an Antiracism Action Plan and Committee / Antiracism training for all STM faculty and staff / Annual Recruitment workshops and on-site special events for Native high-schoolers. / An annual master class or talk with Native musicians and/or theatre artists. / Free tickets to STM performances and concerts, provided through UIC’s Native American Support Program. / Increased representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voices and perspectives in STM pedagogy, classrooms, and performances.

This is only the beginning of our work. We look forward to expanded and sustained STM programming that addresses ignorance, systemic racism, and white dominance.

Developed by STM Theatre Faculty 08.25.2020

Welcome

3

Throughout the 2021-22 season, The UIC Choirs have lifted up the theme: Tapestry: we hear our America’s singing. From Native American song to the African American spiritual; American folk to 21st century choral music for social justice, we’ve stirred in the richness of this music and the complexity of its history. The UIC Choirs considered how, as a choral community, we can lean into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s framework of a “Beloved Community” - a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings. We believe choir can be a microcosm of the Beloved Community.

For many of us, our concerts this academic year were some of the first we’ve experienced since March 2020. In a world of ugliness and darkness, UIC Choirs events have become a place where light and love might shine. From our October Showcase, to Caroling & Cocoa on the Quad, a February Choral Concert, participation at the Regional ACDA Conference, an invitation to perform at Symphony Center with the UIC Winds, and Karaoke and Open Mic nights organized by the UIC Choir Board, we’ve anchored ourselves by two goals: 1. Progress over Perfection. We established the importance of enjoying the process of music-making rather than feeling the weight of perfection as we make our way back to this choral community.

2. Regaining our Sense of Belonging. Together, we strive to create meaningful opportunities to regain our sense of belonging to UIC, to the School of Theatre and Music, and with The UIC Choirs. All singers on campus have a place in The UIC Choirs.

Welcome

4

We are excited to conclude our 2021-22 season with the UIC Choral Festival. This year’s guest artists are Coty Raven Morris from Portland State University and Connor Koppin, composer/conductor based in Los Angeles.

Coty Raven Morris, founder of Being Human Together, authored a children’s book, “What Do You Want to Be.” Together, with Connor Koppin, we conceived of the idea to write, illustrate, compose, and perform Coty’s original poem in the form of a children’s book. The choral commission, “When I Grow Up,” asks us about who we are, who we wish to become, and what can we do NOW? As a collective, The UIC Choirs and guest high school choirs will perform and record the commission at the end of the invitational.

We look forward to sharing our choral festival with you!

Liza Calisesi Maidens Director of Choral Activities School of the Theatre and Music University of Illinois-Chicago @UICChoirs

Schedule Wednesday, April 6 6:00–9:00pm

Choral Festival Preview Party

L285 - ETMSW Building

Choir Board Open Mic Night

5

2021–2022 UIC Choir Board Janeene Atienza, Annabelle Barclay, Julia Castillo, Sarah Estilo, Faith Metcalf, Molly Rockwell, Abdo Timejardine-Zomeño 2021–2022 Choir Managers Emily Fine and Chassion Rice

6

Schedule Thursday, April 7 8:30am

Registration

9:00am

Welcome & Opening Sing

9:10am

Workshop #1 Being Human Together with Professor Coty Raven Morris

10:00am

Choral Clinics (Optional Voice Lesson Demo)

11:00am

Lunch (BYO; on your own) see page 26 for nearby dining options (Optional Voice Lesson Demo)

12:00pm

Q&A with The UIC Choir Board

12:30pm

Combined Rehearsal with UIC Choirs and Invited HS Choirs Dr. Calisesi Maidens, conductor

1:30pm

Workshop #2 Composer Discussion with Dr. Connor Koppin

2:00pm

Workshop #3 Being Human Together with Professor Coty Raven Morris

2:30pm

UIC Choirs Performance see page 6 for program

3:30pm Choir Festival Recording Session of When I Grow Up, Connor Koppin 4:15pm

Festival Concludes

7

Schedule Friday, April 8 12:00–12:50pm

Treble Choir Rehearsal

Room L060 1:00–1:50pm

Chamber Choir Rehearsal

Room L060 2:00–3:50pm

Convocation

Room L285

click here for resources

2:00–2:50pm

Composer Discussion with Dr. Connor Koppin

3:00–3:50pm

Being Human Together with Professor Coty Raven Morris

UIC Choirs Performance Program

8

“What do you want to be when you grow up? How do I answer?...”

All That We Are

Combined Choirs

Beverley McKiver

“I want to be the sun, so I can shine down on the trees.

I want to be the air to kiss the wings of birds....”

Song of My Heart

Treble Choir

Castelloza's Song

Treble Choir

Alvin Trotman

BE Boykin

Vito Bellino, guitar

No One Else from Natasha, Pierre,

Dave Malloy

and The Great Comet of 1812 Student Spotlight Kayla Jordan, soloist

“Or should I be water? Both power and peace. Or perhaps, I will be fire! Giver and destroyer....”

Ave Maria

University Choir

Nathaniel Dett

UIC Choirs Performance Program (selections from the following) Take Me to the Water

9

Rollo Dilworth University Choir

Before Life and After from Winter Words, Op. 52

Benjamin Britten Student Spotlight

Grace Zieman, soloist Burn from Hamilton Student Spotlight

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Morayo Ojugbele, soloist

“I want to be earth. Ever growing, learning. Both forgiving and conquering.

Survivor of the elements....”

We Are the Ones Chamber Choir

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Chamber Choir

16th century anonymous

Verbum caro factum est Vito Bellino, guitar

The Innocence from Considering Matthew Shepard

Craig Hella Johnson Chamber Choir Connor Koppin, soloist Vito Bellino, guitar

Resignation Chamber Choir

Florence Price

UIC Choirs Performance Program No Mark

10

Cecil Effinger

from Four Pastorales Chamber Choir

“I want to live and that begins now.”

Beautiful

Carole King arr. Connor Koppin Combined Choirs

When I Grow Up

Music by Connor Koppin Text by Coty Raven Morris Combined Choirs

Recording Session

11

When I Grow Up music by Connor Koppin; text by Coty Raven Morris When I Grow Up is a new piece that sets the text of author Coty Raven Morris' children's book, “What Do I Want to Do?” Together, Connor, Coty, and Liza conceived of the idea to write, illustrate, compose, and perform Coty’s original poem in the form of a children’s book. The choral commission, “When I Grow Up,” asks us about who we are, who we wish to become, and what can we do now? The work challenges us to see our lives as a journey with ever- evolving challenges and possibilities and reminds us that we're all still thinking about what it means to "grow up.”

Guest Artist Biographies Coty Raven Morris is the Hinckley Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education and Social Justice at Portland State University.

Prior to this, she was the Director of Choirs at Crosby High School in the Houston area and has served as the Outreach Choir Director at the MSU Community Music School and Music Director at Grand Ledge United Methodist Church. Her choirs received consistent Sweepstakes & Division I ratings at UIL and choral festivals. Morris is a sought after clinician and has presented at educational conferences and professional developments across the country including the ACDA, NAfME, and the Texas Music Educators Association.Coty Raven Morris the Founder of Being Human Together, a budding music education community triving to normalize difficult topics in our field through conversation and connection. BHT seeks to discuss traditionally taboo topics like mental health, systemic oppression, diversity, and inclusivity.She holds degrees from Michigan State University (MM) and exas State University-San Marcos (BM).

Follow: @cotyraven Follow Being Human Together: @bht_101

12

Guest Artist Biographies Connor Koppin is a composer living and working in Southern California. His compositional output consists primarily of choral music but also includes works for instrumental ensembles, film scores, and songwriting. Koppin’s music has been selected for performance by choirs on an international level. He has music published with Walton Music, GIA, and Santa Barbara, but now publishes his own works found at his website: www.connor-koppin.myshopify.com.

He is currently working on commission and has premieres scheduled in Texas, Illinois, and Oregon in the coming months. He is married and enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs.

Follow: @connorkoppin

13

When I Grow Up

14

When I Grow Up

15

16

UIC Choirs Personnel Treble Choir

Stern Li

Faith Metcalf *

Janeene Atienza *

Robyn Lockridge

David Morales Olalla

Julia Castillo *

Annye Long

Chinenye Nwume

Caroline Chmielewski

Rose Huston MacLeod

Alexandra Panos

Sarah Estilo *

Jackqueline Marchan

Chassion Rice +

Tomisin Fijabi

Faith Metcalf *

Frida Rivera

Neil Fuchs

Eileen Esmeralda Nieto Roberto Rodriguez

Ashley Greene

Jaelyn Robinson

Abdo Timejardine-

Kiara Hendrix-Glover

Molly Rockwell *

Zomeño *

Christie Kim

Zoe Romano

Philip Xu

Diana Lopez

Jyoti Sundaram

Grace Zieman

Morayo Ojugbele

Rosalba Valdez

Alexandra Panos

Sebastian Vergara

UIC Choir Board Member *

Isabella Perez Dian Poremba

Chamber Choir

Frida Rivera

Janeene Atienza *

Alyssa Sierra

Annabelle Barclay *

Liza Tkachuk

Vito Bellino

Erin Weller

Christian Boyd Katie Brandt Sartain

University Choir

Emily Carroso

Isaac Alvarado

Julia Castillo *

Sofia Avilla

Felix Celestino

Emma Joy Balma

Anahita Chandhok

Charlyn Benjamin

Ryan Croteau

Fabricio Calderon

Sarah Estilo *

Delgado

Thomas Fanelli

Caroline Chmielewski

EmilyFine +

Christian Daum

Lola Fratto

Donovan Davis

Anthony Gonzalez

Amr Elseweifi

Kayla Jordan

Matthew Rei Esteves

Jericho Kadusale

Neil Fuchs

Helen Kuznetsova

Annie Heintz

Frederek Layne

Antwuan Herman II

Sivan Levavi

Fatima Khaidar

Rose Huston MacLeod

Michelle Kinyanjui

Jonathan Magboo

UIC Choir Manager +

UIC Choral & Voice Faculty Dr. Liza Calisesi Maidens Director of Choral Activities liza@uic.edu Professor Andrew Lewis Conductor adlewis@uic.edu Professor Ivana Bukvich Collaborative Piano ibukvich@uic.edu Dr. Klaus Georg Teaching Associate, classical voice kgeorg@uic.edu Professor Sarah Ponder Teaching Associate, classical voice sponder2@uic.edu Professor Kitty Karn Adjunct Lecturer, voice Professor Cheryl Wilson Teaching Associate, jazz voice wilsonc@uic.edu

17

UIC Faculty Biographies Dr. Liza Calisesi Maidens is Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at UIC. Prior to her appointment at UIC, she was a member of the conducting faculty at Eastern Michigan University from 20152021, where she conducted EMU Vision (formerly Women’s Choir), EMU Voces, and EMU Express. Most recently, EMUVision was invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Michigan Conference and was the featured chorus in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s French Fest performance of Debussy’s Nocturnes at Orchestra Hall. Dr. Calisesi Maidens serves as a board committee member for mirabai, a professional ensemble led by Sandra Snow to enhance the artistic expectations of women’s choral singing. She has served on the board for Michigan-ACDA and is anactive guest conductor, clinician, and presenter.

Dr. Calisesi Maidens has sung professionally with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, mirabai, and sounding light. Her research centers around expanding the choral canon, the choral music of Imogen Holst, and undergraduate student belonging as it pertains to a college/school of music. She holds degrees from Michigan State University (DMA), Westminster Choir College (MM), and Central College (BA). To learn more, please visit: lizacm.com or stop by my office!

18

UIC Faculty Biographies Professor Andrew Lewis is Artistic Director of Bella Voce and the Bella Voce Sinfonia, Music Director of the Elgin Master Chorale, Director of Music & Choirmaster at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston, Artistic Director of Opus 327 NFP, Lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Theatre & Music, and is Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

He has music degrees from Northwestern University and the Eastman School of Music.

Mr. Lewis has been a guest lecturer at Concordia University Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, the Lectures in Church Music series, Garrett Theological Seminary, and formerly taught the conducting course at DePaul University. He has been a guest conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and has appeared on several occasions as a guest conductor with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lewis’s performances with Bella Voce, the Elgin Master Chorale, and the Elgin Symphony have been broadcast nationally on WFMT 98.7.

19

UIC Faculty Biographies Professor Ivana Bukvich earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Arts in Belgrade, Serbia, and her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University, where she studied under Professor Alexander Toradze. Her performance highlights include the Edinburgh Music Festival in Scotland, the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Rotterdam Phillips Gergiev Festival in the Netherlands, the Mikkeli Music Festival in Finland, the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, and the Dame Myra Hess Series in Chicago. Ivana was the head of the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago from 2000-2015 and coached chamber music for Gallery 37 summer programs. She is a full-time lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she teaches applied piano, keyboard classes and UIC Choirs and also collaborates with vocal studios. Ivana maintains a private piano studio at the Fine Arts Building and is an active adjudicator and collaborative musician in the Chicago area. Professional affiliations include CAMTA, MTNA and Royal Conservatory of Canada.

20

UIC Faculty Biographies Dr. Klaus Georg specializes in oratorio and concert work spanning several centuries. He has appeared as soloist with many prestigious groups, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (St. John Passion and Serenade to Music,) the Grant Park Music Festival (MacMillan The Quickening,) and Music of the Baroque (St. John Passion, Israel in Egypt, Dixit Dominus, and Judas Maccabeus.) His performance of Monteverdi’s Mentre vaga angiolettawith Music of the Baroquewas described by Chicago Classical Review as bringing “impressive flair to the swirling melismas.” A native speaker of German, Dr. Georg considers Bach’s Evangelist roles, especially those of the St. Johnand St. Matthew Passions,as central to his repertoire. He also frequently appears in the tenor solos of the major Handel oratorios and the Masses of Mozart.

Dr. Georg also serves as section leader in the Chicago Symphony Chorus and sings with the Grant Park Music Festival Chorus and with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. A graduate of Northwestern University’s DMA program, Dr. Georg has served on the faculty of Loyola University Chicago since 2012, having previously taught at Carthage College and the Merit School of Music.

21

UIC Faculty Biographies Professor Kitty Karn moved to the area in 2019 after 15 years as Professor of Voice and Musical Theatre at Western Illinois University.

She is certified in all levels of Jeannie Lovetri’s Somatic Voicework (Shenandoah University) and holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota) and MM in Vocal Performance from The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. She has musically directed over 30 productions at both the college and professional level. Her performing experience includes the title rolein The Drowsy Chaperone, Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Marmee in Little Women, Madame Flora in The Medium and Mrs. Segstrom in A Little Night Music. www.kittykarn.com.

22

UIC Faculty Biographies Professor Sarah Ponder: Hailed as “Deeply expressive” (Chicago Sun Times) and a “first-class soloist” (Chicago Classical Review), Sarah Ponder enjoys a busy career as a soloist and ensemble singer in genres from classical to contemporary to a cappella. Some of Sarah’s favorite performances include featured solo appearances with the Grant Park Music Festival, playing Julia Child in performances of Lee Hoiby’s one-woman opera, Bon Appetit! and a rousing trio rendition of “Row, Row Your Boat” with Yo-Yo Ma at Children’s Memorial Hospital as part of her ongoing work with the Citizen Musician Initiative. A dedicated teacher and mentor, Sarah holds positions at Loyola University and University of Illinois Chicago as well as with Music of the Baroque’s Strong Voicesand has helped to establish innovative programs with the Negaunee Music Institute such as Notes for Peaceand Chicago’s branch of Lullaby Project(Carnegie Hall). As part of this work, Sarah has also “beguilingly” (Chicago Tribune) performed several solo concerts with famed Maestro Riccardo Muti at the piano.

Sarah is featured as a technique model in the award-winning pedagogy book, Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, teachers, and Singers. In her free time, Sarah loves cooking, reading and rowing with the breast cancer survivor’s team, Recovery on Water.

23

UIC Faculty Biographies Professor Cheryl Wilson enjoys a career as an international recording artist, having recorded and performed with a variety of musicians, such as Michael Jackson, Mavis Staples, Celine Dion, Seal, Diana Ross, Michael Bolton, Faith Hill, Mannheim Steamroller, R.Kelly, Cameo, Bill Withers, KMFDM, Peter Cetera, David Foster and Whitney Houston, among others. She writes, arranges and records music for commercials, feature films and television, and has several gold, platinum and diamond Billboard recording awards. Her solo performances include the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chi-Town Jazz Fest Benefit Series and guest appearances with symphony orchestras, jazz orchestras, and music festivals around the world. Cheryl also enjoys performing with several small ensembles including the Jazz String Quintet, 4Spiel String Quartet, Zvonimir Tot’s Jazz Stringtet, Hard Art Groop, and akalibrio. A recipient of an award for outstanding service from the National Association of Jazz Educators, Wilson teaches voice and jazz studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and at the University of Illinoisin Chicago. Cheryl is also a member of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, as a violist.

24

Choir Placement Audition Information

25

Want to join choir? All voices are welcome! Email Dr. Calisesi Maidens, Director of Choral Activities for more information: liza@uic.edu.

Follow us! Find The UIC Choirs on Instagram: @UICCHOIRS or on Facebook at: The UIC Choirs.

UIC Choral Ensembles The UIC Choirs actively engage in choral music through ensemble singing, study of the varied repertoire and the development of artistic expression.

Music majors and non-music majors, together, become engaged in the art of choral music through a variety of well-known and lesser-known composers of the canon, works that celebrate cultures from around the world, and musical activities designed to advance individual musicianship and that of the choral ensemble. We are an accepting space for anyone who wishes to join regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or musical background.The UIC Choirs offer opportunities for student leadership, service, and community, while gaining a stronger appreciation for the choral arts and its relationship to the larger society.

Treble Choir (MUS 155) Meets MWF from 12:00-12:50pm Auditioned chamber ensemble–open to all treble-voice singers on campus (soprano & alto) Chamber Choir (MUS 154) Meets MWF from 1:00-1:50pm Auditioned chamber ensemble (SATB) University Choir (MUS 153) Meets T/Th from 11:00am-12:15pm Auditioned ensemble (SATB) Request Additional Information. To request additional information about any of our music degree programs, please click here.

UIC Concert Series Spring 2022 Friday, April 15

Thursday, April 28

Wind Ensemble and

Jazz Workshop and

Symphonic Band

Jazz Combo

Logan Center, 7:30pm

L285 Recital Hall,

1044 W Harrison St.

7:30pm

Chicago, IL

1044 W Harrison St. Chicago, IL

Sunday, April 24 UIC Orchestra

Friday, April 29

Whitney M. Young High

Percussion Ensemble

School Auditorium,

L280 Theatre, 7:30pm

3:00pm

1044 WHarrison St.

211 S Laflin St

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL Saturday, April 30 Tuesday, April 26:

Contemporary

Pop Rock,

Music and

L285 Recital Hall,

Student Showcase

7:30pm

L280 Theatre, 7:30pm

1044 West Harrison

1044 W Harrison St.

St. Chicago IL 60607

Chicago, IL

Wednesday, April 27 Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo L285 Recital Hall 7:30pm 1044 W Harrison St. Chicago, IL

26

Mission

27

The School of Theatre & Music provides innovative, rigorous, and comprehensive academic and performance programs as part of our diverse, urban context. Our programs develop practical knowledge, cultural sensitivity, intellectual resourcefulness, and imaginative daring in emerging artists and scholars. We connect students to Chicago's abundant, vibrant theatre culture and to the city's dynamic jazz and classical music networks.

Thank you for being a dedicated member of our community!

At UIC, about 55% of theatre and music students receive some form of financial aid. Many more need support. Your donation will help us transform students’ lives as we prepare them for paths in the arts and other creative fields. Consider making a donation to our Theatre and Music Scholarship Fund today. https://theatreandmusic.uic.edu/donate-now

Nearby Dining Options

28

Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice 1057 W. Polk St. Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 738-1046 12 min walk from venue.

Fontano’s Subs 1058 West Polk Street Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 421-4474 12 min walk from venue; next to Carm’s.

Student Center East at UIC Dunkin, Chick-fil-a, Circle Burger, Panda Express, Moe's, Sbarro, Subway 750 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60607 20 min walk from venue.

There is available seating in the lower level of the venue for anyone who brings their own lunch.