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VOCALESSENCE

CONTENTS

1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 vocalessence.org

CONCERT: Deep Roots, a VocalEssence WITNESS Concert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

BEHIND THE MUSIC: Joel Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Reatha Clark King Award Winners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

facebook.com/vocalessence twitter.com/vocalessencemn linkedin.com/company/vocalessence youtube.com/vocalessence instagram.com/vocalessencemn

30th Anniversary of VocalEssence WITNESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ABOUT VOCALESSENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Reatha Clark King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE DONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

PLEASE NOTE: • Concerts will be recorded for possible broadcast—please help us keep the performance space quiet. Take a moment now to check that all cell phones, paging devices, wristwatch alarms, and the like are turned off before the concert begins. Thank you.

• Out of respect for the performers and the music creators, please refrain from using cameras or other recording devices during the performance.

• VocalEssence documents its concerts and events through audio and video. As a ticket holder to this event, you consent to use your likeness, without compensation, in any or all media. Please contact info@vocalessence.org with questions.

• Student and group discounts are available for most VocalEssence concerts. Half-price tickets are available to students (ages 6-18 and college) with a student ID. Groups of 10 or more save 15% on tickets.

• Children of all ages are welcome at all of our Family Series events. Visit www.vocalessence. org/welcomefamily for more information and a list of events. Tickets for children ages 0-17 are free.

• Accessible seating is available at all of our concert venues. However, some of our facilities do not have elevator access to the balcony level.

Please make your needs known when you order tickets.

• You may return VocalEssence single concert tickets for resale up to 48 hours prior to a performance. No refunds or exchanges can be given; however, you will be sent a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. (VocalEssence subscribers may call 612-371-5642 to request free ticket exchanges and lost ticket replacement.)

• Latecomers will be seated at appropriate pauses in the concert according to the conductor’s wishes. Please plan plenty of time for locating the concert venue and parking. Or, better yet, allow an extra hour and join us for Concert Conversations with the composers and artists, held one hour before some concerts.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David L. Mona President Fred Moore Vice-President Jacob Wolkowitz Treasurer Timothy Takach Secretary Mary Ann Aufderheide Traci V. Bransford Philip Brunelle Cassidy McCrea Burns Margaret Chutich Martha Driessen Anders Eckman Ann Farrell Daniel Fernelius Wayne Gisslen Carolina Gustafson R.J. Heckman Joseph Kalkman Paul McDonough David Myers Nancy F. Nelson Richard Neuner Jim Odland Joanne Reeck Don Shelby Jennifer Vickerman Dorene Wernke

LIFETIME DIRECTORS Ann Barkelew Ann Buran Art Kaemmer Nikki Lewis Mike McCarthy

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

HONORARY DIRECTORS Dominick Argento* William Bolcom Dave Brubeck* Aaron Copland* Håkan Hagegård Louise Heffelfinger* Eskil Hemberg* Betty Hulings* Sigrid Johnson James Earl Jones Garrison Keillor Donald Mitchell* Helmuth Rilling John Rutter Peter Schickele Dr. André J. Thomas Eric Whitacre

Rhiannon Fiskradatz Operations Manager for VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

Mary Ann Aufderheide Executive Director Jeff Bina Director of Finance and Operations

Robert Graham Program Manager for Learning and Engagement | Conductor, Vintage Voices Laura Holst Development and Marketing Associate Ethan Johnson Production Manager and Artistic Assistant Amanda Timmer Operations Manager for Learning and Engagement

*In remembrance

Katrina Wallmeyer Director of Development and Communications

ARTISTIC STAFF Philip Brunelle Artistic Director

G. Phillip Shoultz, III Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement

Elissa Weller Institutional Giving and Events Manager

Mary Jo Gothmann Accompanist

2019-2020 Season

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2019-2020 SEASON SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS CONCERT Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

DEEP ROOTS, A VOCALESSENCE WITNESS CONCERT Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 4:30 PM Orchestra Hall 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN Concert Talk immediately following the performance at 6:30 PM in the Target Atrium FEATURING:

Anonymous gift in appreciation of what VocalEssence and WITNESS have done for the community for 30 years N. Judge* and Reatha Clark King Family Fund The Mauriel Family Foundation Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland *In remembrance Page 4

2019-2020 Season

One Voice Mixed Chorus Jane Ramseyer Miller, conductor Mindy Eschedor, piano Jovonta Patton 30th Anniversary Community Choir including members from: Deliverance For Youth Reunion, MN State Baptist Convention Youth Choir (Treasures), and North Central Singers VocalEssence Teaching Artists: Timothy Berry Patricia Brown Brandon Commodore Ginger Commodore Karla Nweje T. Mychael Rambo Anita Ruth Roxane Wallace VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, & Singers Of This Age Mary Jo Gothmann, piano Philip Brunelle, conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

ARTIST STATEMENT I hope you are ready to “be a witness”! We have so many talented—homegrown—artists involved in this afternoon’s concert, that I can hardly contain my enthusiasm. I am so delighted to welcome each of you to our second celebratory program in this 30th Anniversary season of VocalEssence WITNESS. In 1991, when Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle decided to celebrate Black History month with a single concert dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the music of African American composers, not even he could have predicted the profound and lasting impact that decision would have.

VocalEssence WITNESS celebrates the outstanding contributions African Americans make to our shared cultural heritage through concerts, conversations, recitals, workshops, and programming in churches, community centers, and schools throughout the metropolitan region. Each year, with the help of our phenomenal roster of VocalEssence Teaching Artists, over 4,000 students in nearly 50 schools study a curated, theme-based curriculum that highlights African American achievements, past and present, and illuminates our role in making today’s society more equitable for all.

I am excited to share that for the first time ever, each of our current Teaching Artists will be featured performers in today’s program!

The second half of the concert exemplifies the phrase, “we are better together, when we sing together” and is a celebration of community, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together in song!

It begins with the young artists of VESOTA (VocalEssence Singers Of This Age) and our friends from One Voice Mixed Chorus (including their fabulous director Jane Ramseyer Miller) as we share excerpts from The Man Behind the Dream, which highlights the life of Bayard Rustin and chronicles the amazing contributions he made to the Civil Rights movement. Next, our young singers share a rendition of Ke Nale Monna, a South African song frequently sung at celebratory occasions and, also, our first collaboratively created original song We Are the Peace.

It was important to me that we wrap up our celebration in the most joyful and exuberant way possible, so I reached out to Billboard chart-topping and award-winning Minneapolis native, Jovonta Patton, AND to the community to find singers of all ages who would be willing to participate in an anniversary mass choir for this occasion. Just wait until you see everyone on stage together, we will be lifted up to new heights as we express our gratitude for the wonderful privilege of sharing VocalEssence WITNESS with so many people, like each of you.

Thank you for “being a witness”! Enjoy the celebration!

—G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement

Deep Roots opens with a prayer that has been passed down by oral tradition throughout South Africa. In Ndikhokhele Bawo we connect with the roots of the Black experience in this petition where we ask our creator to lead us, guide us, and protect us as we move along this journey together. We continue with a psalm setting and an Alleluia that have never been featured in one of our concerts. These psalms express our gratitude for the amazing longevity and support this program has received through the years.

They also show VocalEssence continuing to innovate—bringing new and rarely heard works to the stage (a theme that permeates the entire concert). From there, we take a walk down memory lane with Philip Brunelle conducting selections that were either commissioned by or premiered at VocalEssence WITNESS through the years. Negro spirituals have been a major component of VocalEssence WITNESS, so we share a few favorite settings (old and new) including one commissioned for this occasion, Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord?, by my dear friend and fellow Georgian, Joel Thompson (get to know his name!)

Proud to support VocalEssence Thomson Reuters is dedicated to the communities where we live and work.

© 2020 Thomson Reuters TR965468/01-20

2019-2020 Season

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THE PROGRAM I. Ndikhokhele Bawo

arr. Lhente-Mari Pitout

Wake Up, My Spirit

Adolphus Hailstork

Alleluia

Ulysses Kay

II. Herald the Day Patrice Rushen VocalEssence WITNESS Commission and World Premiere (2004) Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child Rosephanye Powell VocalEssence WITNESS Commission and World Premiere (2004) We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace

arr. Undine Smith Moore

-Presentation of the Reatha Clark King AwardSteal Away

Diedre Robinson

III. The Caged Bird Sings for Freedom

Joel Thompson

Hold Fast to Dreams

Joel Thompson

Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord?

Joel Thompson VocalEssence WITNESS 30th Anniversary Commission and World Premiere I. You Are the Music

Intermission Ginger Commodore

II. Excerpts from Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind the Dream

The Man Behind the Dream Black Boy Born Lift Every Voice and Sing (audience sing) Stick in the Wheel III. Ke Nale Monna We Are the Peace We Stand

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2019-2020 Season

composed and arr.

Steve Milloy

Traditional, arr. Vuyani Buti co-created by members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age World Premiere

Timothy Berry

IV. Original songs composed by Jovonta Patton Nothing to Worry About (includes “He’s Got the Whole World”) My Hands Are Lifted Up

He Reigns Medley: Greatness | O Give Thanks | Same For You Rise Eric Yates, bass Daudi Long, guitar Julian Roberts, piano Yanni Davis, keyboard L.A. Buckner, drums V. We Shall Not Be Moved (audience sing)

Traditional, arr. Steven Milloy

LET’S FILL THE HALL! Join those above!

Just $25 sponsors a student’s seat at Orchestra Hall!

Seats can be sponsored at the VocalEssence table in the lobby today or online at vocalessence.org/donate 2019-2020 Season

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TEXTS I. NDIKHOKHELE BAWO

arr. Lhente-Mari Pitout sung in Isixhosa Lead me oh Father Lead me my Savior In all the sorrows of this world Father I thank you For you still protect me Although you are not with me Yes, although you are not near Father I thank you For you still protect me oh Lord although you are not near me Father I thank you For you still protect me

—Traditional WAKE UP, MY SPIRIT

Adolphus Hailstork Wake up, my spirit!

I, myself, will waken the dawn.

WE SHALL WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY IN PEACE

arr. Undine Smith Moore We shall walk through the valley in peace.

If Jesus, himself shall be our leader, We shall walk through the valley in peace.

There will be no trials there.

If Jesus, himself shall be our leader, We shall walk through the valley in peace.

—Traditional STEAL AWAY

Diedre Robinson Steal away to Jesus.

Steal away home, I ain’t got long to stay here.

My Lord, he calls me by the thunder; Ain’t got long to stay here, my Lord.

Green trees are bending, poor sinners stand a-trembling.

The trumpet sounds within my soul, ain’t got long to stay here.

—Traditional

Exalt Yourself above the heavens, O God; and Your glory over all the earth.

III. THE CAGED BIRD SINGS FOR FREEDOM

Joel Thompson

I will sing praise to You among the nations, Awake, lute and harp; I will sing melody, I will sing alleluia.

–Psalm 57:6-9

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky.

ALLELUIA

Ulysses Kay

II. HERALD THE DAY

Patrice Rushen

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

Herald the day, celebrate the day today!

Be it a joyful, faithful, grateful day, a blessed day.

A peaceful day, celebrate the day, herald the day.

Be it a thoughtful, hopeful, prayerful day, a merciful day.

A bountiful day, celebrate the day, herald the day!

SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS CHILD

Rosephanye Powell Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, A long way from home.

Something terrible has happened.

Something has happened to mothers.

Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone, Way off in the heavenly land. Amen.

—Traditional

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The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.

–Maya Angelou

HOLD FAST TO DREAMS

Joel Thompson Free at last, Free at last?

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore and run?

Does it stink like rotten meat Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load Or does it explode?

Hold fast to dreams for when dreams die Life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams for when dreams go Life is a barren field frozen with snow.

What happens to a dream deferred?

Hold fast to dreams!

—adapted from Langston Hughes WHO WILL BE A WITNESS FOR MY LORD?

Joel Thompson Who will be a witness for my Lord?

Read the Scriptures and you’ll understand that Samson was the strongest man.

Read a little further and you will find God gave him the victory o’er the Philistines.

Samson was a witness for my Lord, so, who will be a witness for my Lord?

The Persian king could be so mean, still, the Lord told Esther she would be the queen.

When Haman started making his evil plans, Esther let him know who was in command.

Esther was a witness for my Lord, so, who will be a witness for my Lord?

I am a witness for my Lord!

Yes, I am a witness for my Lord!

My soul is a witness for my Lord!

I will be a witness for my Lord!

—Traditional

INTERMISSION I. YOU ARE THE MUSIC Ginger Commodore You are the music that makes my heart sing Sweet, gentle music full of warm imaginings I feel your song soaring higher and higher like a bird on the wing You are the song my heart sings The sound of music like an ever-changing scene Drives me closer to you with every new note you bring The melody starts twisting and turning like a spirit running free You are the song my soul sings The sound of your dreams I realize can stand alone

But when I mix your dreams with mine I let the beat of your heart carry me away Then I improvise, mesmerize, and open …

The feel of music, it makes my body sway You are the music, tomorrow and yesterday My heart supplies the harmony to this often-stated theme You are the song my heart sings II. EXCERPTS FROM BERNARD RUSTIN: THE MAN BEHIND THE DREAM composed and arranged by Steve Milloy 1. The Man Behind the Dream One small boy, raised in faith at his grandma’s hand.

Taught respect for life, sharing his love with his fellow man.

It’s an old, old story, one you think you understand, but you don’t know the man.

One young man who refused to kill, locked away.

Forced to work in chains because of who he loved.

Think you heard his story? Think you heard it all before? There is so much more.

You think you know about talent? Think you know about skill?

What it takes to climb up to the top of the hill?

In a time before Twitter, using bravery and sight, He moved a quarter million souls to fight for their rights.

You think you know about courage? Think you know about grace?

Do you know the name of the man who stepped from his rightful place?

So the March could go forward, glory wasn’t his need.

Because the movement was bigger than he!

You think you know all about the march, the dream, Doctor King?

Hear the rest of the story in the song that we sing.

You haven’t walked in the footsteps, don’t know Freedom’s true ring Until you know the man behind the man behind the dream!

2. Black Boy Born Black boy born, breast bone to the breeze.

Black boy born, tar and cotton beneath his feet.

Black boy born, don't dare to reach to dream.

Curl your spine and turn your cheek.

Bayard, black boy, don't you dare to leap.

Black boy born on the sharp end of the knife.

Black boy born, shadow to moonless night.

Black boy born, empty hands to the dream.

Got a mind and a song to sing in a world where freedom don't really ring.

They tried to keep him down, they could have strung him up.

Put a noose around his neck, and drained his over flowing cup.

Black boy born, wind to kick up the dust.

Black boy's fire, rising against chains and rust.

Born to be more than just muscle and hands.

Here come Bayard, black boy born. He was born to fight and take a stand!

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3. Lift Every Voice and Sing Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

We are the glow of the earth. We are a light in the dark.

We hold each other up when life is hard.

Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

We stand on the shoulders of giants, for the betterment within our reach.

If we try to go the distance, it builds the character that we all need.

4. Stick in the Wheel If the seats on the bus can’t hold your mother, be a stick in the wheel.

And if the seats on the bus can’t be used by your father, be a stick in the wheel. ’Cause if the seats on the bus aren’t meant for all of us, go on, be a stick in the wheel.

If we say to each other, I’ll give you a helping hand.

We must be true to the call to action, to do the best that we can.

If the lathe in the factory can’t be used by my auntie, I’ll be a stick in the wheel.

And if the lathe in the factory can’t be turned by my uncle, I’ll be a stick in the wheel. ’Cause if the factory in town gonna turn us all down, well, I’ll be a stick in the wheel.

Oh, brother, take a stand by sittin’ down. Oh, my sister, stick yourself right to the ground.

Oh, brother, let’s go walkin’ up Capitol Hill. Oh, my sister, and make that place stand still. ’Cause to make ourselves heard, we don’t have to say a word. We just got to shut it all down!

Hear the sticks hit the drums, they’re beatin’ out a rhythm, beatin’ out a marchin’ sound.

Hear the sticks hit the drums, they’re tellin’ all the children, tellin’ how strength can be found!

Sticks and stones can break people’s bones, if that’s what you wanna do.

But I know a better way of using a stick. So, let me explain it to you!

Hear the sticks hit the drums, they’re beatin’ out a rhythm, beatin’ out a marchin’ sound.

Hear the sticks hit the drums, they’re tellin’ all the children, tellin’ how strength can be found! ’Cause we won’t be ignored if we act in one accord and stop the wheels from turnin’ round! Shut it down!

III. KE NALE MONNA Traditional, Sotho Wedding Song A song of celebration and joy honoring an individual on a special occasion.

WE ARE THE PEACE

co-created by members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age We are the peace within the hate. We are the spark in the night.

The spark that births wildfires and we sing with all our might.

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WE STAND

Dr. Timothy Berry

We stand. We stand Stand, stand.

We stand. We stand.

Stand, stand.

Let’s travel this road together.

Its meaning together we’ll know.

This trail was forged before us Like a river with a mighty flow.

So we stand on the shoulders of giants for all the world to see.

We honor those before us.

It’s the strength of our community.

—Dr. Timothy Berry IV. NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT Jovonta Patton I have nothing to worry about.

You have nothing to worry about.

We have nothing to worry about.

Because I know who’s in control.

He’s got the whole world in His hands.

I don’t have to worry.

And I don’t have to fret.

The Lord has never failed me yet.

MY HANDS ARE LIFTED UP

Jovonta Patton My hands are lifted up My heart is ready to receive a blessing from you Break me, make me, shape me, mold me My heart is ready to receive a blessing from you HE REIGNS

Jovonta Patton We serve a God who reigns over heaven and the earth.

He reigns. Yes, Jesus reigns.

MEDLEY: GREATNESS | O GIVE THANKS | SAME FOR YOU

Jovonta Patton GREATNESS We’re reaching for greatness in every area of life.

He can heal the sick. He can raise the dead.

He can release But it must be done with greatness.

Greatness is what we reach for.

O GIVE THANKS O give thanks to the Lord.

For he’s good. He is good.

SAME FOR YOU He lifts me when I was down.

He came and he turned my whole life around.

He can do the same for you only if you ask him to.

RISE Jovonta Patton So many people are homeless, so many families can’t afford college.

We may not have all the answers, but we deserve better.

So, rise to the sky and be all you can be...

Rise.

For our communities.

Rise.

To end poverty.

Rise.

At every attempt.

Rise.

Fund black colleges.

Rise.

Over politics.

Rise.

And the color of skin.

Rise.

Reach down inside.

Rise.

And give love a try.

Rise.

No more excuses.

Rise.

I know we can do this.

Rise.

We don’t have all the answers.

Rise.

But they deserve better.

Rise.

Don’t be afraid.

Rise.

Rise today.

Rise.

V. WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED

Traditional, arr. Steven Milloy We shall not, we shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, we shall not be moved.

We’re black and white together, we shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, we shall not be moved.

Hand in hand, we’re singing, we shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, we shall not be moved.

We’re fighting against injustice, we shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, we shall not be moved.

We’ll march till we see victory, we shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, we shall not be moved.

BIOGRAPHIES One Voice Mixed Chorus is Minnesota’s only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight allies (LGBTA) chorus. Founded in 1988, One Voice has been building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song for over 30 years. With 125 singing members ranging in age from 15 to 81, One Voice inspires passionate, vibrant, and creative performances for thousands of audience members each year—at concerts, during outreach tours, through the innovative OUT in Our Schools program, and with unique collaborations.

Jane Ramseyer Miller (she/her) is in her 25th year as Artistic Director for One Voice and currently serves as Artistic Director for GALA Choruses. She holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Ramseyer Miller has served as Music Director for several church choirs as well as for TransVoices, Calliope Women’s Chorus, Fierra Voce Femmina, and Voices for Peace.

Jovonta Patton is a vocalist, songwriter, producer, and minister. He founded Deliverance For Youth, DFY, a youth choir made up of over 500 singers. His viral version of “My Hands Are Lifted Up” has garnered millions of plays on YouTube. His “Finally Living” project was the first album in gospel music to debut at number one from an independent artist on the Billboards Top Gospel Album Chart in 2016.

In 2018, “Way Maker” became his second number one on the Billboards Digital Chart.

A husband and father of three daughters, Patton lives in Atlanta, Georgia and serves as a worship leader at The House of Hope Atlanta.

2019-2020 Season

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BEHIND THE MUSIC Joel Thompson’s Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord?

Joel Thompson is building a reputation as an artist with a forthright focus on social justice. National attention followed the 2015 debut of his composition Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, which put the dying words of African American men at the center of an unusually powerful choral work. For his VocalEssence commissioned arrangement of Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord?, Thompson found himself returning to an early strength.

“I got my start in composition through arranging,” Thompson said. “I had an a cappella group in high school and college with my brother, sister, and two other friends, and I found a way to imbue my arrangements for our group with a style specific to me—my friends would say ‘That’s a Joel arrangement’ because they could hear it in the chords and in the form.”

“I set out to create an arrangement of Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord? that would infuse it with black identity,” said Thompson. “I wanted the listener to be able to hear those nuances that would come from singers raised in a black church tradition.”

It’s the sound of Thompson’s own heritage. “I’m black, and the boundaries of the communities I identify with fluctuate, because I’m also an immigrant: a Jamaican-American who moved to the U.S. when I was 10. Anytime I sit down to compose, I’m hoping to benefit one of the communities I’m a part of.”

He brought balance to Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord? by writing new verses. “The first verse celebrates Samson, and I figure if we were talking about him, why not talk about Esther, one of the most famous females in the Bible? I set out to explain how Esther was a witness for the Lord in four lines, and you wouldn’t think that would take too long to write—but I didn’t want the lines to feel anachronistic.

They had to feel like a part of the original work. Doing that within the limits of the metrical rhythm and rhyme scheme was the most challenging part of the arrangement.”

The musical approach came easier. “Spirituals leave room for improvisation around a known melody. By the time audiences hear the second verse telling Esther’s story, they will be anticipating a variation on what they heard in the first verse. In that verse, Samson’s verse, the sopranos have the melody the entire time, so in Esther’s verse, I gave it to the tenors, and changed its contour to highlight different voices and accentuate different parts of the words.”

“Spirituals work for me in this way: when I’m at an emotional low point, it’s always a song that comes to me and provides me with solace,” Thompson said, reflecting on the form. “Or, I experience moments of great joy, and a song comes with me in that moment. Connected through culture and spirituality and history, spirituals come to me when I need them.”

“These songs that are directly connected to the existence of African slaves in America. Through the lens of Christian theology, spirituals express deep pathos, yearning for freedom, sorrow, joy—all tied to that experience. Who Will Be a Witness for My Lord? isn’t rooted in grief; it’s a call for action, and I love that.

It gives examples of people who exhibited strength and then turns to the listener and asks, ‘Who will be a Witness for my Lord?’ I feel like there is so much complacency, so much hoping someone else will take care of it in the world right now. This spiritual has the attitude of, ‘Esther did it. Samson did it. Who is going to do it? You have to do it. I want the audience to take that piece of ‘I will be a witness for my Lord!’ away with them—to be the thing that gets them going!”

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REATHA CLARK KING AWARD WINNERS: VocalEssence Teaching Artists and Joanna Cortright The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was established by VocalEssence in 2007 to celebrate and recognize leaders and organizations that provide the resources to empower youth through direct contact, making a way for them to be as successful as they can be.

For fourteen years, VocalEssence has given out an award named after pioneering African American scientist, educator, and philanthropist Reatha Clark King. We’re pleased to recognize the vital work of the VocalEssence Teaching Artists and retiring VocalEssence WITNESS Teacher Resource Guide writer, Joanna Cortright, by naming them the 2020 Reatha Clark King Award recipients.

PAST REATHA CLARK KING AWARD WINNERS 2019: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center 2018: Dr. Jacob A. Gayle, Jr. and the Medtronic Foundation 2017: T. Mychael Rambo 2016: Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson 2015: Sanford Moore 2014: General Mills 2013: Phyllis Wheatley Community Center 2012: Theresa Neal 2011: Sharon Sayles Belton 2010: Laysha Ward 2009: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page and Diane Sims Page 2008: Patricia A. Harvey 2007: Ms. Ossie Brooks James

VocalEssence Teaching Artists Joanna Cortright is a member of the Minnesota Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. She has an extensive background in arts education that includes work with both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public School districts.

Over the years, Cortright’s work with community music organizations has included curriculum development, project and program planning and assessment, assisting musicians to create strategies for teaching in schools, and aligning programs with school music standards. Cortright developed and narrated Kinder Konzerts, a children’s concert program sponsored by WAMSO (now FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra) and the Minnesota Orchestra for 31 years. She was an artistic partner with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for 14 years, creating and narrating the Start the Music concert series for families with young children. She has hosted more than a thousand educational concerts for children, working to build bridges between young listeners, musicians, teachers, parents/grandparents, and music.

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MEET THE 2019-2020 VOCALESSENCE TEACHING ARTISTS AND THE ARTISTS WHO INFLUENCE AND INSPIRE THEM Timothy Berry is a composer and has performed nationally as a singer, actor, and percussionist. Dr. Berry is Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Education Partnerships | Student Support for the College of Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is highly regarded for his presentations on racial equity, cultural competency, and organizational change.

Paul Robeson is the artist from the past who has inspired my life in music and the arts. His courage, confidence, and determination, combined with his incredible talent in many fields allowed him to pursue his dreams, embrace his heritage, stand up for his beliefs, and not back down to anyone.

Patricia Brown is an active member of the Twin Cities arts scene as a dancer-performer and instructorchoreographer. Her style is rooted in the traditions of West Africa, other African regions, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Patricia serves as an adjunct faculty member at Macalaster College and the University of Minnesota. Her work has been seen on stages around the country.

I am inspired by the work of Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis.

His commitment to collecting, preserving, and teaching African traditions and dance has profoundly shaped my teaching. Like him, I seek to use dance as a means to combat racism and show my commitment to peace, love, and respect for everybody.

Brandon Commodore is a well-versed musician whose love and passion for music shines through in every lesson, rehearsal, workshop, or performance.

Brandon decided to follow his father’s footsteps and picked up a pair of drumsticks at a very young age. Off the stage, Brandon cares very deeply for young people and strives to offer mentorship and guidance through the art of music and creative expression.

When asked to choose the artist who continues to influence and inspire me, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson immediately came to mind. Not only do we share similar backgrounds with our parents being professional musicians, but his creativity and vision, intelligence, and hard work in many spaces have created a unique and profound legacy.

Ginger Commodore is a singer, songwriter, and actress who enjoys an illustrious career in the Twin Cities area.

An original member of the Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness and the Moore by Four vocal jazz ensemble, Ginger has shared the stage with countless stars and has taken her inspirational performances around the globe.

Aretha Franklin has been a strong influence in my life for many years. One of my favorite memories is of the day I met Aretha in person at the Minneapolis Aquatennial. She started out just like me and was inspired by those who had made their mark before her. Now, we are all inspired by her determination, hard work, and courage. She truly was the “Queen of Soul.”

In 2007, a Metro Transit bus was wrapped in yellow graphics representing the WITNESS theme, Singing the Legacy of Rosa Parks, and served a variety of routes from December 2006 to February 2007.

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Anita Ruth has been active in the Twin Cities theatrical, musical, and educational circles for many years. She served as musical director for eighty shows at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, spent time with Children’s Theater Company, Project Success, and now serves as Resident Music Director at Artistry Theater in Bloomington.

Karla Nweje is an arts educator, choreographer, performer, and literary artist known for cultivating partnerships across organizations and programs to make quality arts experiences accessible to all learners. Karla is a regular presenter and speaker at arts and education conferences and serves on the teaching artist roster for many organizations.

Pearl Primus was a dancer, a choreographer, and an anthropologist who pursued her passion fearlessly. She continues to influence and inspire my work in so many ways…“She turned me inside out as a dancer!”

Bernice Johnson Reagon is so versatile—a song leader, composer, scholar, and social activist. I think it is important for young people to learn about her, because she is a living and breathing representation of freedom fighter.

Roxane Wallace is active in the arts as a performer, teacher, dancer, and choreographer and continues to lead workshops to people of all ages and abilities. Roxane is the recipient of a McKnight Artist Fellowship, has international dance credits, and is the creator of two socially conscious theatrical works that she choreographed, directed, and produced.

T. Mychael Rambo is a regional Emmy award-winning actor, vocalist, arts educator, and community organizer who continues to make an indelible mark here in the Twin Cities. He has appeared around the globe in on-stage performances and has also appeared on camera in commercials, feature films, and other television programming.

Bernice Johnson Reagon has fearlessly worked to give voice to the voiceless and fight for justice and equality through her music. That inspires me in my work to help students discover their own personal voice.

People hear the name Katherine Dunham and they often only think of her as a dancer. I am also inspired by her work as anthropologist and activist. She devoted her life to creating and teaching cultural dances. She brought African dance to this continent and then used her platform to fight for civil rights. That influences me on a daily basis in my work with people of all ages.

TEACHING ARTISTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS Ta-coumba Aiken: visual artist

Vance Holmes: dancer singer, actor

Jason Ansara Brooks: dancer, actor, choreographer

Tonia Hughes: singer, songwriter, actress

Del Bey: photographer

Kelechi Jaavald: actor, poet

Joe Carter: singer

Kimberly Morgan: actress

Marlene Kim Connor-Lynch: author

Rose McGee: storyteller, playwright, author

Beverly Cottman: photographer

Michelle Perdue: actress

Danielle Daniel: storyteller, playwright

Louis Porter II: poet, memoir writer

Douglas Ewart: musician, artist, instrument builder

Marciano Silva Dos Santos: dancer, choreographer

Kathryn Gagnon: actress, vocalist

Larry Sims: trumpeter

Walter Griffin: photographer

Dennis Spears: vocalist

Paula Gudmundson: flutist

Yolanda Williams: vocalist

Robin Hickman: independent TV/film producer 2019-2020 Season

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VOCALESSENCE WITNESS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMELINE The following timeline highlights featured guests, Concert and WITNESS School Program themes, and milestones throughout the 30 years of VocalEssence WITNESS. YEAR 1: 1991

YEAR 5: 1995

YEAR 8: 1998

Featured Guests • The Fairfield Four • Jonathan B. Holland, composer • Yolanda Williams, soprano

Featured Guests • Rita Dove, poet • Michael Forest, tenor • Paul Shaw, piano

Milestones • The first WITNESS Family Concert was held at the Ordway Music Theatre in Saint Paul.

• WITNESS CD released: What a Mighty God: Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus

Featured Guests • Gary Karr, string bass • Jubilant Sykes, baritone

YEAR 10: 2000

Milestone • Area schools, which seldom have an opportunity to hear live artists and composers, participated in a week-long WITNESS residency.

Featured Guests • Anthony Elliot, cello • Moore by Four

YEAR 6: 1996 Featured Guests • James Earl Jones, narrator • Yolanda Williams, soprano

Theme: A Celebration of the Words and Music of African Americans

YEAR 3: 1993 Featured Guests • Eric Finney, saxophone • Moore by Four

Milestone • WITNESS CDs released: Dance Like the Wind: Music of Today’s Black Composers and Skyward My People Rose: Music of William Grant Still

YEAR 4: 1994 Featured Guests • James Earl Jones, narrator • Gospel Choirs United

YEAR 7: 1997 Featured Guests • The Steeles • Marietta Simpson, mezzo-soprano • Metropolitan Boys Choir Philip Brunelle, James Earl Jones, and Michael Abels

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Featured Guests • Janice Chandler, soprano • Rita Dove, poet • Dennis Spears, baritone Milestone • For the first time, students who participated in the WITNESS School Program were featured on both the Young People’s Concert and the WITNESS subscription concert.

YEAR 11: 2001 Featured Guests • Stephen Salters, baritone • University of Minnesota Gospel Choir

Philip Brunelle, James Earl Jones, Sigrid Johnson and Michael Abels Philip Brunelle and Anthony Elliot lead a WITNESS workshop

Featured Guests • Dr. Billy Taylor and his trio • Leigh Morris Chorale Theme: Peaceful Warrior

Theme: A Salute to Black History

YEAR 2: 1992

YEAR 9: 1999

Milestones • First WITNESS Young People’s Concert at Orchestra Hall. The WITNESS School Residency Program is designed to fulfill curriculum objectives of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Schools and included a complement of preparation and study materials for teachers.

• An Education and Curriculum Associate was added to the staff to help with the logistical portions of the program.

Milestone • WITNESS residencies focus on classroom visits by artists with the intention of having artists and students interact in an informal setting rather than in an assembly or performance and curriculum guides are expanded to address various grade levels and graduation standards.

YEAR 12: 2002 Featured Guests • Morehouse College Glee Club Milestones • First WITNESS Younger People’s Concert was held for students in grades 4-6.

• First WITNESS Teacher Orientation Seminar to familiarize teachers with the curriculum and help them integrate the materials into their own classroom settings and school curricula.

• Visual artist Ta-coumba Aiken creates three new paintings inspired by the theme of WITNESS and are used as the graphic identity for the both the WITNESS concert and the WITNESS School Program.

YEAR 13: 2003 Featured Guests • David Lee Brower, tenor • Lydia R. Cleaver, harp • T. Mychael Rambo, narrator Theme: Force of Nature Milestones • WITNESS Artists visit each classroom twice to allow the artists to provide students with a more in-depth look at their art form and promotes more personal interaction between students and the artists.

• WITNESS Workshops and Young People’s Concerts were held in Red Wing and Bemidji.

YEAR 14: 2004 Featured Guests • Alfred Babington-Johnson, narrator • Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano • William Brown, tenor • Janice Chandler-Eteme, soprano • Leigh Morris Chorale • Jearlyn Steele, soloist Theme: Moving Forward by Looking Back: The Work and Lives of African American Women Artists Milestones • WITNESS CD released: Got the Saint Louis Blues: Classical Music in the Jazz Age

Milestone • First year of the Talented Tenth Apprentice Program which offered urban area high school students the opportunity to receive professional music and vocal training, free tickets to VocalEssence concerts, and the opportunity to sing on stage with the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers.

YEAR 17: 2007

YEAR 22: 2012 Featured Guests • Tonia Hughes, soloist • Hannibal Lokumbe, composer • Macalester African Music Ensemble • Sanford Moore, piano • James Young, bass • Kevin Washington, drums Theme: In the Spirit of Being

Featured Guests • Kevin Deas, baritone • Marvette Knight, narrator • Chelanga Langason, boy soprano • Lori Lewis, soprano • Hannibal Lokumbe, composer • Jevetta Steele, mezzo soprano Theme: Singing the Legacy of Rosa Parks Milestone • First Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was presented.

YEAR 18: 2008 Featured Guests • Tom Keith, sound effects • Kaleena Miller, tap dancer • Sanford Moore, piano • Dennis Spears, baritone • Vern Sutton, writer of Duke Ellington on the Air

Hannibal Lokumbe talks to students

YEAR 23: 2013 Featured Guests • Jon Cranney, playwright and stage director • Marlissa Hudson, soloist • Andrea Ivy, actor • Greta Oglesby, actor Theme: Marian Anderson

Theme: The Duke Ellington Effect

YEAR 24: 2014

YEAR 19: 2009

Featured Guest • Melanie DeMore

Featured Guests • T. Mychael Rambo, narrator • Dr. Billy Taylor and his trio

• The WITNESS School Program and concert selections turn their focus to one personality or theme each year.

YEAR 15: 2005 Featured Guests • Lou Bellamy, narrator • Jon Cranney, stage director • Anthony Elliot, cello • Robin Hickman, video producer • The Keith McCutchen Trio Theme: Honoring Gordon Parks, concert; I Can Do That!: Arts and Activism, school program

YEAR 16: 2006 Featured Guests • Ginger Commodore, narrator & soloist • Fisk Jubilee Singers • TU Dance Theme: Sojourner Truth

Dr. Billy Taylor and Philip Brunelle at the piano

Theme: Celebration of a Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr.

YEAR 20: 2010 Featured Guests • Sweet Honey In The Rock®

Melanie DeMore on stage

Theme: Stomp & Sing

YEAR 25: 2015 Featured Guests • Sounds of Blackness Theme: Let Freedom Ring

Theme: Sweet Honey In The Rock®

YEAR 21: 2011 Featured Guests • Dr. André Thomas • The St. Olaf Choir Theme: African American Spirituals Milestone • VocalEssence embarked on a partnership with IFP-Minnesota to produce a video about the WITNESS School Program and Young People’s Concerts.

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YEAR 26: 2016

YEAR 27: 2017

YEAR 29: 2019

Featured Guests • Morehouse College Glee Club

Featured Guests • Melanie DeMore • T. Mychael Rambo, narrator • Nygel Witherspoon, cello

Featured Guests • Spelman College Glee Club

Theme: Underground Railroad

YEAR 30: 2020

YEAR 28: 2018

Featured Guests • One Voice Mixed Chorus • Timothy Berry • Patricia Brown • Brandon Commodore • Ginger Commodore • Karla Nweje • Jovonta Patton • T. Mychael Rambo • Anita Ruth • Roxane Wallace

Theme: Morehouse College Glee Club Milestone • Chorus America awards VocalEssence with the Chorus America Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award that recognizes organizations whose work shows a commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and furthering African American and other diverse choral traditions through performance, research, or creation of new compositions.

Featured Guests • Ta-coumba Aiken, artist • Dr. William C. Banfield, composer • VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

Theme: Yet They Persist

Theme: Deep Roots, concert and Blooming with Creativity, school program

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Philip Brunelle, Mary Ann Aufderhelde, and Chorus America Board Member Robert Harris

Theme: Of Such I Dream: The Harlem Renaissance Milestone • The annual WITNESS concert featured the debut of the newly established youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA).

Sounds of Blackness

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VocalEssence Teaching Artists

VOCALESSENCE WITNESS COMMISSIONS 1991: David Baker: Witness, Alf Houkom: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Joyce Solomon Moorman: In Time of Silver Rain 1992: Charles Harrison: Deep Like the Rivers 1993: Dr. William C. Banfield: Job’s Song 1994: Michael Abels: Frederick’s Fables 1995: Joseph Jennings: An Old Black Woman, Homeless and Indistinct; Libby Larsen: Seven Ghosts

2001: Dr. Ysaÿe Barnwell: Suite Death; Elena Ruehr: Gospel Cha Cha 2002: Michael Abels: Fairest Lord Jesus; Bobby McFerrin and Roger Treece: Psalm 27 and Manna; David Morrow: I Can’t Tarry; Patrice Rushen: Of Dreams and Other Possibilities 2004: Patrice Rushen: Fanfare et Fantaisie and Herald the Day; Rosephanye Powell: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 2006: Alvin Singleton: Truth

1996: Evelyn Simpson-Curenton: Two Psalms

2012: Hannibal Lokumbe: In the Spirit of Being

1997: Dr. William C. Banfield: Symphony No. 7: Reveries, A Summer’s Circle; J.D. Steele: God is Not Dead

2013: Elizabeth Lim: Lady Freedom Among Us

1998: Larry Farrow: Witness; Jonathan Holland: Mother Love; Alvin Singleton: Gospel 1999: Robert L. Morris: Ties That Bind

2017: Emily Feld: The Gift to Sing 2018: Dr. William C. Banfield: I Trust Harlem is Still There; Laura Caviani: The Dream Cycle 2020: Joel Thompson: Who Will Be A Witness?

Dr. William C. Banfield, composer

Hannibal Lokumbe, composer

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VOCALESSENCE WITNESS: BY THE NUMBERS

143,000+

4

Students from 220 schools learned more about important African American composers and heroes from then and now

Commercial recordings celebrating the music of African American composers are available internationally

32

23

VocalEssence Teaching Artists inspired students through school workshops and residencies

Community leaders received Reatha Clark King Award because of their work to empower youth to meet their full potential

33 Commissions came to life by African American composers

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35,000+ People attended VocalEssence WITNESS subscription concerts

THE MENDELSSOHNS Music of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn Saturday, April 4, 2020, 8-10 PM

Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, Arden Hills Musical talent often runs in families, and one of history’s most talented set of siblings were the Mendelssohns—Felix and Fanny. Connected by their extraordinary gifts and love for music, they developed a close relationship that endured from birth to death. Hear their music side-by-side in this celebration of Felix and Fanny’s marvelous musical creations.

Tickets: $20-$40 vocalessence.org | 612-371-5656 2019-2020 Season

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ABOUT VOCALESSENCE VocalEssence, called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts—and the choir that Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones says “sings magnificently”— impacts thousands of students, singers, and composers each year through its initiative programs, contests, and support for innovative art. VocalEssence was founded in 1969 and has debuted more than 300 commissions and world premieres. For more information, visit www.vocalessence.org.

PHILIP BRUNELLE Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 51 years ago, is an internationally-renowned conductor, choral scholar and visionary. Philip has conducted symphonies, choral festivals and operas on six continents. He holds five honorary degrees, served 9 years as Vice President of IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music), and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by the governments of Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 2019 he was awarded the American Prize in Choral Conducting and in 2020 will be given the Honorary Member Award by the Society for American Music. His thoughts on music are at RenaissanceManpodcast.com. http://vocalessence.org/ philipbrunelle

G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Conductor | Director of Learning and Engagement, is known for fostering community and inspiring action among people of all ages and abilities. Phillip has conducted choirs and workshops across the United States and in Canada, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Mexico, Germany, and Russia. He has taught at the University of St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota, and Georgia State University and his work in the public schools garnered multiple Teacher of the Year honors. The winner of the 2015 ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and an International Conductors’ Exchange Program Participant, Phillip believes in the transformative power of shared singing experiences. https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/staff/gphillip-shoultz-iii/

MARY JO GOTHMANN Accompanist Mary Jo Gothmann joined VocalEssence as staff accompanist in 2015. She enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach, and organist. Mary Jo performs frequently with the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and is a graduate of Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program, University of Minnesota, New England Conservatory, and St. Olaf College.

Mary Jo is the founder and Artistic Director of the Joya Chamber Music Series at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka.

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VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE (VESOTA)

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a dynamic group of young people from over twenty Twin Cities area high schools who sing, move, create their own music, rap, and reflect the diversity of our community in its membership. Under the visionary leadership of founding director, G. Phillip Shoultz, III, the students present a wide range of music—from classical to hip-hop, with a focus on selections that represent the backgrounds and shared values of its membership. They perform in world-class venues, awaken their creativity through immersive arts experiences with teaching artists representing a variety of artistic disciplines, and belong to an accepting community of peers from all walks of life. VESOTA is in residence at Augsburg University. The program is completely FREE to participants upon successful completion of an interview process and harnesses the power of group singing to enhance community and encourage a wider circle of participation in our art form.

G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Founding Director and Conductor Corey Cellurale, Choral Assistant Robert Graham and Patricia Kramer, Section Coaches Rhiannon Fiskradatz, Operations Manager Acacia Johnstone Alise Moore Ally Swanson Angelica Marko Anna Olivarez Austin Vang Brian Baltazar Claire Olson Drew Fischer Elijah Ojo Ella Wright-Ansorge Emilia Sisson Euan Lim Isa Benegas

Isaiah Bates Jade Shionoya Jaydon Gilkes Jerilyn Moya-Hypolite John Nguyen Joshua Hoffman Joshua Ojo Joshua Ramirez Josh Sabin Karena Yang Kayla Gibson Kim Parkinson Krista Hines Liana Whitlock

Lotus Deuel Lucas Plaman Malcolm Kinard Margaret Feng Ricquelle Miles Sierra Trejo Simone Meyer Skylar Bandelin Soliyana Woldu Stephon Marcus Tatiana Dickerson Yee Choua Thao Zairhia Code Zero Al’aziz

VOCALESSENCE CHORUS

VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS

The VocalEssence Chorus is an exceptional group of talented, committed singers from many walks of life. Equally at ease sharing the stage with famous guest artists such as Dessa and Sweet Honey In The Rock and budding young singers from across the metro, the VocalEssence Chorus embodies the tagline Together We Sing. https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/performing-ensembles/vocalessence-chorus/

Minnesota is home to an international choral music gem—the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Declared by the Oxford Times (UK) as having “a blend that could— and should—be the envy of every choir in the business,” this 32-voice professional chorus is enjoyed by millions from Duluth, Minnesota to Shanghai, China. The Ensemble Singers are equally at ease premiering music

by Pulitzer Prize winning composers as well as teen moms in our Lullaby Project. https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/ performing-ensembles/vocalessence-ensemble-singers/

SOPRANO Amanda Allen AnnaLisa Anderson Brittany Beckmann Jessica Belt Julia Braaten Sarah Brammer Jennica Date Judith Drobeck Kristina M. Guiffre Rebecca Hovsepian Sally Jaffray Lisa Kapsner-Swift Jeanne A. Kenney Joy MacArthur Lisa Moncur Christina Pederson Halina Pyzdrowski Shira Rabkin Alexa Rosenbaum Cheryl E. Saunders Emma Schlabach Emma Schommer Susan Scofield Leah Sovick LeAnn Stein Abbie Sulik Dana Terres Melanie Tlusty

Amanda Troolin Jennifer Vickerman†* Lauren Walker Laura Walklet Jacobsen Angela Weltman Dannika Wright ALTO Johanna Beaupre Jo M. Beld Judy Gaunt Yvonne Grover* Autumn Gurgel Marjorie Hakala Johanna Hamilton Meghan Hanna Dee Hein Kristin Howlett Jenny Kisner Jeenee Lee Brianna Merriman Rebecca Modert Kristi Mueller Elizabeth Neuenfeldt Amae Pierson Marty Raymond Miriam Sahouani Coral Sampson

Katie Sandsmark Erin Sandsmark Sydney Schoeberle Forrest Schrader Sandra Swami Laura Tanner Julia Welle Ayres Allie Wigley TENOR Steve Aggergaard* Jason Bendezu Larry J. Brandts William Brueggemann Justin Clark Ryan Coopergard Ben Demaree Jason Kaiser Reagan Lee John Lee David Paese Jordan Ray Jackson Reese Ed Spohr Andrew Swartchick Rabindra Tambyraja Barry Tikalsky Justin Vanni

BASS Robert Atendido Haskel Black Seth Colbert-Pollack David G. Erickson Matt Ferguson John R. Henrich Ward Jacobson Ben Kucera Mike LaFleur Ken McGurran Keon Miller Nicholas Mroczek* Declan O’Higgins Milo Oien-Rochat David Olson Brian D. Ruhl Joshua Saunders Anthony Sims Trent Stenoien Matthew Terhaar David Toht Liam Vance †Board liaison *Section leader

SOPRANO Jennifer Bevington Chloe Johnson JoAnna Johnson Myrtle Lemon-Todd Meghan Lowe Natalia Romero Arbelaez Margaret Sabin Mari Scott ALTO Robin Joy Helgen Anna George Meek Patty Kramer Marita J. Link Judith Melander Sadie Nelson Kristina Rodel Sorum Erin Smith Peters

TENOR David A. Beccue Ben Brunnette Anders Eckman† Michael Fairbairn Robert J. Graham Nicholas Mattsson William Pederson BASS Josh Conroy Jimmy Deignan Ben Dyleuth Joseph Ellickson David Gindra Erik Krohg Nathan Petersen-Kindem Dr. Michael P. Schmidt

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Reatha Clark King Even after three decades, watching In some cases, her enthusiasm for the audience itself is a cherished young people respond to VocalEssence memory. “The WITNESS Young People’s Concert is the perfect WITNESS never gets old for Reatha complement to what the teachers do in the classroom, and when Clark King. 30 years ago, Philip thousands of students come downtown on yellow buses to fill up Brunelle had a vision for a new kind Orchestra Hall on a Monday morning? That energy is something of program tied to Black History to see!” said King. “The young people love being in that beautiful Month, one that would focus on hall, and when the WITNESS performers come on, they yell, African American artistry and deeply they jump, they clap. The teachers aren’t telling them ‘Be quiet, engage a broad audience with the sit down,’ because they know the kids can’t! I sit in the balcony material. To bring it to life, he and watch and feel so proud. Minneapolis is at its best on those contacted Reatha Clark King, then Mondays, giving this special treat to our rainbow of young people.” the head of the General Mills Foundation, and discovered in her—a dedicated and Inspiration can be passed from one hand to the next, passionate collaborator whose tireless energy and sometimes it comes back after traveling in a “The matched his own. circle. King’s work with WITNESS has led to WITNESS Young classrooms filled with inspired young people, “At the time, Black History celebrations in and to inspire others who lead programs that People’s Concert is the schools and communities might be just a have a powerful effect on the lives of our perfect complement to what the week or month long, but Philip wanted young people, VocalEssence established the to extend that,” remembers King. The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence teachers do in the classroom, and African American scientist, educator, and and Youth Motivation through the when thousands of students come philanthropist had settled in Minnesota Cultural Arts. Since 2007, the Reatha Clark downtown on yellow buses to fill to serve as president of Metropolitan State King award has helped raise the profile and University in St. Paul and then moved extend the reach of others who dedicate up Orchestra Hall on a Monday into a high-profile role at General Mills’s their efforts to setting off that all-important morning? That energy is charitable giving arm. “Philip talked clearly spark in young people. King doesn’t sit on the about how this program could benefit schools, VocalEssence board anymore, and she nudges something to see!” their students, and communities.” She greenlit the Philip Brunelle about turning over the duties project, which is now educating its second generation of presenting the Reatha Clark King award to “a of students. As she helped WITNESS grow, she became young person—or maybe two,” but she still sits on the more involved in VocalEssence and more invested in its mission.

WITNESS Advisory Council. “And I still go to the concert, too. I’ve “I love supporting educators so they can be successful. Even after I missed it just once in 30 years.” retired in 2003, I continued my involvement with VocalEssence as a community volunteer, member of the VocalEssence Board, and a “VocalEssence is such a creative organization, and the leaders and private donor.” staff keep adding on ways to make the program more and more excellent! They have inexhaustible creativity and energy,” King King has lived a life of remarkable scope and adventure. In 2019, said. “And that’s good, because the way I see it, the full potential she was back in the spotlight as media turned to her for help of WITNESS is unreachable. There is always more joy, beauty, and covering the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission—as a young creativity to be discovered, and Minnesota is the right place to scientist, she worked as a research chemist on the project. Yet make this happen.” she still gets a thrill from looking back on decades of WITNESS concerts. “The actor James Earl Jones was a visiting WITNESS artist, and when he took the stage to narrate several presentations, he filled it up,” she said. “He captivated the audience—he had such a huge presence.”

Sanford Moore, Reatha Clark King, and Philip Brunelle

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CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY OF VOICES. Classical MPR’s Choral Stream includes a variety of Minnesota ensembles, composers, presenters and performances. Discover a range of musical styles — from world-class to college choirs, from Baroque to Bernstein.

Listen at classicalmpr.org/choral.

Made possible in part by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE DONORS THE ENDOWMENT HONOR ROLL VocalEssence salutes the individuals and corporate and private foundations whose generosity and leadership sparked the creation of the Endowment Fund. This permanent fund was established in 1987 and is now valued at $3.6 million. Its interest income provides ongoing support to VocalEssence. We welcome new contributions to the Endowment Fund and extend our deepest appreciation to the following for their generous gifts.

Mrs. Fred C. Andersen* Athwin Foundation Carol A. Barnett Alice Baver* Ronald and Joyce Beauchane Warren and Donna Beck Judson Bemis Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Judy Blaseg and John Engelen Charlie Boone* and Carol Heen William and Margee Bracken David Brink* Lucile Brink Wayne* and Marilyn* Brock Elise Brunelle and Jeremy Greeff Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann and David* Buran Norman R. Carpenter* Cole Sewell Corporation Claire Colliander and Greg Steenson Colwell Industries Kip and Kathy Colwell Community Credit Company Dr. Susan and Dick Crockett Thomas Davies* Target Stores, Dayton’s and Mervyn’s by the Dayton Hudson Foundation Charles M. Denny, Jr.* Ernest and Mary Dorn Dan Dressen Katherine and Kent Eklund Exxon Corporation Jack and Cathy Farrell Robert B. Fering Gloria Freeman General Mills Foundation Robert* and Katherine Goodale Marion Goward Susan and Barry* Graceman Shelley Greenwood Jane D.* and James L.* Hall Margarette* and Charles Hann Terrance* and Ruth* Hanold David* and Mim Hanson Ann G. Harding Louise Heffelfinger* Lowell and Cay Shea Hellervik Jack and Linda Hoeschler The Hognander Foundation HRK Foundation A.D. (Bill)* and Betty* Hulings Douglas and Mary Jones William* and Suzanne Joyce Arthur and Martha* Kaemmer

Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Garrison Keillor James* and Jane Riley-Koll Daniel and Constance Kunin Libby Larsen and James Reece Helmer* and Christine Larson Laura Jane Musser Fund Mary Sue Lindsay* Jean and Kenneth* Linwick Patricia Lund* Herb and Corrine Lundberg Thomas* and Patti* Maetzold The MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation Marbrook Foundation Kay and Mike McCarthy Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland Robert and Polly McCrea Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Mancel* and Harriet* Mitchell Peter and Judy Mitchelson Dave and Linda Mona Alfred P. & Ann M. Moore William and Julie Moyer Elizabeth Musser* David E. and Judy L. Myers Nash Foundation ± National Endowment for the Arts Glen* and Marilyn Carlson Nelson Alice Park Newman* Jeanne and Richard Patterson Donald* and Helen* Pellowe The Pine Wood Trust Harry Piper Foundation Jill and Richard Ragatz Burt Ross* Shelly Ross* Thomas and Lois Sando Michael and Shirley Santoro Sandra and Ivan* Schloff Richard and Kit Schmoker Ellen* and George J. Schulte John* and Marion Etzwiler* Shepherd Star Tribune/Cowles Media Company Richard* and Vivian* Stuck Bill* and Bryce* TenBroek Richard and Rosemary Thorsen Lynn and Carol Truesdell Jim Ulland Ruth and David Waterbury Doris A. Welty-Bury* Dorene and Alan Wernke Carl A. Weyerhaeuser Trust Frederick T. Weyerhaeuser Trust John Wheelihan E.M.* and Patricia* Whitacre Mrs. W. A. Wilson Bruce* and JoAnn* Winslow Karen and John Wolff

PHILIP BRUNELLE FOUNDER’S SOCIETY The Philip Brunelle Founder’s Society recognizes those who make a provision for VocalEssence in their will or estate plans. The society is names in honor of our visionary founder, Philip Brunelle, who every day inspires the community to open their ears to new music from diverse cultures.

Anonymous Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran Jon Cranney Charles Denny Art Kaemmer Nikki Lewis Mike McCarthy Dave and Linda Mona Alfred P. & Ann M. Moore Sheridan O’Keefe Gary and Pam Reierson Vern Sutton Jennifer Vickerman Mike and Donna Wolsted

CONTRIBUTOR’S CIRCLE VocalEssence gratefully acknowledges all those who made gifts between July 1, 2018 and January 21, 2020. Although we make every effort to ensure that our Honor Roll list is accurate and complete, we are capable of error.

Please let us know if your name does not appear the way you prefer so we may correct it in the next listing. Please call us at 612-547-1473 to make a correction.

Thank you! ± Includes Matching Gift Contributions + Includes In-Kind Donations * In Remembrance

ENSEMBLE CLUB Gifts of $25,000 and more Aroha Philanthropies Best Buy Co., Inc. Philip and Carolyn Brunelle The Carlson Family Foundation Charles and Kathryn Cunningham Family Foundation Lucy Rosenberry Jones Charitable Trust Art and Martha* Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation N. Judge* and Reatha Clark King Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Nikki Lewis Kay and Mike McCarthy

Robert and Polly McCrea Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation The McKnight Foundation Medtronic Foundation Communities Fund ± Minnesota State Arts Board Judy and Peter Mitchelson Alfred P. & Ann M. Moore National Endowment for the Arts Philip and Katherine Nason Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Sit Investment Associates Inc. Sons of Norway Target Foundation Thrivent Financial ± Margaret VB Wurtele Gifts of $10,000-$24,999 Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation Anna M. Heilmaier Foundation Best Buy Foundation Productivity, Inc., Greg and Lisa Buck City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Ecolab Foundation ± F. R. Bigelow Foundation David and Margene Fox Cay Shea Hellervik The Hognander Foundation Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Jerome Foundation Hubert Joly MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation Mardag Foundation Minnesota Monthly + Glen* and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, matched

by Carlson Family Foundation and ExxonMobil Piper Sandler Companies ± Douglas and Mary Platt The Saint Paul Foundation Thomson Reuters The Wallin Foundation Wenger Foundation Xcel Energy Foundation Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 Andersen Corporate Foundation Mary Ann Aufderheide Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation Warren and Donna Beck Kjell Bergh John and Sheila Bjorklund Carlson Companies Inc. Charles M. Denny, Jr.* Wayne and Meg Gisslen The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Knox Foundation Leland T. Lynch and Terry Saario Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation The Mauriel Family Foundation Minnesota Historical Society Peravid Foundation Lois E. Quam and Arshad Mohammed RBC Foundation - USA Hervé and Jennifer Sarteau Stocks Family Fund of the Catholic Community Foundation Target Corporation Lynn and Carol Truesdell Gifts of $2,500-$4,999 Anonymous Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Albrecht Family Foundation

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Margaret Chutich and Penny Wheeler Dr. Susan and Dick Crockett Donald and Marion Hall Bill Hodder Douglas and Mary Jones Charlie and Anne Leck Robert L. Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Philip and Madeleine Lowry Cassidy McCrea Burns Nancy and Richard Nelson Laura A. Kinkead and Richard P. Neuner New Music USA James and Sonja Odland, matched by Thrivent Financial Paul and Abigail Pribbenow Fred and Gloria Sewell G. Phillip and Michelle Shoultz, III Ruth Spiegel and Brad McNaught Twin Cities Opera Guild Thomas Hunt and John Wheelihan Cody and Jacob Wolkowitz Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous (2) 3M Foundation ± Ameriprise Financial ± Quentin Anderson Nancy Azzam Baker Investments LLC + Jane Baxter Madeline Betsch Will and Margee Bracken David* and Ann Buran Barbara Burwell Bruce and Ann Christensen John and Joan Colwell John and Kathryn Colwell Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Jon Cranney and Katherine Ferrand Nathaniel and Victoria Davis Cy and Paula DeCosse Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation Dan Fernelius and Taylor Putz Cathie Fischer Jack and Terry Forsythe Ryan and Jenny French, matched by Ameriprise Financial Rick and Linda Glasgow Mary Heller David O. and Kristine Henderson, matched

by Ameriprise Financial Jack and Linda Hoeschler Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation The John and Ruth Huss Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Joe and Cathy Kalkman Bert and Jane Kasiske Margaret V. and E. Robert* Kinney Don and Joann Leavenworth Edward* and Patricia Lindell Paul and Lynne McDonough Joyce and Richard McFarland Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation David and Linda Mona Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation David E. and Judy L. Myers Jerry and Andrea Nelson Michael and Kathleen O’Keefe Stephanie Olson Pam Matson Reierson and Gary Reierson Remele Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Familia Robinson Foundation

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David and Kathleen Rothenberger Cheryl E. Roberts Saunders Schmitt Music Company Estelle Quinn Sell Don Shelby Sue Shepard and Don Helgeson Craig and Mariana Shulstad + David and Ann Smith Arturo Steely Glenda and Richard Struthers Frank Stubbs and Tom Lee Summit Academy OIC Swedish Council of America Rabindra Tambyraja Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens Paul and Carolyn Verret Jenny Wade, matched by Piper Sandler Companies Andy and Katrina Wallmeyer Alan and Dorene Wernke David K. Whitney Wilson and Gayle Graham Yates Gifts of $500-$999 Anonymous (2) Steve Aggergaard and Lana Rosario Dominick Argento* Anton E. Armstrong, D.M.A. Kay and Ron Bach Ann Barkelew Michael Barone and Lise Schmidt Ronald and Joyce Beauchane Jo Beld and Tim Delmont Penny Bond and Chuck Grimsrud Norlin and Carole Boyum Brandenburg Reetz Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Traci V. Bransford, matched by Stinson LLP Dorene J. Bruns Janet Carpenter Mary Lou Judd Carpenter Ted and Carol Cushmore Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Bill and Ruth Davini Scott and Vivian Donaldson Ernest and Mary Dorn Dan Dressen and Elisabeth Comeaux Steve and Judy Drobeck, matched by Medtronic Milt and Jana Edgren Ann Eilbracht Thompson Jim and Liza Ervin Norma Jean Falink and Henry Smith Caron and Floyd Farmer General Mills Foundation ± Global Minnesota Katherine Goodale David and Yvonne Grover Ken and Suanne Hallberg Dee and Wilfried Hein Tom and Christine Hermanson Walter and Judith Hinck Ron and Anne Hoffman Phil and Laura Holst Kirsten Howe Robert S. and Patricia A. Hoyt Samuel Ingram, matched by Medtronic Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies ± Samuel and Sylvia Kaplan Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Elizabeth Kinder Glenn and Kartra Kohl Chuck and Jill Koosmann

Joy MacArthur and Peter Buckholtz, matched

by Prudential Financial Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland Mark Epsky and Mary Jane Melendez, matched by General Mills Nick Mroczek Betty Myers Myers Family Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Susan Nicol John Nuechterlein and Dan Munson John Orbison and Holly MacDonald Joan B. Parsons Prudential Financial Inc ± Bill and Barbara Read John and Barbara Rice Sharon and Chuck Ritchie Randall Sayers and Martha Arneson Scandia Foundation John Scheef Gale Sharpe Elizabeth Shipton Brent Stahl and Ellen Engstrom LeAnn Stein and Jack Stamp Stinson LLP ± Parker and Albert Trostel Joanne Von Blon Elissa and Paul Weller Michael and Barbara Wigley Zabin Charitable Fund at the Boston Foundation

CHORUS CLUB Gifts of $250-$499 Anonymous (2) Peter and Mary Ellen Alden Andrew Alness Steven Anderson and Barbara RandolphAnderson, matched by LabCorp Baillon Family Foundation, Inc. Douglas M. and Carole M. Baker Giving Fund David A. Beccue and Mark J. McKone Carol and Jeff Belz Jennifer and Ivan Beres Roy and Nadine Berg Jeff and Lindsey Bina Larry J. Brandts Cheryl Brown Steve and Karen Burger Annabelle D. Bush Peter and Joan Calott Diana Carlson Linda Carlson Jack W. Cole Jan Parsons Colliton Katryn Conlin and Ben Manning Hope Esparolini Kathryn Foley, matched by Medtronic Autumn Gurgel Carolina Gustafson Richard and Sandra Haines Bill and Helen Hartfiel John and Robin Helgen David and Susan Henry Doug and Kerry Hoverson, matched by Ameriprise Financial Sally Jaffray Robert T. Johnson Novelli Jurado and Michelle Eng Laurel Lapore Jon and Lisa Lewis AJ Lund

Sarah Lutman and Robert Rudolph Gary and Renee Macomber Tim and Louise Matson Malcolm and Patricia* McDonald Ian and Joyce McIntosh Anna George Meek and Matthew Gladue James Miner Kristi Mueller Nick Nash and Karen Lundholm Lowell and Sonja Noteboom Richard and Deborah O’Gara Family Fund of The Minnesota Community Foundation Milo Oien-Rochat and Katharine Wood, matched by 3M Paul Olson and Mark Baumgartner Joseph and Clara Osowski Nathan Petersen-Kindem Jackie Prince Brad and Linda Quarderer, matched by IBM Corporation Sharon Radman Marty and David Raymond John Haugen and Alicia Reeves, matched by Johnson & Johnson Riverbridge Partners Jay and Barbara Rothmeier Margaret and Matthew Sabin Coral Sampson Hal and Judy Schneebeck Bill and Sara Stout David D. Stricker Susan Stuart Thomas H. Swain Ward Green and Sandra Swami D. Jean Thomson Joe and Amanda Timmer United Technologies ± Liam Vance Jennifer Vickerman Philip and Jane Wade David and Ruth Waterbury Lynn Hilary Westrom Ted and Nancy Weyerhaeuser Mike and Donna Wolsted Gifts of $100-$249 Anonymous (7) Mary Adair and Gerald Jorgenson Akosua Addo William* and Suzanne Ammerman Christian and Barbara Anderson Clifford and Nancy Anderson Rolan E. Anderson Ann Plans LLC Scott Appelwick and Ed Sootsman Linda Aronson Thomas Barber Carol Barnett Mary K. Baumann and Will Hopkins Bruce W. and Paula M. Becker Linda Bergherr Steven and Pam Bjoraker Tom Blanck and Linda Bjorklund Blandin Foundation ± Miriam Bock Dawn Bowden Brian and Claudia Boysen Tony Branch, matched by Medtronic Phil Bratnober Christopher Brunelle and Serena Zabin Elise G. Brunelle and Jeremy Greeff Paul and Jane Brunelle Ginny Buran and Dwayne Cody Phyllis Byers

Oscar and Valerie Carlson Kathie and Frank Cerra Yvonne Cheek, matched by Blandin Foundation David and Wendy Coggins David Colwell James and Tomie Conaway Joanna Cortright Marcus and Joan Cox Darlene A. Diesch Bruce and Kathie Dormanen Anders Eckman, matched by Ameriprise Financial Amy Edgren The Gabriel Foundation, Byron Egeland Joseph Ellickson Mark and Chelli Esser, matched by Voya Financial Anna Marie Ettel Chris Farrell Gerald Foley John and Priscilla Folin Roger Foster Rick and Katie Fournier Samuel Fouts Gloria Freeman Gloria Freeman Jennifer Funkhouser GIA Publications Inc. Dr. Stanley M. and Luella G. Goldberg Alex Goodmanson Google Inc. ± Susan Graceman Jerald Graetz Robert J. Graham II Tim Graham Jean Gray John and Jan Gray John Greely and Annette Bruscino Joel Grover and Amy Thorpe Shari and Mitch Grunes Judith Hadler Dob and Janis Hardy Jeanne Haro Shannon Hart William Heier Dr. John and Sarah Henrich Ruth Hiland Arthur and Donna Hogenson David Hoiland Paul Magnuson and Elaine Holmen Julie C. and William R. Howard Charitable Fund Dr. Gordon* and Nita Howell Jean Howell Penny Hunt David Hunter IBM Corporation ± Ward Jacobson and Stephanie Johnson Grace Jaggers Nicole James Gilchrist, matched by Thrivent Financial Hawona Janzen Adam and JoAnna Johnson James P. Johnson Josie R. Johnson Sigrid Johnson Ted and Amy Johnson, matched by Ameriprise Financial Lisa Kapsner-Swift Aileen and Kim Kasper Brian Kidwell and Nancy Jamieson John Klein and Maria Pastoor Erik Krohg

Mary Lach William Lackey and Trevor Sannes Paul A. Laederach Laurie Lang Libby Larsen and James Reece Mark and Susan Larson Jeenee Lee Diana J. Leland Allan and Jackie Lotsberg Charles and Hertha Lutz Judy and Don Mackenzie David and Stephanie Maggitt Ray and Elsie Martin Sally Martineau Jan Mattox Nicholas R. Mattsson Jon and Joy McIver Brianna Merriman Hannah Miller David and Karen Minge Patricia Mitchell Rebecca and Keith Modert Bob and Mary Moncur Jonathan and Martha Morgan Judy Morgan Joyce and John Myers Jim and Merilu Narum Sadie and Kyle Nelson Donald and Gerda Nightingale David Olson, matched by United Technologies Joan Grathwol Olson Emily Olson de Alvarez Alan Onberg Marri M. Oskam William and Suzanne Payne Bill Pederson Jim and Donna Peter Nicholas Peter Jonathan Posthuma The Rae Mackenzie Group Lois Rand Tony and Julia Rau Lisa Reed Kim and Chris Rodel Brian D. and Barbara Ruhl Mel and Irene Sahyun Debra Samuelson Paul and Camille Schroeder Jeff Rabkin and Susan M. Scofield Mari and Michael Scott Robert and Virginia Seybold Emily Shapiro William and Marcelyn Smale Robert C. Smith Schele Smith Gerald and Roberta Sognesand Carol Christine Southward Carol Stahlhut Carter Delbert Swanson and Elizabeth Starbuck Judy Orr Stinson Timothy Supol Susan Marie Swanson and Tom Hysell Timothy C. Takach and Jocelyn Hagen Judy Takkunen Laura and Matt Tanner Jack and Mary Taylor David Toht and Rebecca Anderson Brandee Tran, matched by UnitedHealth Group William and Karen Van Schyndel Voya Financial ± Clifton and Bettye Ware Jim Waters and Jackie Henning

Tom and Diane Wentz Robert Wetzler Hilary Wiek Allie Wigley Dr. Preston and Sharon Williams Gregory Wilsey RADM and Mrs. Ray C. Witter Dannika Wright Gifts up to $99 Anonymous (8) Rose Adams Joseph Alfano Amanda Allen Eugenie Allen Richard and Cindy Alness Amazon Smile Lucille H. Amis Dennis Anderson Emily Anderson Gary and Mary Anderson Libby Anderson Ray and Patricia Anderson Richard O. Anderson, MD Jacqueline Andrews Earl Ankrum Samuel Arndt Patricia Arntz Martha Arradondo Robert Atendido Ninel Austin Kathy Austinson Marcia Avner Matthew and Julia Welle Ayres Susan Bagge Cynthia Balyk Burton Barnard Hazel and Carol A. Barnett Karen Barstad Ivett Baseler Mark Basiletti Matthew Baudino Patricia Baxter-Walker Mary Beamish Bill and Jill Beaupre Bernie and Patricia Beaver Linda Beck Glynn Behmen Stephen and Mary Belden Catherine Belfield Becca Bellman Jessica Belt Judy Benke Andrea Bentrud Gavin Berg and Joe Ruggiero Mark Berg Donald and Joyce Besser Steve and Anita Beste Susan Bevington Joyce Biagini Jason and Ali Biatek Lynnette Black Mark Blomquist Virginia Blood Carla Blumberg Ted Boal Phillip and Linda Boelter Anne Boisclair-Fahey Carole Bolles Bryce Bollom Christi and Rolf Bolstad Judy Bond Patrick and Wendy Born Charles Bottemiller

Rita Bourne Jeff Bowar Christine Bownik-Meyer Julia Braaten Bette Braem Roy Brammer Pamela and Steve Branlund Elaine Bransford Henry Brantingham Tammy Brenizer Josh Brockbank Jenaye Brown Joel and Martha Brown Shannon Brown Victoria Brown-Nyseth Jackie Brueggemann David and Patti Bruflodt Ben Brunnette Tracy Brunnette Cassandra Bryan Sharon and Tazha Buckner Tara Buckner Kristin A. Burnett Mike and Susan Burnett Rhodessa Burt Three Square - Brian Burton Carol Buteyn Howard Bye-Torre Marcia Byrd Brad Bystrom Marlena Calaba Cheryl Calloway Lisa Campbell Marjorie Carlson Terryl Carlson Louise Carpentier Julie Carr Marjorie Carr Patricia Carver Leann Castillo Maria Cecka Andy and Robin Cerio Mary Anne Chalkley Katie Channing Aurora Chapman Cynthia Chapman Cheryl Chatman Constance Chen and Patrick Johnson Glenn Choquette John Christiansen David and Joan Ciminski Garfield and Sharon Clark Sandra Clasen Lloyd Clausen Hillary Clayburgh Deborah Cline Allan Cloutier Isabel Clua Elizabeth Cogswell Edward and Elizabeth Colburn Ralph and Ruth Colby Rita Commodore Susan Conger En Chi Connors Helen Conway Catherine Cooper Ryan Coopergard Nancy Cosgriff Bethany Cox Lawrence Cramer Ruth Crane Mary Crimi Edward and Diane Curtiss Edward and Betsy Cussler

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Barry Cytron Michael Czuppa Tucker and Carolyn Dahl Paul Dalton Britta Dass Jennica Date James Davig Jimmy Deignan John Dell Rachael Demaree Elizabeth Demario Ryan Deroode Mary Deschamp Kaitlyn DeVries Terry and Susan* Diebold Robert Diesch Dennis and Nickie Dillon Mary Dittrich Susan Doffing Anna Doherty Elizabeth Dokken Kim Donahue Kate and Douglas Donaldson Margot Drake Jeff Dreblow Christine Drotning Betty Dubbs Suzanne Ducker Anita Duckor David Dufresne Richard Duncan John Dunlop Sally Dunn Susan Ebbers Stephen Eckhardt Elizabeth Eckman Richard and Carol Eick Randy Ellingboe Shelli Erck Marilynn Erickson Ralph and Debbie Estes Connie Evingson Jerry Eyler Roger and Roxanne Ezell Brian and Ann Farrell Barbara Feehan Matt Ferguson Sandy Ferguson Alyssa Fischer George Fischer Heidi Fish Tracy Fisher Rhiannon Fiskradatz Beverly Fite Judith Florine Bruce and Deb Folken Josette Fontana Judith Ford Mel Dickstein and Linda Foreman Lori Ann Fouts Jon Fraatz and Ella Vincent Vincent Francoual and Brenda Maurseth Karl Fredrickson Sally Friisoe Ian and Nancy Frykman Rebecca Ganzel Thompson David Gardiner Becky Gaunt Walter Gegner Megan Gelhar Paul and Mona Gerike Joan Getz Rachel Gibbons Heidi Gilbertson

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David Gilyard Dennis Gimmestad David Gindra Mary Glynn Katherine Goldenstein Nancy Goldstein Victoria and Howard Goplin John and Joanne Gordon Mary Jo Gothmann William and Jeanne Grandy Roger Greenberg Mary Greene Joann Greenwell Kelly Griffin David Groth Kristina M. Guiffre Curt and Elizabeth Gumbrell Gayl Gustafson Mary Gute Theresa Guthrie Mary Guzowski Lorraine Haaland James and Laurie Hacking Dorte Hagen Roy and Leslie Hakala Linda Hallberg Alex Halverson Lisa Hamnes Meghan Hanna Cheryl Hansen Kit Hansen Nancy Hansen Elaine Hanson Paul Hanson Ronald Hanson Marylee Hardenbergh Annette Hardy Fannie Harrell Geraldine Hartman Laura Harville Catherine Haselbauer Gayle Haugen Mark Haugen Carrie Hefte Mary Ann Hennen Jane Hensen James and LaVonne Herbert Lisa Herschberger Craig and Yvette Hewitt Carla Hibbison Rachel Hickok Elfrieda Hintze Harrison Hintzsche Sandra K. Hirsh Lisa Hobson Mark and Ellie Hodkinson Shirley Hogan Karla Hokanson Janis Hollenbeck Kristine Holmgren Mary Honstead Arthur Horowitz Kris Horton Elizabeth Horvitz Rebecca Hovsepian Zach Howe Michael and Kristin Howlett George and Leslee Hoyum Linda Hucke Ross Huelster Dr. Warren Huff Jeff Humphrey Kendra Hyland Terry Irish

Elaine Jackson Richard Jackson Kathleen Jacobson Virginia Jacobson Draper and Molly Jaffray Ivan Jahnke Pamela Jakes Judith Jaskowiak Allison Jensen Steven and Marliss Jensen Jill Jepson Brian and Deb Johnson Dennis Johnson Ethan Johnson Gary Johnson Lauren Johnson Lonaile Johnson Orville Johnson Ward and Ann Johnson Kim William Jones Lauren Jones Patricia Kachel Kenneth and Patricia Kangas Mary Kaphings Joan Kark Nicole Kaufman Anne Kaufmann The Voices of Vienna Mary Kelley Jean Kennedy Jeanne Kenney Nancy Kent Lloyd and Karen Kepple Maika Kersten Elizabeth Khoury Fran Kiesling Anika Kildegaard Tim Killeen Janice Kimes Steve Kirkhorn Tanya Kirschenman Ted and Jenny Kisner Karl and Mary Kjeldsen Vicki Klima Jeff Klingbeil Paul Klockow Nathan and Julia Knoll, matched by Thrivent Financial Cynthia Knudson Gillian Koch Kristin Kooiker Bonita Kopchinski Timothy Kretzmann Kathleen Krishnan Ryan LaBoy Charles Vogel and Jane Ladky Margaret B. LaFleur Mike LaFleur Leo and Mary Beth Lake Brenda Lakeman George Lancaster Barbara Landes Milton Larson Philip and Joann Larson Tracy R. LaVere Sharon Lawyer Jan Leclair Elaine H. Lee Henry and Miriam Lee Reagan Lee Theodore and Kathryn Lee Peter and Jane Lefferts Steven Lehr, matched by Ameriprise Financial

Liberty Diversified International Rachel Lind Stephen and Nancy Lindquist Marita J. and Brian Link Rebecca Linstroth Ken* and Jean Linwick Brenda Lisenby Linda Lorenz Barbara Lorig Sharon Lovo Meghan Lowe Paul Ramsour and Nancy Loyd Judy Lund Charles Batko and Kathy Lundberg Tom and Margie Lundberg Maribeth Lundeen Walker MacSwain Paul and Beatrice Magee Marion Mahoney JoAnn Malek Marc and Kathy Manderscheid Ann Manning Amy Marret Gary and Susan Martland Allen Matakovich Krista Mathews Ron Mathisen Nancy Mattson Thomas and Susan McCarthy Thomas and Barbara McClellan James McCord Helen McEvoy-Freese Marlene McEwan Bernard McGarrigle Cynthia McGill Anne McKinsey Deborah McKnight Kathleen McLaughlin Abigail McLean Lynn Mears Thomas and Judith McClain Melander Velia Melrose Dale and Suzanne Merriman Charles and Karna Mikkelson Faith Miller Judith Miller Kay Miller Marion Dwyer Miller Maria Mitchell Craig and Judy Moen Lisa D. Moncur Mary Monson Michael and Rosanne Monten Walter and Virginia Moore Lynn Morgenthaler Tom Morley Jane Mortenson Richard and Karol Morton Kari Mosbeck Anne Mulcahy Michael Mulcahy Patricia Mullen Charles Greenman and Bonnie Mulligan Mallory Musker Nancy Narigon Lisa Neely Jeff Nelson Jesse Nelson Kathleen Nelson Natalie Netzel James Neuenfeldt Jody Newberg Karen Newman Jane Nichols

Laurits and Mary Ellen Nielsen Thomas Noble Daniel and Ruth Ann Norrick Lynn Moline and Becca Norris Anne Nowak Susan O. Nyhammer Althea Ohe Andrea Oien Patricia Okaya Mary Olive Kendra Olsen Gordon Olson John Olson Nancy Olson Ronald Olson Sarah Olson Wendy Olson Richard and Constance Oriani Marilyn Orlich Maria Osinga David Paese Brian and Julia Palmer Katherine Panciera, matched by Google, Inc. Park Nicollet Foundation, Beth Warner Elizabeth Parker Deborah Pearson Elizabeth Pearson Christina and Eric Pederson David Pegg Rick and Sandra Penning Ann Perkins Perry Family Erin Peters Megan Petersburg Carol Ann Petersen Bruce Peterson Daniel and Nancy Peterson Gordon Peterson Janet Peterson Josh Peterson Ronald and Kathy Peterson Terese Peterson Toni D. Pettiford Robert and Sue Petzel Richard and Margaret Pfohl James Phelps Samantha Phillippe Kelly Piatt Ana LucĂ­a Piedrahita Fernandez and Jesus Castano-Uruena Barbara Pierson Jacqueline Pihl James Plasek Laura Plasencia Anita Platt Kurt Pollack Lisa Pomroy Truman and Noelyn Porter Becky Poss Sharon Presley Jerri and Mike Pumroy Lynn Purdue Shira Rabkin Wendy Rahn Margaret Erickson Rambo Evelyn Swanson* and Marjorie Ramgren James and Susan Ramlet Elisa Rasmussen Terry Reineccius Jim Reininger Ditte Reker Bruce Renken Mary Ann Rentas Kathleen Richards

Michael Hvidsten and Rebekah Richards Dorothy Richburg Victoria Rico Jana Rieck and Pam Drinkwine Herbert and Joan Ringheim Lorraine Rintala John and Barbara Risken Tonja Rolfson Carol Rosenbaum Diane Rosenwald Douglas and Elizabeth Roy Susan Runge Margaret Ruocco Audreen Ruona Juliana Rupert John Rupp Sally Ryan Ann Sagnes Warren Sagstuen Miriam Sahouani Warren Salveson Kay and Peter Sammond Katie Sample Karen Sandberg James Sandsmark Ann M. Sather and Jeffrey Stone Barbara Sayther Katrina Scandrett Stephen and Sharli Schaitberger Nancy Scheerer Kathrin Scherber Dr. Michael P. Schmidt and Robert Gavin Beth Schmieg Jeffrey Schneider Kara Schock Ann Schommer Larry and Phyllis Schrag Carey Schreiber Bill Schrickel Jon and Dana Schroeder Lisa Schroeder Ann Schrooten and Dawn Wieczorek Peter Schuman Joanmarie Scott Linda Sedgwick Gary Seim and Lee Pfannmuller Linda Seime Claire Selkurt Sandra Shallcross Michelle Shamrokh Carol Shepherd Joe and Victoria Shively Kathleen Shumway Janice Sigmund and Michael Jereczek Bryan and Colleen Simmons Jeff and Maxine Skold Jeffrery and Betty Skold Thomas and Kathryn Skold Shari Sloane Hugh Smeltekop Anthony and Heather Smith Johanna Smith Lowery and Mary Ann Smith Renae Smith Elizabeth Snelson Stephen and Cynthia Snyder Julie Soderlund Margaret Sorensen Angeline Sorenson Jon and Ann Sorum Kristina Rodel Sorum Patricia Sovick Sharon Spear Noelle Starr

Del Steckler Suzanne Stennes-Rogness Amy Stenoien Marilee Stevens Jim and Sharon Stoebner Paula Stoltz Gary and Barbara Strandemo Charles and Paula Streiff Barbara Strenge William H. Stump Jeremy Sullivan Marilyn J. Sundberg Barbara Swain Sharon Swiglo Tracey Sylte James Talen Dale Talley Brian Tarbox Susan Tasa Kristy Taylor Rosita Tendall Dana Terres Monica Thesing Lisa Thimjon Kaye and Craig Thoeny Dr. Margaret Thomas Mary Thomas Carol Thompson George Thompson and Glorianne Walker Stephen Benson and Sonja Thompson Steven and Carol Thompson Walfred and Priscilla Thoreen Elianna Thorne Caren Timmerman Bardyl and Anne Bell Tirana Michael and Penny Tonry Ramona Tooley Deborah and Geert Touw Bill and Amanda Troolin Eleanor Trousdale David Truax Nancy Truax Julia Udell Carol Uecker Ann Ulrich Tresa Undem UnitedHealth Group Âą Adam Van der Sluis Mary Vannett Trish Sullivan Vanni Jessica Vanyo David Vigeland Karen Vinje Stacey Von Wald Melissa Wagner Laura Walklet Maren Wallenberg James Walsh Michael Walsh Virginia Ward Daniel and Cassandra Warn Daniel and Joyce Wascoe Charles and Ware Washam Nancy Watkins Jennifer Watson Roselyn Weber Stacey and Jeff Wedding John and Jeanne Weingart Joe and Jennifer Weismann Joe and Margaret Jane Weissenborn Kenneth and Barbara Weldon Elynn Welle Angela Weltman Susan Wenberg

David and Vicki West Tyler Westman Leeann Whelan Carole White Jessica White Carole Whitney and Craig Carlson Cynthia Wicker Joan Wicklund Katie Widen Lois Willand Mary Willert Cheryl Wille-Schlesser Michael Winikoff Richard Wintersteen Mary Wittenbreer Ellen Wright Jerry Wright Pamela Wurst Richard & Nancy Wyatt M. Wycoff Mary Young Nancy Youngman Janis Zeltins Louise Ziegler Daniel Zielske Penny and Mark Ziessman Clare Zupetz

SPECIAL TRIBUTES VocalEssence is honored by the many gifts received in memory, appreciation, and celebration of friends and family. The following tributes were made between July 1, 2018 and January 21, 2020.

If you wish to make a gift in tribute, please call 612-547-1473.

In memory of Millicent Lydia Addo Akosua Addo In honor of Ella and Ruby Anderson Karen Barstad In honor of Mary Archer Gary and Pam Reierson In memory of Rosalind Artison-Koenning Gloria Freeman In honor of Mary Ann Aufderheide Sarah Lutman and Rob Rudolph In honor of Kaela Bader Jerri and Mike Pumroy In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Glynn E. Behmen Sr. Family Glynn Behmen In honor of Jo Beld Jon Fraatz and Ella Vincent In memory of Alan Berg Roy and Nadine Berg In honor of Linda Berger Joanna Cortright

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On behalf of Nancy F. Boxall Jon Cranney and Katherine Ferrand

In memory of Kathryn Gagnon Maria Mitchell

In memory of Ernest Brandts Larry Brandts

In memory of Shirley Gores Jean Thomson

In honor of Carolyn Brunelle David and Ruth Waterbury

In memory of Lauretta Graetz Jerald Graetz

In honor of Philip Brunelle Peter and Mary Ellen Alden Carolyn Brunelle Ralph and Debbie Estes David and Margene Fox Robert Wetzler

In memory of Grandma Bernice Kristine Holmgren

In honor of Philip Brunelle’s Birthday John and Joan Colwell Dan Dressen and Beth Comeaux Pat and Bob Hoyt Susan and Herb Nyhammer In honor of Sharon Buckner Tara Buckner In memory of Ruth Burger Sigrid Johnson In honor of Cassidy M. Burns Riverbridge Partners In memory of Jerome Carlson Ann Buran Penny and Mark Ziessman In memory of Ruby and Herb Cohen Steve and Judy Drobeck In memory of Louis and Christine Commodore Rita Commodore In memory of Thurston H. Davini Bill and Ruth Davini In honor of Drew Davis Jennifer Vickerman On behalf of Ryan Deignan Meg Kaster In honor of Ben Demaree Rachael Demaree Joe and Victoria Shively

In memory of Virginia Greenman Charles Greenman and Bonnie Mulligan In memory of Jane Dayton Hall Ronald and Anne Hoffman In memory of Margarette Hann Ann Buran In memory of David Hanson Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran In memory of Tom Heller Ann Buran Mary Heller Mark and Susan Larson In memory of Dorothy Jean Hoffman Ronald and Anne Hoffman In memory of Idella Howelton Grigsby Toni Pettiford In memory of Nicholas Janzen Hawona Janzen In memory of Annie Lou Johnson Kristin Burnett In memory of Robert “BJ” Johnson Anton Armstrong Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran In honor of Alex Jones Kim William Jones In honor of Art Kaemmer David Whitney

Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran Mike and Susan Burnett Peter and Joan Calott Terryl Carlson Edward and Elizabeth Colburn Jim and Tomie Conaway Ed and Betsy Cussler Tucker and Carolyn Dahl Anita Duckor Hope Esparolini David and Margene Fox Ian and Nancy Frykman John and Joanne Gordon William and Jeanne Grandy Jeanne Haro Elaine Jackson Ward and Ann Johnson Anne Kaufmann Mary Lach Charles Vogel and Jane Ladky Peter and Jane Lefferts Judy Lund Marion Mahoney Ann Manning Ray and Elsie Martin Velia Melrose William and Suzanne Payne Dan and Nancy Peterson Ronald and Kathy Peterson Richard and Margaret Pfohl Ken and Katie Searl Stephen and Cynthia Snyder Sharon Spear Bill and Sara Stout Richard and Glenda Struthers Marilyn Sundberg Kaye and Craig Thoeny Jean Thomson Deborah and Geert Touw David and Ruth Waterbury Richard and Nancy Wyatt In honor of Paul McDonough Elizabeth Kinder In memory of Don Mellem Bruce and Deb Folken In honor of David Myers Paul and Abigail Pribbenow In memory of Glen D. Nelson Tony and Julia Rau

In memory of Charles Denny Malcolm McDonald

In memory of Martha Kaemmer Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran David Whitney

In memory of Miriam Lindeman Parsons Janet Colliton

In memory of Mary Drinkwine Jana Rieck and Pam Drinkwine

In memory of N. Judge King II Reatha Clark King

In memory of Gene Perry Jean Linwick

In honor of the Ensemble Singers Ann Schrooten and Dawn Wieczorek

In honor of Reatha Clark King Hazel and Carol A. Barnett

In memory of Jerry Fischer Cathie Fischer

In honor of Nikki Lewis Madeline Betsch

In memory of Irene Lillian Perry Thomas Perry Jeff and Angie Pickering

In honor of Lori Ann Fouts Sam Fouts

In memory of Ron Lewis Clifford and Nancy Anderson Jacqueline Andrews Bernie and Patricia Beaver Madeline Betsch Phillip and Linda Boelter Carole Bolles

In honor of Sam Fouts Lori Ann Fouts

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2019-2020 Season

In honor of Nathan Petersen-Kindem’s 40th Birthday Carol Ann Petersen In memory of Joyce Presley Sharon Presley In memory of Bob Reed Ann Buran

In memory of Joyce Byers Reed William and Barbara Read In memory of Adrienne (Winky) Rice Dob and Janis Hardy In honor of Audrey Rieck Jana Rieck and Pam Drinkwine In memory of Judith Ann (Freeman) Rodel Kim and Chris Rodel In honor of Marie F. Sammond Peter and Kay Sammond In memory of Linda Schaefer Carol Stahlhut Carter In honor of Heidi Schleif Brenda Lisenby In honor of Derek, Christine, Henry, Reese, Tatum, and Jane Schoettle Jean Thomson In memory of June Scofield Jeff Rabkin and Susan Scofield In memory of Elizabeth Shelver Ian and Joyce McIntosh In honor of G. Phillip Shoultz, III Cynthia and Daniel Kapke Mary Lach In honor of Phillip and Michelle Shoultz Brian and Claudia Boysen In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Sealve Fannie Harrell In honor of Singers in Accord Jan Leclair In honor of Spelman College Glee Club Anne McKinsey In honor of Spelman daughters Tracey, Tara, and Tazha Sharon and Tazha Buckner In memory of Jerald Stenoien Amy Stenoien In memory of Arlene Swain Barbara Swain In memory of Len Takkunen Judy Takkunen In memory of Bill TenBroek Ann Buran John and Joan Colwell In memory of Evelyn Thomson Nancy Azzam Ann Buran, Ginny Buran, and Dwayne Cody In honor of Nancy Thurber Amy Edgren In memory of Gladys Troutman Cheryl Chatman

In honor of Justin Vanni and Helen Vanni Trish Vanni In honor of the VocalEssence 50th Anniversary Elise Brunelle and Jeremy Greeff John and Joan Colwell Kip and Kathy Colwell Nick Nash and Karen Lundholm In honor of VocalEssence Staff Carolyn Brunelle In honor of Katrina and Andy Wallmeyer’s Anniversary Cynthia Balyk

In memory of John T. Westrom Rose Adams Andersen Corporate Foundation Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Brian Burton Marjorie Carlson John Dell Elizabeth Demario Kate and Douglas Donaldson Scott and Vivian Donaldson John and Jan Gray R. Jean Gray Elaine Hanson Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Art Kaemmer Laurie Lang Philip and Joann Larson

Michael Mulcahy Nick Nash and Karen Lundholm Deborah O’Gara Park Nicollet Foundation, Beth Warner Lynn Purdue Herbert and Joan Ringheim Douglas and Elizabeth Roy Saint Paul Foundation John Scheef Jeff and Maxine Skold Jeffrey and Betty Skold Thomas and Kathryn Skold Shari Sloane Hugh Smeltekop Angeline Sorenson Delbert Swanson and Elizabeth Starbuck Carol Uecker

Paul and Carolyn Verret Stacey and Jeff Wedding John and Jeanne Weingart Lynn Westrom Mary Young In memory of Loveland White Fannie Harrell In memory of Robert & Jean Wigley Michael and Barbara Wigley In memory of Richard “Dick” Wilson Gary and Mary Anderson

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spokesman-recorder.com 2019-2020 Season

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Did you know? Philip Brunelle also is Organist and Choirmaster at Plymouth Church Many Hearts, One Song Many Hands, One Church Fantastic music and seeking justice for all are parts of the continuing legacy of Plymouth Church. Come to celebrate, listen, see, act!

We welcome everyone to Plymouth Church in Minneapolis for readings, concerts and Sunday worship services at 9 and 11 a.m.

Plymouth Congregational Church

Proud to be the home of VocalEssence 1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 612/871-7400 www.plymouth.org Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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2019-2020 Season

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