ARTIST ROSTER - MUSIC VOCAL

The Reformation Singers

St Paul

The Reformation Singers sing sacred anthem literature and secular selections in the metro area, frequently appearing in older adult residence, assisted living, and nursing home settings. As director, I am a choral musician who has been directing choirs of all ages for over 40 years in school, church, and community settings. I hold bachelors and masters degrees in choral music.

Minnesota is home to a marvelous choral tradition and many wonderful choirs -- ranging from professional and semi-professional choirs and world-renowned touring college choirs to hundreds of fine high school, church, community, youth and children's choirs. As groups improve, some may get more selective in their auditions, thus providing a greater challenge to older adults whose voices naturally encounter some loss of range, flexibility, breath support, and tonal clarity. Natural changes in eyesight and hearing present further challenge as does a lifestyle and schedule that takes on greater variety, flexibility, and even uncertainty, particularly after retirement. In spite of all of this, however, older adults have much to contribute with their singing voices. There are the rich resources of mature (and sometimes very deep) tone, vast experience with and knowledge of choral repertoire, and time availability -- though with different parameters than what is viewed as traditional and consistent. In order to provide for this great potential artistic outlet there is a need for organizational structures to provide appropriate context, and leadership, or teaching, to help singers adapt and realize their current potential.

It is to this end that I come to MNCAAN to share, collaborate, and learn!