VocalEssence announces the winners of its second annual ReMix mentorship, designed to foster the next generation of choral music composers. VocalEssence ReMix matches four emerging Minnesota composers with mentors for a six-month one-on-one partnership to help each composer complete two new, original choral pieces. These works will premiere at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference in Minneapolis in March 2017.

Following an open call last April, four winners were selected from 21 applicants who submitted examples of a musical work written for voice.

The 2016 VocalEssence ReMix mentees are:

• Laura Caviani of Minneapolis, who holds a BA in composition from Lawrence University, and an MA in improvisation from The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. She has performed and recorded for more than 15 years and is currently on the faculty at both Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges.
• Peter J. Durow of Osseo, who received his Ph.D. in Choral Conducting / Choral Music Education from Florida State University. His earlier studies include a M.M. in Conducting from Butler University, a B.M. in Vocal Music Education from Augsburg College, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Bethany Lutheran College.
• Jonathan Posthuma of Newport, who holds a BA in secondary music education from Dordt College, and a masters of music in composition from the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
• Andrew Stermer of Montevideo, who holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz and studio music from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a master’s of music in studio jazz writing from Frost School of Music, University of Miami.

The composer mentors for the 2016-2017 ReMix mentorship are Libby Larsen, Carol Barnett, J. David Moore and Timothy Takach.

“Choral composition is a rich and unique, but rather niche discipline—so VocalEssence ReMix ensures connections for those just getting started to help them achieve success,” says G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate conductor. “This mentorship gives composers a fantastic opportunity—and keeps the future of choral music bright for musicians and audiences alike.”

VocalEssence ReMix is a collaboration between VocalEssence, the American Composers Forum and ACDA-MN. It is made possible through the generous support of the Jerome Foundation. For more information about the program, watch the video below featuring spoken word artist—and VocalEssence composer—Dessa and ReMix mentor Tim Takach.