VocalEssence News
For Immediate Release

Contact: Katryn Conlin, VocalEssence
612-547-1459, (612-229-5659 (cell)
kconlin@vocalessence.org

Sarah Shamla, Tunheim Partners
952-851-7279, 952-210-7992 (cell)
sshamla@tunheim.com

51 Years after Mrs. Parks took a defiant stand against racism, VocalEssence and Metro Transit partner to recognize the continued fight and to honor her legacy.

On December 1, 1955, Mrs. Rosa Parks changed American history when she took a stand against racism by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Her action ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott and set the course of civil rights in America. VocalEssence, the choral music group directed by Philip Brunelle, will celebrate this legacy with its annual WITNESS concert at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in February 2007.

Leading up to the WITNESS Concert, VocalEssence has partnered with Metro Transit to “wrap” a bus in honor of Rosa Parks. After its debut, the bus will be on the road and in circulation on MTC routes around the Twin Cities for three months from December 1 to February 28.

The brilliant yellow bus is embellished with vivid black lettering reading: “Making history is as easy as riding a bus. Or singing about it.” The bus wrap has been generously underwritten by donations from 3M and Xcel Energy with creative design by Carmichael Lynch.

The bus will be unveiled in a public ceremony at Sojourner Truth Academy on Friday, December 1, 2006 (3 – 3:30 p.m.). Students from Sojourner Truth Academy will share letters they have written to Mrs. Parks, thanking her for her inspiring example and courage. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will share the stage with students and read their own letters. Ginger Commodore, a VocalEssence WITNESS teaching artist in the schools will lead the group in singing freedom songs. Storyteller Rose McGee, also a WITNESS teaching artist, will serve as master of ceremonies.

WHAT: ROSA PARKS METRO TRANSIT BUS DEDICATION

DATE AND TIME: Friday, December 1, 2006 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Event begins with a five minute photo opportunity at 3 p.m. sharp, followed by a 25-minute dedication ceremony.

Event will include: Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, charter school students, VocalEssence artistic director Philip Brunelle and WITNESS teaching artists Ginger Commodore and Rose McGee.

LOCATION, DETAILED DIRECTIONS, AND PARKING:
Sojourner Truth Academy
3820 Emerson Ave. North, Minneapolis

• From Minneapolis or St. Paul, take I- 94 West to Dowling Exit 228.
• Turn left onto Dowling and go 7 blocks.
• School is on the NW corner of Dowling and Emerson Ave. Recommended parking is in the St. Bridget’s Church lot across the street from the school.
• Emerson Avenue will be closed beginning at 2:30. After 2:30, turn right into the alley between Emerson and Freemont. Follow signs to access church parking lot through the alley.

For additional press information, please contact Katryn Conlin, VocalEssence Communications Director at kconlin@vocalessence.org or 612-547-1459 (612-229-5659 cell).

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VocalEssence
1900 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403 USA
www.vocalessence.org