Four talented, emerging composers/songwriters have been selected to have a six-month one-on-one composer mentorship through VocalEssence ReMix as they each write a choral work.

Each has been paired with a Composer Mentor, and on Saturday, June 6, they will gather for a One-Day Summer Workshop where they will meet with VocalEssence Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, their Composer Mentors and a quartet from the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Through the experience of writing short pieces and hearing them read by the singers they will learn the finer points of writing for voices.

Professional singers will premiere the composers’ finished works at the annual American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota State Conference in November.

2015 VocalEssence ReMix composers

Emily Feld, Rosemount, Minnesota
Composer Mentor: Carol Barnett

Emily will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She has written several choral and instrumental compositions, and serves as accompanist for the Concordia College Office of Ministry. Emily is a piano teacher and has performed in several vocal and piano ensembles, including Bel Canto.

Why ReMix? “The thriving community of Minnesota choral composers is something I have wanted to be a part of since I sang in church choir. … The career I hope to have is a creative one, and this program will give me the tools, the teachers and the community I need to sustain that creativity as a choral composer.”

Michael Maiorana, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Composer Mentor: J. David Moore

Michael has written more than two dozen compositions, including commissions by the Central Iowa Symphony and the Grinnell Symphony Orchestra. He has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Grinnell College and served as assistant conductor of the Grinnell Singers and Grinnell Oratorio Society, as well as conductor and founder of the Grinnell New Music Choir.

 Why ReMix? “ … (A) new mentor would help grow, mold and motivate my compositional style, helping to find success with publishers and audiences. I’m really excited that the Twin Cities area is full of great choral opportunities …”

Liam Moore, St. Paul, Minnesota
Composer Mentor: Libby Larsen

Liam has composed 27 choral and instrumental pieces; he has spent 17 years as a member of various choral ensembles, eight years with orchestral ensembles, and 12 years performing popular styles of music. Liam has been commissioned by trombonist Ty Peterson and saxophonist Scottie W. Wright, and last year received an ASCAP Plus Award.

Why ReMix? “(A) premiere at an ACDA-MN (American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota) conference with its receptive audience, possible publication and a chance to work with a professional chorus and celebrated local composers, all rolled into one? Sounds like heaven!”

Daniel Smith, St. Paul, Minnesota
Composer Mentor: Tim Takach

Daniel studied music theory and composition at the University of Minnesota Duluth and is now studying composition and songwriting at McNally Smith College of Music. His compositions include pieces for solo bassoon and string trio as well as a film trailer. His vocal experience includes ensembles at McNally Smith and the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Why ReMix? “I believe that mainstream music could learn a lot from vocal music harmonically. There is so much room for dissonance and close harmonies that just is not present in current popular music. I want to be one who bridges the gap.”