Arts Educator/Performer/Choreographer/Literary Artist Karla Nweje is an arts educator, choreographer, performer, and literary artist.  She holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Brooklyn College/CUNY. As a literary artist, Karla is a published author and contributing writer to literary publications and writes/presents interactive workshops and assemblies for youth.  After obtaining teaching credentials, she worked as a…  Read More →

Vocalist/Composer/Percussionist Dr. Timothy Berry began singing in his father’s church at age 5 where his mother was the pianist and choir director. He has played hand drums since age 12.  His eclectic performance background including: The Urban Flavor Band; Leigh Morris Chorale; Penumbra Theater; MN Opera; Contempo Dance Physical; Minnesota State University Repertory Dance Theater;…  Read More →

Thank you for your consideration of a gift of stock to VocalEssence! Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to unite our community through song. Below is the information that you may need for the stock transfer. Please ask your broker to identify the source of the gift by providing your name on the…  Read More →

VocalEssence will provide a secure environment for collecting donations and maintaining internal controls governing the safekeeping of all confidential donor financial and personal information. In all financial information systems and financial transactions, VocalEssence will work to protect the financial information of donors and earn the trust they have placed in the organization. VocalEssence does not…  Read More →

Director of Finance and Operations phone 612-547-1455 fax 612-547-1464 jeff@vocalessence.org Jeff Bina comes to VocalEssence with a background in arts administration and finance as well as radio production and music performance. Prior to VocalEssence, he spent four years with the professional men’s vocal ensemble, Cantus, serving as their Operations and Finance Manager. Here, he grew…  Read More →

Director of Marketing and Communications phone 612-547-1459 fax 612-547-1484 amanda@vocalessence.org Amanda Timmer joined VocalEssence in 2014.  As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Amanda plans and oversees communication strategies that promote all that VocalEssence creates. Prior to joining the VocalEssence staff, Amanda earned a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from Minnesota State University,…  Read More →

VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting new choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in assisted living communities and senior centers. Activities include choral rehearsals with conductor Rob Graham and accompanist John Jensen for 12 weeks, culminating in an on-site concert for friends, family, residents and community…  Read More →

The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was developed by VocalEssence in 2007 to celebrate and recognize outstanding leaders who are in the field empowering young people through direct contact, making a way for them to be as successful as they can be. It was named after the…  Read More →

VocalEssence Mission VocalEssence draws upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music. VocalEssence Vision VocalEssence seeks to be forward-thinking—a singing community where all find belonging. Aspiring to inspire, we discover, celebrate, and build lasting experiences that transform hearts and…  Read More →

Director of Artistic Operations phone 612-547-1480 ethan@vocalessence.org Ethan Johnson joined the team at VocalEssence in the summer of 2019. As the Director of Artistic Operations, Ethan oversees the process of planning and executing the behind-the-scenes details of VocalEssence artistic programs, including concert production and Learning & Engagement programmatic events. Working with VocalEssence artists and guest…  Read More →