Today marks the third day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of Lonnie George Johnson (1949-), NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker. His musical inspiration comes from “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.” Book Recommendations He’s Got the… Read More →
Today marks the second day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931), one of the first physicians to perform open-heart surgery in the United States. His musical inspiration comes from the Stevie Wonder’s 1984 hit “I Just… Read More →
Today marks the first day of 28 Days of Black Excellence created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Phillip highlights the work of Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963), best known for creating the Safety Hood and the Stoplight. His musical inspiration comes from the Supremes the 1965 hit song, “Stop! In The Name Of Love.”… Read More →
Associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz will feature 28 Days of Black Excellence during his 9 a.m. daily “Take 5 with GPS” performance series. Watch Videos Now VocalEssence will showcase Black achievement in the arts and beyond each day of Black History Month as part of its daily pandemic show, Take 5 with GPS. VocalEssence has… Read More →
A pandemic didn’t stop these singers in their eighties at Trillium Woods from bringing a little joy to their lives. Together with the leadership of VocalEssence Vintage Voices artistic director Robert Graham and help from the brand new virtual choir recording platform SongAlong, these singers created a mini choir concert! After 10 weeks of Zoom… Read More →
We are getting SO CLOSE to meeting our 2020 goal of $248,680 to fully fund the VocalEssence mission. We are just $29,689.27 away, and have a 1:1 match up to $17,000 that was created by board and staff members who increased their gifts. Because of the pandemic, VocalEssence is in a different place financially than we’ve… Read More →
“The two of us watched your musical moments together each day and they truly were the highlight of his day.” —Tracy Rode, Jack Cole’s daughter Jack and Ann Cole were treasured by so many, including VocalEssence. We are humbled to know that Philip Brunelle’s Musical Moments were such a comfort to Jack in his last… Read More →
This Christmas Eve, gather the family (in person and virtually) for a LIVE sing-along and a broadcast of Welcome Christmas. CHRISTMAS EVE LIVE STREAM Thursday, December 24th at 6:30 PM CST Join Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III for a LIVE Christmas Eve edition of Take 5 with GPS. Usher in the magic by… Read More →
“The two of us watched your musical moments together each day and they truly were the highlight of his day.” —Tracy Rode, Jack Cole’s daughter Jack and Ann Cole were treasured by so many, including VocalEssence. We are humbled to know that Philip Brunelle’s Musical Moments were such a comfort to Jack in his last… Read More →
By Cathy Wurzer | MPR News Published: December 16, 2020 7:03 a.m. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/12/16/vocalessence-pushes-forward-with-annual-christmas-concert Artistic director Philip Brunelle leads VocalEssence in one of its previous holiday performances. Courtesy of Bruce Silcox Like so many holiday traditions, VocalEssence’s annual “Welcome Christmas” concert looks a little different this year. Still, the choral ensemble hopes the music brings… Read More →
“I am so excited to watch this. Thank you to your entire team for bringing this to our world. As a choir director (middle school and high school), I am facing constant challenges of how to keep my 150 students engaged, motivated, and inspired. Thank you!” —Melanie Brink, music teacher in the Middle East region of Muscat, Oman We are so excited… Read More →
There is so much excitement about Welcome Christmas this season! Check out the articles and videos below and make sure to watch Almanac on Twin Cities PBS (TPT) from 7-8 PM CST on Friday, December 18th to see a preview of Welcome Christmas! Minnesota Public Radio News Interview with Cathy Wurzer and G. Phillip Shoultz,… Read More →
Thanks to generous donors we are getting closer to our 2020 fundraising goal! want to help us meet our goal? A gift of any amount helps keep our community singing through this pandemic! Donate
Thanks to so many generous donors, we are inching closer to our year-end fundraising goal. Check back to this page to follow our progress. want to help us meet our goal? A gift of any amount helps keep our community singing through this pandemic! Donate
As we close out the most challenging year in our 52 year history, we are hearing some shining stories of resilience and moments of joy. Liza and Jim Ervin are singers in the VocalEssence Vintage Voices choir at Trillium Woods. It was December 2015 when they moved to the Twin Cities from Connecticut. Fortunately, friends… Read More →
