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News Archive to April 2008posted April 9, 2008 The CommunitySingers Invites Women to sing... The Community Singers invites women to sing with them every Wednesday from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. to April. The location is: Gable Arms Club Room No Auditions For information, call Evelyn Shepel Canadian Chamber Choir offers Conducting Fellowhsip The Canadian Chamber Choir is pleased to invite all qualified candidates to submit applications for the Conducting Fellowship position for the upcoming Canadian Chamber Choir tour in Saskatchewan in October. All details are contained within the press release. We encourage all interested conductors to consider applying for this amazing opportunity. See "Conducting Fellowship SK.pdf" Sandy Jasper, Executive Director posted: Feb 17, 2008 Bert Kroeker Receives MBA Award Manitoba Choral Association Lifetime Honourary Member and ChoralFest Founder Bert Kroeker was honoured by the Manitoba Band Association at Tempo 2007 with an Award of Distinction. The award was presented by Cheryl Ferguson. The following is the full text of Cheryl's speech. Bert Kroeker is the single most important person to the proliferation of band programs in Manitoba in the last 40 years. I first met Bert Kroeker through a phone conversation about 5 years ago. He was phoning to ask me to play for an instrumental group he was putting together for his church. Immediately, I began to realize what an amazing and enthusiastic man he is and found myself smiling widely listening to him talk. Our conversation winded around to Bert asking me if I knew Orv Anderson. I explained that in fact I had attended Fort Richmond Collegiate and Orv was my high school band director. Immediately there was an exclamation: "YOU'RE A CENTURION!!!" (referring to FRC's school logo/mascot). This led to a long discussion about Fort Richmond, Orv and Bert's adventures. Our conversation (and every one that has since followed with Bert) ended with him encouraging me to "Fly high, Centurion!" At the time, I didn't realize how "high flying" this guy really was, but over the past five years, Bert's contribution to music education in Manitoba has been revealed to me. Bert has had a profound impact on the formation of band programs in Manitoba and that is the reason I feel he is the IDEAL candidate for the 2007 Award of Distinction. In fact, George Douglas has stated "This recognition is long overdue – Bert should have been the first person to win this award!" As Orv Anderson puts it, "Bert was the catalyst for many of the band programs in Manitoba". In the early 1960's Bert was the energetic young principal of Golden Gate Junior High School. He had a vision to start a band program. Bert was incredibly committed and enthusiastic about this vision that the program was a great success. In fact, Golden Gate's program became well known and was actually one of the strongest programs around, regardless of grade level. When students at Golden Gate grew up and went to high school, they wanted to continue playing, so Silver Heights had to come up with a program for them. This resulted in a "ripple effect" throughout the St. James School Division, as more and more schools wanted what Bert had so successfully set up at Golden Gate. When Fort Richmond Collegiate opened in 1967, Bert was selected as principal and set out to make the school truly "high flying". As soon as there were enough students in the student body, Bert started a band at FRC. During the first six years of the FRC band program, there were seven different band directors, none of whom were specifically trained to do the job. In spite of this, Bert's vision for an outstanding band program prevailed and his enthusiasm carried the program. When the grade 7-9 students moved to the newly formed Acadia Jr. High, the band program envisioned by Bert went with the students. Band programs at Vincent Massey, A. A. Leach, General Byng, Viscount Alexander and Pembina Crest soon followed. In the spring of 1975, Orv Anderson interviewed for his job as Director of Bands at Fort Richmond. The interview started on a Friday evening and didn't end until about 3:30 AM, as Bert needed time to proudly play recordings of every FRC band performance dating back to day one. The interview continued on Saturday, when Bert and Merle Grott (vice-principal) sat in the band room with Orv and tried to figure out a course description including tutorial sessions and assessment techniques that could be presented to the Department of Education. The end result was that the Department of Education approved Bert and Merle's proposal and a full-time band position was created. At one point in the interview, Orv asked Bert and Merle how long it would take to get to the airport, as his flight back to Minnesota was to leave in 20 minutes. Bert replied that it took about a half hour, but that they could probably make it. In true "high flying" form, Bert got Orv to the airport exactly one minute before the plane was to take off. (In the end, Orv missed his flight anyways, but is there anyone else but high-flying Bert that could make it from the south end of the city to the airport in 19 minutes flat?). Bert had a close friend, Merv Michalyshen, who was the principal at Hastings Junior High. Merv saw what was going on at Fort Richmond and wanted to start a similar program at Hastings. After much discussion with Bert and observation at FRC, Merv started a program at Hastings, which led the development of the strong program at Dakota Collegiate, which led to the development of the program at Minnetonka, which led to the development of the program at Glenlawn....strong band programs in St. Vital were born. Based on all this historical data, is clear that Bert was a catalyst to the development of band programs in Pembina Trails, Louis Riel and St. James. Bert is a passionate person, and music is his passion of choice. As the current principal of FRC, Lorraine Carter, states: "Bert is all about giving everything he can for the betterment of the cause....he is so committed in what he believes in". That commitment was never more clear than during his time as principal of Fort Richmond. For a full 12 years, Bert was the director of full-scale musicals at the school. He would put all he had into the musicals, making sure they were the best they could be. He would get over 100 students involved in the musical (which was a large percentage of the student body at the time). He would spend his entire evening in the theatre working on the musical and then begin working on his principal duties at 10:00PM. He would sometimes have to work until 3:00 AM on his administrative duties so that he could spend his days and early evenings serving the school and helping his vision to be realized. Bert also found music to be so important that he actually started the FRC choir and directed it himself (while still acting as principal) for its first three years. Bert is well-known for the atmosphere he can create in a building or in a program. His energy and enthusiasm is truly contagious. He is fast-forward all the way. (This is evidenced by the fact that he has been known to get three speeding tickets between Winnipeg and Fargo, and also by the fact that his boat's maximum speed is 49mph and he never goes 48mph or less). Bert is truly an amazing leader and an inspiring character and is truly one of the reasons Manitoba has such a strong tradition of high achieving band programs. Bert also had a strong contribution to what is now the Manitoba Band Association. Not only was he a board member for the years 1982-83, 1983-84 & 1985-86, he also took on the task of getting the organization incorporated with tax-free status. The Manitoba government would not at first let us use the term "Manitoba Band Association" because of confusion with native "bands", so in the first several years, the association was known as the "Manitoba Instrumental Music Association" (MIMA). Bert even designed the letterhead logos for the official MIMA stationary during the association's years as "MIMA"! Bert Kroeker has had such an impact on the history of the development of bands in Manitoba that I feel he is a prime candidate for the Award of Distinction this year. Please consider giving Bert his long-overdue recognition for his contributions toward making Manitoba the strong "band province" it is today. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Ferguson Cheryl Ferguson is the Director of Bands at Fort Richmond Collegiate. She has taught music at all levels and maintains an active life as a band clinician, French horn teacher and a Mom. Music Monday Music Monday registration and downloads have been updated and the website is ready to use. The Coalition for Music Education in Canada invites everyone to *become a signatory to the National Effort as we show Canada the depth and breadth of support for school music. Two minutes of your time will help us build a mammoth voice in support of music and the arts in our schools. Visit http://www.weallneedmusic.ca and click on the Individuals link under The National Effort. Coalition for Music Education in Canada Monday, May 5, 2007 Prairie Voices Receive Award Under the direction of Kristel L. Peters, Prairie Voices was the recipient of the Leslie Bell Award for Choir in the 2007 Performance Awards category this past September. This award is sponsored by the Canadian Music Educators' Association. Be sure to catch this award winning choir at their next performance with the WSO at their Christmas Pops Concert Dec 14th -16th . Prairie Voices is a company of singers ages 18-25 dedicated to the performance of innovative contemporary choral music from all over the world, with an emphasis on Canadian and Manitoban composers. Using energy, expressiveness and movement, Prairie Voices consistently manages to connect avant-garde composition with a popular audience.
The Proudfoot Education Savings and Trust Fund “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” John W. Whitehead The sad news of the passing of Michael Proudfoot will be with us for a long time. Many of you have asked about helping the family. At this point their basic needs are being met, so we look to the future. The PTV Council and Staff invite you to participate in the establishment of a fund that will provide for the post secondary education of Michael and Joan’s children, Spencer and Madeline. Your donation will be deposited in The Proudfoot Education Savings and Trust Fund. Any donation will be gladly accepted.
Please make your cheque payable to Quadrus (investment company) and send it to:
Ensure that you write clearly on the “memo” line of your cheque: “The Proudfoot Education Savings and Trust Fund” The assets from the fund will be managed by Joan, in consultation with Edmond Financial Group. This savings plan is not a registered charity; therefore, no tax receipt will be issued. Pembina Trails Voices is joined in the creation of this Fund by the staff and communities of Montrose, St. John’s Ravenscourt, Buchanan, and Strathmillan Schools, and The Winnipeg Singers. This is one way that we can make a difference in the lives of Michael’s children and help to ensure a solid future for them. On behalf of Michael, Joan, Madeline and Spencer I thank you. Ruth Wiwchar “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children Hodding Carter
Double Honour For MCA Founding President Engbrecht Feb 3, 2007 The University of Manitoba announced today that retired Professor of Choral Studies, Faculty of Music and MCA Founding President Henry Engbrecht will be awarded the honorific Professor Emeritus, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a professor that is no longer at the university. The honour will be bestowed by Chancellor Dr. Bill Norrie at the Spring 2007 Convocation. The announcement was made by Interim Dean Dr. Juliette ‘Archie’ Cooper, at a fund-raising banquet of the University Singers on Saturday night. This news was followed by the announcement of the establishment of a $400,000 Endowment Fund for the Henry Engbrecht Graduate Fellowship in Choral Conducting. This Fellowship will award a small amount in 2008/09, with the eventual goal of an annual Fellowship award of $20,000 to a graduate student of choral conducting, and entering the Masters program at the Faculty of Music. This announcement was made by Henry Engbrecht’s daughter, Geraldine De Braune , whose voice choked with emotion as she spoke directly to her Dad, telling him of her desire to find a way to celebrate, honour and acknowledge his accomplishments within the choral community and beyond. “We couldn’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ and we love you,” she said. This news seemed to leave Dr. Engbrecht temporarily speechless, but he rallied after the second standing ovation, to praise the work of Elroy Friesen and the University Singers. “There is no greater honour than to see the work we’ve started carry on, “ he said. “People ask me, do I miss it? And I say “No” ... and the reason is Elroy.” Elroy Friesen is Henry Engbrecht’s successor in the position of Director of Choral Studies and Activities at the U of M School of Music. The occasion featured the University Singers singing ensemble and also in smaller groups, showcasing many individual talents , and the musical entertainment spanned many genres: jazz, musical theatre, sacred, barbershop and comic opera (including our favourite finale from The Gondoliers). Jason Pankratz, first year music student and Emcee, emerged as a prodigious stand-up comic talent, his charming and sly understatements keeping us giggling all evening. For information on how you can contribute to the Henry Engbrecht Graduate Fellowship Endowment Fund, contact UofM Development Officer Susan Manahan, eMail, or call 1-800-330-8066.
Canadian Music Educators Establish Helen Litz Award
The Canadian Music Educators Association/L’association des musiciens educateurs administers and presents Performance Awards to outstanding ensembles. Competition for these awards occurs every two years. Several categories exist. Each award is given in honour of an outstanding Canadian music educator. Graham recalled, “One of my earliest memories of a fascination with sound came at a concert when a small group of children stood on a stage, opened their mouths, and carried me into a new world. The choir was the Mennonite Children’s Choir and its conductor was, and is, Helen Litz.” Graham described the Mennonite Children’s Choir of Winnipeg as an “envoy of excellence” and Helen Litz as “a visionary who took her music, her choir, her vision, and her passion around the world.” “Throughout her career, Helen Litz has been a vocalist, a conductor, a mentor, a clinician, a composer, an arranger, a tour organizer, a guest conductor of honour choirs, an advocate for children, an adjudicator, a tireless advocate for excellence, an ambassador, and a steward of music,” she said. Graham congratulated Helen and displayed the rosewood shield which will represent the award. She encouraged the music educators present to submit CD’s for this award: “I am sure that Helen would be delighted and honoured to present the winner of the first Helen Litz Award for Children’s Choir to a Manitoba choir next year,” she said. Helen Litz reports that she is pleased that Manitoba is recognized in a national award. Helen Litz is a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Manitoba Choral Association.
Podium 2008 Choral Waves Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB May 15-18, 2008 Application for Choral Performance Available at the New Brunswick Choral Federation website Deadline for receipt of application -- March 15, 2007 The committee is very excited about hosting this wonderful event in the Maritimes and we look forward to hearing from choirs wishing to attend.
MCA Member Choir
The City of Lincoln Trophy was donated by the Lincoln Musical Festival in England in 1948 to the Manitoba Music Competition. The trophy was cut from 700-year-old cathedral oak and bears minutely detailed representations in silver of two sides of Lincoln Cathedral. Due to its importance and historical significance, it was made a national award in 1949, and is now awarded by the National Music Festival to the the best mixed-voice choir in Canada. Reign of Sound, conducted by local organist and teacher Richard Grieg, has only been singing together for three years. Back in March they won the City of Lincoln Trophy Class at the Winnipeg Music Festival, singing Cantata Domino by Heinrich Schütz and Sure on This Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen. They then won the Provincial Music Festival (adjudicated on the basis of their submitted CD) and then runner-up in the National competition. The runner-up prize includes a small financial award of $250.00. Congratulations, all! The 2006 National Music Festival will be held this year in Thunder Bay, Ontario in the first week of August. Reign of Sound’s award will be accepted on their behalf by Shirley Bergen, President of the Board of the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals. Reign of Sound seeks choristers age 25-35. For more information, or to enjoy a selection from their repertoire, visit their website at www.reignofsound.ca
Henry Engbrecht Receives National Recognition at Chorpodium 2006 in Victoria, BC May 24, 2006: The following message was received from Kristel Peters, who attended the ACCC conference, Chorpodium 2006, in Victoria:
thanks, Kristel Peters ps. I had a great time at the ACCC conference. Unfortunately Henry was not present to receive the award but I received it on his behalf.”
Elroy Friesen will be Henry Engbrecht's successor as Director of Choral Studies and Activities at the Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba. Elroy, founder and former director of Prairie Voices, will assume his duties as Assistant Professor - Choral Music on July 10, 2006. He will be directing the Women's Chorus and University Singers, as well as teaching Choral Techniques and working with the graduate conducting students. Auditions for both choirs will take place on August 30-September 1, and September 5 and 6, 2006. Congratulations and welcome back Elroy! |
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At the Manitoba Music Educators’ AGM at Tempo 2006, former Manitoba music educator Barbara Graham, representing the CMEA, announced the establishment of a new national award, the Helen Litz Award for Children’s Choir.
Congratulations to Reign of Sound for receiving the runner-up award in the City of Lincoln Trophy Class at the 2006 National Music Festival. 
”Hi folks! ...It is with great pleasure that I announce the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors has awarded Henry Engbrecht with the ACCC Distinguished Service Award. Henry is, without doubt, the pre-eminent choral conductor in this province. He commands universal respect for his work with choirs, and has set consistent standards of excellence which have been unmatched over the past twenty years. Henry is well known in the choral community in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and Beyond our country. He has been a leader and a mentor in the choral world. Congratulations Henry on your award! All the best as you move on from the University of Manitoba.
Elroy returns to Winnipeg 
Manitoba Choral Association
5-276 Marion Street
Winnipeg MB R2H 0T7
ph: (204) 942-6037
fax: (204) 947-3105
e-mail
