Journey

Last season was fun, wasn't it? Songs of Renewal in our first concert, fun holiday favorites in the second concert, and then, finally,  a once and a lifetime performance of a gospel mass. How do we top that? What is our next step forward? What is our next stop on our journey?

Looking into this year, we have three unique concerts planned. In our first concert, we will be performing songs by American poets and composers to try and capture the beauty of the United States of America. Beauty of geography, ideals, and the unique American choral sound. Secondly, we celebrate Christmastime around the world, taking songs from Africa, South America, and more to offer a fresh and reinvigorating perspective on the sounds of the season. Finally, in our most ambitious concert yet, we will be collaborating with the Itasca Symphony Orchestra in Karl Jenkin's the Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. This piece was written after the 1998 Kosovo Crisis and is dedicated to affirming our world's desire for peace and acknowledging the atrocities of war.

We are also beyond excited to be welcoming a new group to our Itasca Choir family, the Itasca Community Youth Choir (ICYC). This group is open to singers going into 3rd grade through 5th grade and will be conducted by long-time educators Mrs. Betsy Sween and Mrs. Lynnea Iverson Schmitz. So, if you have any young singers in your life who would jump at the chance to join in this educational choir experience, please let us know!

If you are so inclined, join us on this journey. Journey with us across our fifty beautiful states as we remind ourselves why we believe in our country. Journey with us around the world and discover the binding powers of the holiday season. Journey with us into the psychology of war and reaffirm the most repetitve text found throughout the mass: "Better is peace than always war."

Adam Giebner

'23-'24 Season

I joined the chorus the spring we did Mamma Mia! and I was instantly welcomed in. I could finally put a finger on what was missing from my life. I needed the music, the camaraderie, and to be a tiny part of a larger whole. I have heard similar stories and reasons for joining from other members. When COVID struck, I know we were all sad to put things on the shelf. We drew into ourselves and gave up a lot for the greater good of all. 

Throughout this down time, the board has been working hard behind the scenes. This hiatus has allowed us to step back and re-evaluate who we are as a Community Chorus. Adam could not have chosen a better theme than that of Renewal. As a board we want to renew our commitment to keeping this chorus going and to renew our choir’s place in the community. We are making strides to revamp our social media presence and to have regular updates and communications with our members. We are working towards summer meet ups and partnering with other community organizations. 

As we navigate this new world, it’s time to start taking the things we love to do back off the shelf. So dust off your name tags, dig that black folder out from under your bed, and loosen up your vocal cords. Let’s sing!

Madeline Melton