CELTIC NIGHT WITH TRI, APRIL 23

Emerging Celtic music ensemble Trì includes 3 of New England’s most sought after traditional Celtic musicians. The trio consists of award winning bagpiper Matthew Phelps, highly acclaimed fiddler Doug Lamey, and the band’s MC and guitarist Cliff McGann. They can be seen and heard at festivals across North America, on the radio, and now at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium at the CCA!


Friday, April 23, 7:30 pm.  $10 at the door.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR THE CCA IN BLOOM!

THE ART OF THE ART SONG SEMINAR

Dr. Nancy Leinonen Howells and Collaborative Pianist Thomas Dawkins will teach a two-week art song seminar at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Monday through Friday, July 12 – 23, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The seminar will cover the language, the performance practice, and style of the art song.  Two songs, one in English and one in French, Italian, or German will be assigned by Dr. Howells upon admittance to the class.

These songs can be done by more than one voice type - most art song (not all) is not gender specific, and can be found in multiple keys. Voice classification is usually not of consideration, unless the song is orchestrated, or one of those cycles that is exclusively male or female. Every singer will work on two pieces, but will learn about the rest of the songs, in a sort of "tasting menu" that allows them to have thoughts about whether these are things they'd like to do themselves in the future.  Participants will gain knowledge of 10 or more art songs. 

The seminar is limited to 10 singers.  Tuition is $180, payable with application.

To apply send check made payable to “Chelmsford Center for the Arts” with your name, address, telephone number/email address, voice category to:

Chelmsford Center for the Arts

1A North Road

Chelmsford, MA 01824

Dr. Nancy Leinonen Howells, originally from Michigan, began her voice training at Central Michigan University, where she earned the Bachelor of Music in voice.  She continued her voice studies at The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), where she earned the Master of Music in voice, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in voice, with studies in vocal pedagogy.  While at the University of Michigan, Nancy served as adjunct faculty, and taught degree candidates in the BFA program for Music Theatre, and in the BME program for music education.  She also served as co-teacher of the vocal pedagogy class.  Dr. Howells has appeared as soloist with the Boston Cecilia, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Mass Theatrica, and The New England Light Opera, and the Ocean Park (Maine) Association.  She has performed as a recitalist in Boston, Cambridge, Sudbury, and  Newton.  In 1996, she received a grant from MIT to premiere a new work by composer Matthew Fields (Crossroads), and in 1997, received an “Artists Behind the Desk” grant from MIT.  Prior to moving to Massachusetts, Nancy sang with the North Central Symphony Orchestra of Michigan, the Central Michigan University Orchestra, and the Bay View Opera.  Operatic roles include Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte, Kathleen in Riders to the Sea, Nella in Gianni Schicchi, and the title role in Suor Angelica.  In addition to performance, Dr. Howells teaches at Indian Hill, in the Weston High School after-school arts program, and in her private studio.  Recent students have gone on to pursue voice degrees at Boston Conservatory (Bachelors and Masters programs), Duke University, Brigham Young University, Carnegie Mellon University, Elon University, Boston University and The University of Michigan. 

Mr. Thomas Dawkins, collaborative pianist and vocal coach, has worked with many top teachers in and around Boston. He was the Vocal Seminar pianist at The Longy School of Music for instructors Jean Danton and Lynn Torgove, among others. He has played for masterclasses at Longy and New England Conservatory (including for Sondra Kelley), and last summer taught a class with D’Anna Fortunato focusing on audition prep for singers. He is currently Robert Honeysucker’s studio pianist at the Lexington School of Music. A graduate of Brandeis University with Highest Honors, he is also a classical singer with such groups as the Handel and Haydn Society, Longwood Opera, and New Hampshire Opera Theater. He is the organist and choir director of the Congregational Church of Harvard, UCC.

WELCOME TO BROADWAY! Summer Music Theatre Program for Students

Are You 14-18 Years Old and Looking for Professional Music Theatre Coaching This Summer? 


Do you want to polish your audition skills?  Do you want to try something new and fun?   Chelmsford Center for the Arts is presenting a two week “Welcome to Broadway”music theatre program, Monday through Friday, July 12 – 23, from 9 am to 3 pm.

Students will work on solo and ensemble pieces with voice teachers/coaches, Dr. Nancy Leinonen Howells, Mr. Rob Woodin, and Mr. Joe Rondeau.  Prof. Alisa Bucchiere will be our pianist.  This program will teach basic musicianship, movement and performance.  Students will work with all four instructors individually and in groups.  The class will culminate in a Broadway revue at the CCA on July 23.  All students will audition for placement purposes April 25 at 2:00 pm at the CCA.  Cost for the two weeks:  $480 payable to Chelmsford Center for the Arts

For registration e-mail CCAatTownHall@gmail.com or call 978-250-9161


About our teachers...

Dr. Nancy Leinonen Howells, originally from Michigan, began her voice training at Central Michigan University, where she earned the Bachelor of Music in voice.  She continued her voice studies at The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), where she earned the Master of Music in voice, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in voice, with studies in vocal pedagogy.  While at the University of Michigan, Nancy served as adjunct faculty, and taught degree candidates in the BFA program for Music Theatre, and in the BME program for music education.  She also served as co-teacher of the vocal pedagogy class.  Dr. Howells has appeared as soloist with the Boston Cecilia, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Mass Theatrica, and The New England Light Opera, and the Ocean Park (Maine) Association.  She has performed as a recitalist in Boston, Cambridge, Sudbury, and  Newton.  In 1996, she received a grant from MIT to premiere a new work by composer Matthew Fields (Crossroads), and in 1997, received an “Artists Behind the Desk” grant from MIT.  Prior to moving to Massachusetts, Nancy sang with the North Central Symphony Orchestra of Michigan, the Central Michigan University Orchestra, and the Bay View Opera.  Operatic roles include Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte, Kathleen in Riders to the Sea, Nella in Gianni Schicchi, and the title role in Suor Angelica.  In addition to performance, Dr. Howells teaches at Indian Hill, in the Weston High School after-school arts program, and in her private studio.  Recent students have gone on to pursue voice degrees at Boston Conservatory (Bachelors and Masters programs), Duke University, Brigham Young University, Carnegie Mellon University, Elon University, Boston University and The University of Michigan. 

Rob Woodin has recently performed with Opera Providence, Opera Boston Underground, Metro West Opera and with Boston Opera Collaborative in many fully staged operas, concerts and recitals.  In addition to his operatic career, he has performed in many musical theater productions with companies in the Midwest.  Rob has his Masters in Voice Performance from Boston University and his Bachelors from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.  Rob is a private voice teacher at Indian Hill Music, BB&N High School in Cambridge, Powers Music School in Belmont, and at the Music Academy of Chelmsford.

Joseph Rondeau, tenor, graduated from UMass Lowell with a degree in vocal performance in 2007.  Joe has taught voice students for two years and has worked as a vocal coach at the Summer Drama Workshop in Hudson, MA on their production of "Grease." As a performer recent credits include "Sweeney Tood" with The Vokes Theater; concert performances with Illumination Opera; "The Mikado" and concert performances Mass Theatrica; and "How to Succeed...," "Fame," "Godspell,"  and concerts with The Arts Alliance. Currently Joe resides in Dracut, MA. 


Alisa Helene Bucchiere  - Prof. Bucchiere received her Bachelor’s of Music cum laude degree from the University of Lowell, her Masters of Music degree from Westminster Choir College and is pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education at Boston University. Presently, she holds teaching positions at Northern Essex Community College since 2004, as both the Choral Director and professor of music history & music theory, and at Indian Hill Music Center, in Littleton, MA where she has been on the piano faculty since September of 1996. Currently, Prof. Bucchiere is a member of ACDA, the American Choral Directors Association and is also a member of the Merrimack Valley American Guild of Organists where she serves as the organist at the First Church Congregational in Methuen, MA. Presently, Prof. Bucchiere is the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Accompanist for Region One which includes all of New England and parts of New York State.  In her spare time, Prof. Bucchiere has performed as music director/accompanist for over forty theater shows. 

HOW TO GET YOUR NEWS STORY IN THE PAPER

Do you have an event or a news story you’d like to share but don’t know how to get the word out?

On Wednesday, April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. there will be a free public relations/publicity seminar at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. Come learn the basics of getting your message out through the Chelmsford Independent and wickedlocalchelmsford.com. Meet Managing Editor Jesse Floyd, reporter Chloe Gotsis, Arts & Calendar Editor Margaret Smith, and columnist Joanne Stanway, get tips and find out the appropriate contacts for the news you want to get published and join us for light refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you.

Please RSVP by April 5 to chelmsford@cnc.com or call 978-371-5751.

CELTIC MUSIC SESSION OPEN TO ALL!

Dan LeBlanc will be hosting the CCA's first Celtic Music Session on Sunday, March 28 from 4 pm to 7 pm in Veteran's Memorial Auditorium.  All are welcome.  Bring your instrument and join the fun!   Piano is available.  Suggested Donation at the Door $5.00


Your attendance at CCA events brings our only public arts institution alive.  Check back often to see what we have planned.  Join our facebook group and e-mail list to keep up to date.

Chelmsford TeleMedia Cinema Presents...

Chelmsford TeleMedia presents Fred Barzyk's and Dan LeBlanc's documentary, "Celebrate Music, Chelmsford Style" on March 27 at 7:00 pm in Veteran's Memorial Auditorium.  Free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.  See the diverse musical programs and groups in your own backyard.

Appropriate for all ages.  

                                                  c 2009 Bob Stegmaier photographer