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We're excited to announce our upcoming Christmas concert! Join us on December 14, 3 pm, at College Baptist Church for this year's concert, "Oh Great Mystery." We'll see you there! 
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Introducing our Together campaign! It's all about creating beautiful music as a community, rather than individual singers. We come together to sing, to make friends, and to make music that none of us could make on our own. Please enjoy our Together video, featuring Aaron Johnson, HAC Board President, Debbi Wyse, singer with HAC for 40+ years, and James Holleman, HAC Director. Join us on Monday, August 26, at 7 pm at the Hillsdale Brewing Company for our season 52 kickoff party. Current members and interested new singers are welcome!  Join current, new, and interested members of the Hillsdale Arts Chorale for a fall season kickoff party! Enjoy drinks and snacks on us as we introduce our new interim conductor, Brad Holmes, and talk about plans for our upcoming season. 7pm on Monday, August 28th at the Hillsdale Brewing Company.  by Elaine Null
I was a charter member of the Hillsdale Arts Chorale, starting with my audition with Howard Rizner in the Hillsdale High School choir room, where he taught and conducted the high school choirs for 20 years. I found myself there after Doug and Sandy Spike, co-founders of the Arts Chorale, told me about the upcoming auditions for a new choral group that was being formed, and they thought I should join. I'd been singing for many years in school and at churches, as well as weddings and funerals. Doug had played organ accompaniment for me on a few occasions and felt that my voice would be a good fit for this new group. I passed the audition and was assigned a place in the alto section of the choir in the fall of 1973. I'd always thought of myself as a soprano, but this was a good fit for my voice. I believe there were 26 of us in that first choir, and rehearsals were held in the Hillsdale High School Choir Room. Many in the group had sung for Howard in school, so they were familiar with his conducting and his expectations. It was a whole new experience for me, and one that I'll treasure as long as I live. We also had access to the Hillsdale High School music library that was located in Howard's office. It was a real benefit to utilize that music resource, and it limited our expenses in purchasing music to just a few pieces that year. The Chorale met for regular rehearsals one night per week for about 2.5 hours, starting with taking attendance and moving right into warm-ups. Everyone was expected to be at rehearsal on time with their music and a #2 pencil (with an eraser) to mark the music with breath marks, emphasize diction and ending consonants, as well as dynamic markings and tempos. That pencil became a constant companion as I would mark my music in great detail to meet the demands that Howard made in rehearsals, leading up to a performance that met his expectations. Our first concert was held at the Sauk Theater in Jonesville, and since we didn't have uniform dresses, he gave his opinion on what should be worn and the ladies of the Chorale were asked to bring in their chosen dresses to see if they met with his approval. The first concert was in the spring of 1974, and I was pregnant with our second child. That fact limited my choice of attire to a floor length solid color maternity dress, which seemed to take him by surprise. "You're going to wear that?" he asked. "Yes," I replied. "It's the only formal maternity dress that I have." He relented and said it would be acceptable. I don't think he'd made the connection of my being visibly pregnant at rehearsals and my still being pregnant for the concert! Over the years, we had so many wonderful singing experiences. I had the privilege of studying voice in private lessons at Howard's home - quite often on Monday mornings, before the regular Arts Chorale rehearsals on Monday evenings. My warmups and workouts were usually an indication of what rehearsal that night would be like for the Chorale. I always joked that he tried out his plans for the Chorale's evening rehearsal on me during my lessons. That "one on one" time with Howard was a treasure, and he became familiar with my wit and sense of humor. As an example, on one of our Chorale trips to sing at the Hope Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, one of the pieces on our program was "Deep Peace" by John Rutter. Howard was a real stickler when it came to diction, and this song was especially challenging because the "p" at the end of 'Deep' was followed immediately with the "P" at the beginning of the word 'Peace'. He would rant as we rehearsed that he wanted to hear both "P's", and it was a real challenge to meet his expectations of being able to hear all the "p's" throughout the song. When the day came and we arrived in Holland at the church ready to rehearse for our performance, I placed a small can of peas on his music stand and told him we had all the "peas." It lightened the mood and the performance went very well, with every "p" in its proper place - and I got away with it because of our special one-on-one time in those private voice lessons. My time in the Arts Chorale included serving in various positions on the Board of Directors. I spent a lot of time doing publicity for our concerts. I submitted radio "spots" for broadcast on radio station WCSR and wrote articles describing our concert programs for the Hillsdale Daily News, as well as placing display ads in the paper for each concert. Janet Lee, Lifestyles editor for the Daily News, was my contact there, and she was a big supporter of the Arts Chorale. She included my articles in her space in the newspaper and she attended all the concerts. Then she would write and publish a review during the week following each concert. Over the years, it was necessary to change venues for rehearsals. After leaving Hillsdale High School, rehearsals and the Arts Chorale music library moved to the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church, which resulted in an entirely different sounding atmosphere in which to rehearse. After a few years, another move was made and the Chorale was rehearsing in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Of course, performances were also held in several other churches, as well as Davis Auditorium, and at Hillsdale College. An indispensable and very important component of the Hillsdale Arts Chorale was the support given by the Friends of the Arts Chorale, a group of "friends" who shared their time and talents in assisting with season ticket sales and providing refreshments for after the concert receptions. The Arts Chorale began selling subscription season tickets to their concerts early in their history. Usually a concert season included four concerts, with the final concert of the season being a Pops Concert with contemporary music on the program, oftentimes with guest performers, along with solos by Chorale members, and an Ice Cream Social to go along with the music. It was great fun, and really brought out a lot of personality from the Chorale membership. After the first few years of the Ice Cream Social Pops Concerts, a Pops Dinner Concert was added to the mix, with a formal dinner held at Hillsdale College on Saturday night that was blended with small groups and soloists performing, and then the Chorale ensemble singing to finish out the evening. The next day would find the Chorale in the Pops Concert Ice Cream Social mode. The weekend was a very popular addition to the Hillsdale Arts Chorale repertoire. In 2005, I had to resign my place in the Hillsdale Arts Chorale after 32 years. I was experiencing vocal difficulties and on further medical examination, found that I had scar tissue on my vocal cords, a result of vocal nodes that had ruptured. It was the biggest disappointment I'd ever had to face. Singing would no longer be a part of my life, but I'm still able to enjoy the incredible music of the Hillsdale Arts Chorale from the audience.  The Hillsdale Arts Chorale welcomes Professor James Holleman as their new conductor. He will lead the group with rehearsals starting Monday, September 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale from 7-9 p.m.
“Having been a long-time admirer of the Arts Chorale, I am thrilled to be part of the organization,” Holleman said. “Already knowing many of the members of the ensemble, I am looking forward to working with everyone and getting to know new friends.” Professor Holleman is twice a graduate of Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Music Degree in French Horn Performance (1986) and a Master of Music Degree in Orchestral Conducting (1989). After graduate school, he studied conducting at the Conductors’ Institute in Columbia, South Carolina (1989), the Oregon Bach Festival in Eugene, Oregon (1993, 1994), and at numerous workshops with The Conductors Guild and The League of American Orchestras. Currently, Holleman serves as a Professor of Music, Choir, and Orchestra at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. He served for 25 years as Music Department Chairman and Music Director of Orchestras and Choirs for the John E.N. & Dede Howard Department of Music at the College. “It’s an honor to be selected to direct the Arts Chorale for the 50th anniversary of the ensemble,” Holleman added. “I look forward to doing my part to celebrate the legacy of Howard Rizner and all who have lifted their voices for artistic excellence in our community.” Arts Chorale President Eric Leutheuser is honored to celebrate the Chorale’s golden anniversary with the support of the community and carrying on Rizner’s legacy with Holleman leading the way. “Like many, I've watched with appreciation as James Holleman has led the music program at Hillsdale College to new heights,” said Leutheuser. “We are delighted that he is sharing his love of music, decades of experience, and deep ties to the community with the Arts Chorale. If you are a singer, we’d love to see you at rehearsal!" The Chorale will perform a Christmas concert on Saturday, December 17, at 7.pm. at College Baptist Church in Hillsdale, and a spring concert on Sunday, April 30, at the Dawn Theater in Hillsdale. The time will be determined at a later date. Contact the Chorale with questions at [email protected] or you can learn more by visiting www.hillsdaleartschorale.com. ### ABOUT THE HILLSDALE ARTS CHORALE: The Hillsdale Arts Chorale was established by Howard J. Rizner in 1973 in Hillsdale, Michigan. Rizner understood the limitations imposed by Hillsdale's size and remoteness but refused to let those conditions force a compromise of musical quality. The key to the group's success then, and now, is maintaining high standards of exceptional choral music. For nearly a half century, the Hillsdale community has enjoyed a remarkable choral group whose mission is presenting some of the most enduring works of classical music and finest choral settings of beloved religious songs, folk melodies, and popular standards. The Hillsdale Arts Chorale has announced that it will delay season 48 due to COVID-19. The late fall and Christmas concerts have been canceled for 2020. If case numbers continue to improve, the Board of Directors are hoping the Chorale can return to the stage in Spring 2021.
“Speaking for myself, as well as the entire Board of Directors, I acknowledge significant sadness at this news, however, we feel that it is the only thing we can do to ensure the health and safety of all artists and concert attendees at this time,” said conductor Colleen Chester. “Our intention is to wait, continue to listen to experts and health officials, and reevaluate our calendar whenever the COVID landscape provides more clarity.” Along with the canceled concerts, Chorale members will not gather for weekly in-person rehearsals, but plan to get involved in a more digital way, especially for its supporters. “We have had several meetings over the past few weeks, and we are looking to engage with our audience via our Facebook page and YouTube,” said Stephanie Gordon, Marketing Director. “It’s important to deliver music during this time for our supporters, even if it’s in front of a computer.” If you are a season ticket holder, spring 2020 tickets will be accepted at 2021 concerts. “For our 2019/2020 season ticket holders, you only received 50% of what you paid for,” said Executive Director Greg Bailey. “Rest assured, we want to honor your financial commitment by honoring your remaining concert tickets for two of 2021’s concerts.” The Hillsdale Arts Chorale will continue to keep the community updated when it continues to learn more. “Continue to have HOPE,” said Chester. “Continue to stay positive, healthy, and take precautions. We will come out on the other side of this and, when we do, I truly believe that choral music will be more beautiful and impactful than ever before.” For any questions, contact [email protected] or you can learn more by visiting www.hillsdaleartschorale.com. ### ABOUT THE HILLSDALE ARTS CHORALE: The Hillsdale Arts Chorale was established by Howard J. Rizner in 1973 in Hillsdale, Michigan. Rizner understood the limitations imposed by Hillsdale's size and remoteness but refused to let those conditions force a compromise of musical quality. The key to the group's success then, and now, is maintaining high standards of exceptional choral music. For nearly a half century, the Hillsdale community has enjoyed a remarkable choral group whose mission is presenting some of the most enduring works of classical music and finest choral settings of beloved religious songs, folk melodies, and popular standards. Our current Conductor is moving! We are looking for someone to lead our choir for a minimum of three years. Interested? Check out the document attached. You can reach us at [email protected]. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: STEPHANIE GORDON – [email protected] THE HILLSDALE ARTS CHORALE CANCELS THE REMAINDER OF SEASON 47 AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Hillsdale Arts Chorale has canceled the remainder of season 47 due to the recent coronavirus pandemic. It is of the utmost importance to protect choir members and concert attendees. “We are sad to announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this season’s remaining concert and rehearsals,” said Conductor, Clelyn Chapin. “As an organization that cares deeply for its singers and audience members, our priority is ensuring the health and safety of all.” The final concert of the season, Apps & Acapella, was scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020. “This ordeal has been an important reminder of the role that community relationships play in our lives, and we are ready to pick up where we left off even stronger,” said Chapin. The board of the Chorale, however, remains active in planning for the future. The Chorale looks forward to providing a place of human to human connection in the coming months as it becomes safe to convene again. Season ticket holders will be able to redeem the March and May concert tickets during season 48. “We are extremely disappointed, on several levels, that we are unable to complete our concert season due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Greg Bailey, Executive Director. “For our season ticket holders, you only received 50% of what you paid for. Rest assured, we want to honor your financial commitment by honoring your remaining concert tickets for two of next year’s concerts. For our singers, we missed out on 50% of the fellowship and camaraderie of our Monday-night rehearsals. For many of us, this is our escape from the frantic pace of daily life. We, most assuredly, look forward to all of us being together again once everything returns to “normal”.” For any questions, contact [email protected] or you can learn more by visiting www.hillsdaleartschorale.com. ### ABOUT THE HILLSDALE ARTS CHORALE: The Hillsdale Arts Chorale was established by Howard J. Rizner in 1973 in Hillsdale, Michigan. Rizner understood the limitations imposed by Hillsdale's size and remoteness but refused to let those conditions force a compromise of musical quality. The key to the group's success then, and now, is maintaining high standards of exceptional choral music. For nearly a half century, the Hillsdale community has enjoyed a remarkable choral group whose mission is presenting some of the most enduring works of classical music and finest choral settings of beloved religious songs, folk melodies, and popular standards. |
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