- Northwest Boychoir
Infobox musical artist
Name = Northwest Boychoir
Background = classical_ensemble
Origin = flagicon|USASeattle, Washington
Genre = Classical
Occupation =Boychoir
Years_active = 1971-"present"
URL = [http://www.northwestchoirs.org/indexBC.php]
Parent = ParentNorthwest Choirs
Current_members = Music DirectorJoseph Crnko
Associate Music DirectorJacob Winkler
Executive DirectorMaria Johnson
Notable_instruments = The Northwest Boychoir’s musical sophistication, rich tonal quality, dedication to exacting perfection, and extensive performance schedule have established its reputation as one of the nation’s premier boychoirs. Its 150 members, ages 6-13, represent 115 diverse public and private schools in King County.In its 33 years, the Northwest Choirs has trained thousands of young singers and more significantly, shaped the lives of its members by teaching important lessons in personal commitment, and the value of teamwork and diligence. Led by Joseph Crnko, now in his 23rd year as music director, the Choir’s staff of professional musicians and educators are engaged in the teaching of a rigorous curriculum that trains young singers to be fully-skilled musicians who sing at the highest professional level, read music fluently, and perform in professional settings with confidence.
History
What started in 1971 as a school district choir in Marysville, has emerged as a renowned music organization with regional and national preeminence. Over the past three decades, more than 1500 boys, girls, and young adults have learned to read music, developed strong vocal skills, become poised performers, and most importantly sustained a passion for music as a performance art.
The history of the Northwest Choirs is marked by many high achievements. Incorporated in 1974 as a non-profit arts education group, the Northwest Boychoir has produced countless recordings, taken 16 national and international tours, performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and cathedrals, served as the Official Singing Ambassadors of Washington under five consecutive governors including Christine Gregoire, frequently collaborated with the Seattle Symphony in concert and in recordings, performed with Seattle Opera, sung the National Anthem for the
Seattle SuperSonics and Seattle Mariners, performed for the nation’s Mayors, Senators, First Ladies, and international opera stars, namely Luciano Pavarotti.Key milestones
*1971 A small children’s choir is started in the Marysville School District
*1973 First Northwest Boychoir summer camp is offered
*1974 The Northwest Boychoir is incorporated as a nonprofit arts education group
*1977 Northwest Boychoir offers first A Festival of Lessons & Carols concert in Seattle
*1979 Northwest Boychoir takes first international tour to England
*1982 Northwest Youthchoir founded, later changed its name to vocalpoint! Seattle
*1991 Northwest Boychoir is selected to record for first movie soundtrack, Christopher Columbus: The Discovery
*2001 Northwest Choirs offers first Early Prep class for 1st and 2nd graders
*2006 Membership reaches 200 young singersConcerts, Collaborations & Studio Work
Performance is at the heart of the Northwest Choirs experience. In addition to the Northwest Boychoir's annual concertschedule—including the popular “A Festival of Lessons & Carols” concert series each December—theNorthwest Choirs is engaged in professional recording studio work for films and video games. As an integralpart of the Pacific Northwest’s cultural community, the Northwest Boychoir performs regularly with the Seattle SymphonyOrchestra, as well as many other professional and community ensembles. The Northwest Boychoir toursregionally, nationally, and internationally. In addition, the Northwest Choirs has produced four holiday recordingsand five live recordings of its annual Lessons & Carols program. The Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint!Seattle are featured on numerous classical recordings, including Music of Remembrance’s recording of“Brundibar” by Hans Krassa, named one of the Top Ten CDs of 2007 by the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
The Northwest Boychoir performs with Seattle’s professional orchestral players for the recording of major film and video game sountracks. The Northwest Boychoir has received national acclaim for their work on the soundtrack for the movie Millions by director Danny Boyle. Among there long list of accomplishments is the Choir’s selection by renowned Sound Designer Nick Phoenix to be recorded for his Quantum Leap Symphonic Choirs sample library. As a result, the voices of the Northwest Boychoir are now used by film composers and sound designers worldwide.
A Festival of Lessons & Carols
The Northwest Choirs helps fill Seattles nearly insatiable appetite for holiday entertainment by performing the ever-popular Festival of Lessons & Carols in sold-out venues around the metropolitan area including Benaroya Hall, The Paramount, Meany Hall, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and Town Hall.
Joseph Crnko
Mr. Crnko is in his 24th year as Music Director of the Northwest Choirs. During his tenure, the Northwest Choirs has grown from a small 50-member group with several concerts a year, to a vital arts organization of 200 members in seven progressively graded ensembles, an annual schedule of more than 40 concerts, a biannual international tour program, and a schedule of professional studio recording engagements. In this time, The Northwest Choirs has established itself as a prominent member of the Pacific Northwest performing arts community sharing the stage regularly with the Seattle Symphony, in addition to other area professional arts organizations.
Additionally, Mr. Crnko serves as Associate Conductor for Choral Activities with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. In this capacity, he is responsible for the Seattle Symphony Chorale.
Mr. Crnko regularly conducts orchestral and choral recording sessions for movie and video game soundtracks. Among his many projects are the films O, Boondock Saints, The Ringer and The Celestine Prophecy, and such video games as Halo 1,2, and 3 , Medal Of Honor, and Age Of Mythology. Prior to his work with the Northwest Choirs, Mr. Crnko served for five seasons as Music Director and Conductor for Civic Light Opera in Seattle, conducting numerous productions. He has also served as music director for productions with Alaska Light Opera Theatre, Evergreen Theatre Conservatory, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and the Professional Actors Training Program at the University of Washington. Mr. Crnko lives in Seattle with his wife, Wendee, and their two children, Katharine and Nick.
Training and Performing levels
*Early Preparatory Class
*Preparatory Class
*Intermediate Choir
*Advanced Choir
*Performing Choir - (Northwest Boychoir)
*Vocalpoint! Seattle Girl's Prep
*Vocalpoint! SeattleVocalpoint! Seattle
VOCALPOINT! SEATTLE is a distinguished group of young adults who bring together the best in ensemble vocal performance.Fact|date=July 2008 With a unique focus on contemporary music, this group draws the most talented high-school age young men and women from the Puget Sound region.
Known for its tight harmonies, vocal prowess, and vibrant stage presence, Vocalpoint! Seattle has developed a well-earned reputation for its music revues built around special themes in rock ‘n’ roll.Fact|date=July 2008 Recent sellout shows include Pop Quiz, Summer of Love and Boogie Fever.
While maintaining a rigorous performance schedule, the ensemble is engaged in an ongoing educational process of equal importance. Regular rehearsals, retreats, and summer camps provide each member the opportunity to develop as an individual performer and independent musician. Members receive professional level training as singers, dancers, and actors and are constantly encouraged to take performance risks to develop beyond their existing abilities.
Post-Choir
Many members of Vocalpoint! Seattle continue their studies in the arts as college students. Graduates have attended the Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, and the Berklee School of Music, among others. Vocalpoint! Seattle graduates are making their mark on the Seattle professional arts community at Seattle Children’s Theatre, The Village Theatre, Civic Light Opera, Renton Civic Theatre, The Driftwood Players and The Spirit of Puget Sound. Beyond the Pacific Northwest, former Vocalpoint! Seattle members are launching acting and singing careers in made-for-television movies and network sitcoms. Graduates have also toured in national productions of Brigadoon, Hair, Hairspray and Up With People.
Notes
References
* http://www.northwestchoirs.org/index.php
* http://www.northwestchoirs.org/assets/media/file/NorthwestChoirsBrochure.pdfExternal links
* [http://www.northwestchoirs.org/index.php the Northwest Boychoirs official website]
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