Attention Choir Director and Choir Members!
Love to travel, sing, play bells, meet new German friends?
We’re looking for you!
VISION is bringing choral and handbell players from across the Michigan Conference to participate in the Michigan Conference’s German Partnership Choir Trip to the Pomeranian Region in Germany, as part of our global partnership exchange with the Pomeranian Church of the Union (PKU), and we invite you to participate. Please spread the word to talented choir members and bell players. This is a unique opportunity to travel to Germany, build friendships with other choristers, enjoy the hospitality of our German friends and host families, perform in magnificent German churches, and visit various historical and religious sites in northern Germany, particularly in the stunning Pomeranian region.
In the fall of 2007, many of our churches had the wonderful opportunity to host Greifsvocal, the Greifswald University Chamber Choir. Under the direction of Professor Jochen Modess, the choir performed 7 superb concerts across Michigan bringing us all together through the gift of music. Several of Greifsvocal members will be hosting group members in their homes.
The VISION choir plans to travel May 14-23, 2009 and perform 4-5 concerts. We will fly into Berlin, enjoy a tour of the city and then travel to Greifswald, on the Baltic Sea. Lodging will be in hotels, home stays, and beautiful guesthouses. We are collaborating with our German partners, and Witte Travel, to make this a great trip full of opportunities to learn more about our partnership, German culture, and our religious roots. Our choir has been asked to participate in the United Church of Christ worship service at Kirchentag. Kirchentag is a huge Christian Festival with special music, worship, lectures, forums and entertainment. All travel arrangements, transportation, lodging, all breakfasts, some meals, music folder and music will be provided.
Payments will be made individually in installments. The total cost is $2,849 from Detroit or $2,899 from Grand Rapids, plus a participant fee of $100 to VISION for folder, music, scarf or tie. brochure available with more detailed information about the trip itinerary, repertoire, costs and a payment schedule.
Please lift up this opportunity to all potential choir members and invite them to be a part of this Michigan Conference first!
Dr. Geoff Stanton, Music Director from Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor is the Artistic Director.
If you'd like to join the choir please contact Marcia Beer. We have room for you. We are especially looking for tenor and bass voices.
Handbell players will be selected will be based on experience. You do not need to attend auditions if you are only interested in playing handbells. If you are interested in playing handbells only please contact Marcia Beer.
The Michigan Conference VISION Choir will have 32 members with ideally 8 voices in each section. Upon acceptance you will need to sign up on line at www.camptalahi.org. You will set up an account and will be able to pay on-line by credit card the $100 required participant fee. This fee is non refundable but is transferable. This will cover the cost of your music, folder, tie or scarf. After you have paid the $100 participant fee, you will receive a brochure and a trip application form. All travel arrangements are being handled by Witte Travel.
Acceptance into the choir indicates a commitment to attend scheduled rehearsals. The rehearsal locations will be announced every effort will be made to make the location as convinient as possible for choir members. At your audition you will be able to choose from several rehearsal sites.
Please note! The rehearsal schedule is 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Choir and 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Handbell Choir on Saturdays - March 21, April 25, May 2, and May 9.
Traveling companions are welcome to travel with choir members as space allows.
Dr. Geoff Stanton, Artistic Director
Marcia Beer, VISION Program Director
