"I don't think anything like this exists anywhere else in the world," said a former director of the Vienna Boys Choir at the conclusion of the 13th Summer School for the Solo Voice to be held in North Battleford.At the final concert of the seven-day institute, which concluded with Ewashko conducting 85 participants in a choral performance, he said the summer school was a pleasure and a discovery for him.Ewashko was, for the first time, one of group instructors and staff who spend a week every summer working with singers of all ages in their goal to improve their vocal skills. Founded by local singer, instructor and choral director Lisa Hornung and fellow artist Chris Kelly of Prince Albert, it is held at the Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford and attracts students from as far as Ontario."It is," said Ewashko, "a really unique and wonderful experience for these people who are creating community - community which is filled with joy, filled with love and listening and watching each other, which is what a choral situation is."He said, "Can you imagine if we all sang in choirs, how we would all be working together, knowing each other and caring for each other," adding, as a resident of Ottawa, "I've often thought of creating a choir in Parliament."Ewashko credited the success of the summer school to Hornung."I believe [its success] is through the vision of the foundation of this institute, created through the vision of this one woman here," he said, gesturing to Hornung, who, with the rest of the faculty of the school, was on the risers with the choir for its final performance."You have a fighting spirit for the arts in Saskatchewan, in Canada, in the world here in your community," he said. "You are so fortunate to have this powerhouse of a person for the arts and for this academy."To Hornung, he said, "I thank you so much for all you have done for these beautiful people here."Hornung credited the success of the school to the staff, volunteers, singers and sponsors of the event, with a special nod to the Third Avenue United Church, which makes its facilities available each year.It's always a "gruelling" week, she said, because of the intensity of the classes along with a number of recitals, but this year was extra challenging due to the heat.Despite it all, the students were helpful and encouraging to one another."There is no 'diva' feel here," Hornung said.
Summer School for the Solo Voice, a seven-day intensive study for singers, accompanists, teachers and choral conductors, is a non-audition program open to participants aged 12 and older, regardless of experience. The school accommodates a wide range of ages and abilities by offering three to six classes simultaneously. Each participant is given personal choice of daily classes.In order to offer the variety of classes that enables students to customize their own program, a number of staff are on board.Heading up the faculty is the school's founder. Hornung has been honoured as one of the University of Saskatchewan's Arts and Science Alumni of Influence. She has been acclaimed for performances in repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary composers. In accordance with her belief every child deserves the opportunity to sing, Hornung also runs a non-audition community youth choir. With her friend and colleague, Jaya Hoy, Hornung presents Music for the Soul, an annual series of concerts featuring both local and visiting musicians. Hoy, who currently resides in North Battleford where she is active as a teacher, coach, accompanist and organist, is also on the faculty of the Summer School for the Solo Voice.Other local faculty include Gary Gaunsauge and Roy Challis. Gansauge is well known in the Battlefords and area as an accompanist, organist and keyboard player. He has spent many years accompanying vocal and band students in local and provincial music festivals as well as community events and recitals, is the accompanist for Hornung's Children's Youth Choir and is a full time accompanist for Summer School for the Solo Voice.
Challis has enjoyed 45 of years acting, writing, directing and teaching in the Battlefords area and has been involved in drama on a provincial level since the late '70s and has conducted several Drama in the Parks summer camps. This year, he continues a long tradition as drama instructor at Summer School for the Solo Voice.
This year's staff from out of town includes former conductor of the Vienna Boys' Choir, Laurence Ewashko. Currently associate professor of choral studies at the University of Ottawa, Ewashko conducts the University of Ottawa School of Music's two choirs and has held the position of Chorus Master for Opera Lyra Ottawa for the past 24 years.
Returning again this year was Chris Kelly, originally from Prince Albert, currently a sessional lecturer in the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Music, teaching voice and musicianship and serving as an accompanist. He also maintains a private voice and piano studio and performs regularly in recital, opera, and oratorio. In addition to teaching and performing, Chris accompanies, coaches, adjudicates and is a church organist and choir director.
A member of the Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers' Association, returning faculty member Bernadette Fanner maintains an active teaching studio and accompanying career.Another long time faculty member, Dr. Gore-Hickman is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of Saskatchewan. His lectures include an in-depth look at the physiology of the voice, video-laryngoscopies of different techniques in singing and speaking as well as video-laryngoscopies and discussions concerning vocal health and care of the voice,Another faculty alumnus, Heather Macnab of Maple Creek is active as a singer, singing teacher, director, accompanist, and adjudicator. In addition to numerous musical theatre galas, Macnab has directed many full length musical productions.
Paul Suchan is a graduate of the double degree music education program from the University of Saskatchewan. A former North Battleford high school band and music teacher, he is presently completing a masters in composition at the University of Montreal. He recently finished work on his first opera, The Beast in the Jungle.
New on staff this year was Karen Charlton, whose operatic experience has allowed her to play opposite some of Canada's most exciting emerging and established leading men.
Dr. Laura Lowen of the University of Manitoba's faculty of music was also able to attend three days of the event.
In addition to musical faculty, a host of volunteers, including kitchen staff, helped behind the scenes.
Students attended from throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta as well as from Ontario.
