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Total Vocal

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

Acts

Deke Sharon, Conductor and Creative Director
Total Vocal with Deke Sharon
DCINY Presents 'Total Vocal' with Deke Sharon, the fourth annual presentation celebrating Contemporary A Cappella with choirs and individual singers from all over the globe!

Featuring Distinguished Concerts Singers International and Guest Artists from ‘Pitch Perfect’, Broadway and 'The Sing-Off’

Also Featuring:

Shelley Regner, Guest Artist

Matthew Sallee, Guest Artist

Participating Groups

Voice to Voice

YVR POP CHOIR

My Pop Choir

No Treble

Westchester Chordsmen Chorus

Psycho-Chor der FSU Jena

Rowdy Rhythm; Peters Township High School

Northlake Academy of Music Advanced Choir

Voices of Gotham

Lions Gate Chorus

Evolve, Chesapeake High School

Syncapella & Raised In Song

Solihull Pop Chorus

NUS Resonance

Vocal Confluence

Rock Vox Choir

Them A Cappella

Vocal Academy @ St. James

Wells High School Select A Cappella Chorus

Shemesh Quartet

Special Guests

Artist's Name

Deke Sharon

Artist's Name

Matthew Sallee

Participating Group Directors

Voice to Voice
Lisa Tulk
Lisa Tulk studied saxophone and piano at the Royal Northern College of Music. Lisa enjoys a rich varied career as a performer, composer, educator and choir director. She has performed at some of the UK's leading concert venues, broadcast several times on BBC Radio 2 & 3 and more recently performed her own compositions at the Manchester Jazz Festival. She performs regularly as saxophonist and vocalist and is the creator of Voice to Voice choir of which there are now three based in the north west of England.

Voice to Voice was created in 2014 with one choir in Cheshire. It was since grown into three throughout the northwest of England. Voice to Voice is a lively, contemporary choir. Now in its fourth year, it has grown into more than 150 members. Performances include singing at BBC North West , Manchester Central (Gmex) for the European Science Open Forum, The Ideal Home Show Exhibition, at the Victoria Hall Bolton with Wingates brass band and soon to be appearing on Christmas Eve on ITV as part of Manchester Carols at Christmas. Voice to Voice has appeared twice with Swansea City Opera in their performances of Faust and La Boheme. In March 2018 they are delighted to have been invited to sing in New York at the Lincoln Centre with acappella guru Deke Sharon.

YVR POP CHOIR
Rebecca Lam
Rebecca is a professional vocalist and certified teacher of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA). She has over 10 years of experience teaching singers of all abilities and ages, from children to professional musicians and record label signed artists. As an Advanced Instructor at IVA, she is responsible for training and mentoring other voice teachers in vocal technique, song application and pedagogy. Rebecca has students from across Canada and the USA, as well as Australia, Ireland, the UK, France, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Spain, Bulgaria, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Columbia, Uruguay, Brazil and more. She teaches private lessons and workshops internationally. ​ For 7 years, Rebecca directed a live music and industry networking event, The MIX, which showcased hundreds local Vancouver musicians and bands to Canadian music industry professionals. In 2016, Rebecca was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the category of Arts and Culture, for her work as a singer, voice teacher and volunteer in the Vancouver music community.

YVR POP CHOIR is a choir of 60 singers that formed in 2016. We sing pop, indie and R&B songs to benefit the welfare of animals. 100% of the proceeds from our shows are donated to local animal charities. In our very first year as a choir, we raised over ,500 for local animal rescues in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, Canada!

My Pop Choir
Jacqueline Curtis
Jacqueline Curtis comes from a musical performance family and married into another. A life-long entrepreneur, with years of theatre experience both as an actor and director, she employed improvisational techniques, with fellow professional performers, to educate and entertain blue chip business clients. Her most recent endeavor is My Pop Choir created to offer an environment for non-pros who love to sing but haven't experience or training. Jacqueline believes that singing should be accessible to everyone and that the community it creates gives members confidence, energy and a profound sense of joy.

No Treble
Samarth U Mamadapur
Samarth is a singer from Bengaluru and he has been singing in No Treble since its inception. Apart from A Capella, he also dabbles in production and songwriting.

No Treble is an India A Capella team who are known for their versions of popular Indian and Western music, and the way they combine them in a unique way which defines their sound.

Psycho-Chor der FSU Jena
Maximilian Lörzer
Maximilian Lörzer, born 1988, began early with lessons in playing the flute and the clarinet, the piano followed. 2005 he joined his school’s choir and discovered his love for choral work. In the following he joined the Philharmonic Choir Jena and the Chamber Choir of the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar. In 2009 he began his studies at Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar to become a music teacher. He finished his studies in 2015. In 2011 he founded the Psycho Choir and since then he holds the musical and the legal direction of the choir and the association.

The Psycho-Chor der FSU Jena is a choir of about 70 young people and was founded in April 2011 at the institute for psychology at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. Every semester the choir rehearses a new program of Acappella-Pop that is presented at several concerts, which bring together more than 1.000 enthusiastic concert-goers. Since the beginning the choir is supported by students of Weimar's Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in voice training and sectional rehearsals. In January 2015 the Psycho-Choir produced its first CD. In October 2017 the choir went to Amiens (France) und will go to Krakow (Poland) in October 2018.

Westchester Chordsmen Chorus
Keith Harris
Keith Harris has been director of the Westchester Chordsmen for the past 10 years, taking them to new levels of singing excellence (38th among the 650 choruses in the Barbershop Harmony Society), utilizing his education and experience from undergraduate and masters degrees in Voice Performance from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and University of Washington. In addition, he is captivating audiences with his operatic baritone performances on both opera and concert stages including the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center and numerous appearances around the U.S., England and Europe.

The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit performing arts group. Its mission is to spread the joy and fun of singing around to the community, the country and the world. The Chordsmen’s musical repertoire extends beyond its barbershop-style roots to Broadway show-tunes, doo-wop, traditional, gospel and contemporary songs arranged in four-part a cappella harmony for tenor, lead, baritone and bass singers. Our 65 members come from Westchester and surrounding counties in New York, Connecticut, New York City, and Long Island. Interested singers of any age are welcome any Monday night. For the rehearsal schedule and alternate locations, visit www.chordsmen.org.

Northlake Academy of Music Advanced Choir
Katie Shields
Katie Shields has directed the Northlake Academy of Music Choirs for the past 9 years where she also provides private instruction in voice and piano, as well as audition preparation. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis on vocal music from Southeastern Louisiana University and is actively involved with the American Choral Directors Association through which many of her students have participated in honor choirs on the state, regional and national level. Other merits include director, music director, and costume director for musical theater productions at various schools, theaters, and institutions over the past 18 years.

The Northlake Academy of Music Advanced Choir, under the direction of Katie Shields, is made up of singers ages 12-18 who are of advanced vocal and musical skill. Many choir members have participated in vocal competitions and auditioned honor choirs and workshops throughout the country. Located in Mandeville, Louisiana, this choir performs at various venues and events in the community and surrounding areas including Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park and singing the National Anthem for the New Orleans Baby Cakes.

Lions Gate Chorus
Sandy Marron
Sandy Marron has been the Director of Lions Gate since 1991. Her extensive training in classical piano, degrees in Psychology and Music Education from the University of Victoria BC, and vocal jazz & classical choral singing and conducting have all contributed to her success as a leader in the barbershop world. She is a Master 700 Director (highest designation possible), a Certified Sound Judge and much sought-after coach in Sweet Adelines and BHS. Sandy also sang tenor with Brava!, the 2004 International Quartet Champion.

Lions Gate Chorus consists of over 100 diverse, vibrant women from the Vancouver area, coming together weekly in song, dance and artistic expression. This Vancouver vocal gem is world-renowned, winning many international awards and honours for their innovative, musical excellence and artistic creativity. Lions Gate features four-part a cappella harmony, mostly in the barbershop style covering jazz, contemporary a cappella (pop) and showtunes from one hundred years ago to today. Founded in 1954, Lions Gate Chorus has consistently reached for the stars in the Sweet Adeline world, and in October earned their second silver medal and Most Entertaining Chorus award for their stunning "The Grinch Who Stole Contest" performance!

Voices of Gotham
BJ Hillinck and Nick Gordon
Nick Gordon and BJ Hillinck are the interim co-directors of Voices of Gotham, an a cappella men’s barbershop chorus based in Manhattan. Gordon recently completed a Masters degree in Music Theater Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from NYU. He has performed in multiple residencies with the Voices of Liberty at Epcot in Disney World, and currently sings Baritone in Quorum, an internationally ranked Barbershop quartet. Hillinck is a lifelong instrumentalist and student of conducting who has spent summers studying music at Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, Westminster Choir College, and Bard College Conservatory. He has been singing barbershop since 2015 and also directs a women's barbershop chorus in Long Island.

Voices of Gotham (VoG) is a not-for-profit men's chorus whose mission is to celebrate, promote, and preserve the rich American tradition of barbershop harmony. Formed in 2008, VoG is proud to be the Hell's Kitchen, New York Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Since the chorus' founding in 2008, VoG has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the country's leading incubators of both new barbershop music, and of young musical artists who will shape the continuing evolution and excellence of the barbershop tradition. VoG is ranked by the BHS as one of the top ten barbershop choruses worldwide. With over 85 members and growing, VoG is a dues-paying organization that includes high school and college students, professional actors and musicians, and men of all walks of life who simply enjoy raising their voices in song.

Syncapella & Raised In Song
Abi Moore
Abi Moore is a Singer/Songwriter, Musical Director and a popular acapella workshop leader. She performs original songs from her three studio albums at major venues and festivals in the UK, opens shows for touring artists and has sung at venues including the London Palladium and the Galpharm Stadium. As a Guest Soloist with other choirs, Abi sang for Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the UNESCO HQ and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. She is an advocate of the wellbeing benefits of singing and enthuses her own choirs to sing in an authentic, acapella style; by ear and from the heart.

Our rhythm- loving, spirit-lifting singers perform meaningful songs that carry a positive message promoting peace, love, communication and understanding. We pack some serious soul into contemporary popular music, with lashings of rich, gospel warmth and a percussive groove, bringing hope, joy and funky goodness to your ears! From raising funds for a host of needy causes across the East Midlands to singing for Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the UNESCO Paris headquarters, our singers have performed on small and big stages but are excited to add the Total Vocal concert at the David Geffen Hall to their memories!

Evolve, Chesapeake High School
Michael Brisentine
Michael Brisentine, a graduate of the University of Maryland, has been teaching at Chesapeake High School for 2 years now, and been directing Evolve for just as long. He is also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for The Vocal Company and the Northeast Regional Director for the A Cappella Education Association.He was highly involved with a cappella during college, directing UMD's Faux Paz to ICCA Finals in 2015. He happily spreads the love of a cappella music to his students in Evolve, and is so incredibly proud of them!

Evolve is Chesapeake High School's first co-ed contemporary a cappella group and has been in existence for 2 years now. Even though they've only been around for a short while, they've already worked with Deke Sharon and have sung at and hosted a number of A Cappella Invitationals. This past January, they released their first single, "Free Fallin'," on all major music distributors. Energetic, raw, and electric, Evolve absolutely loves to hype up their crowds with their emotional performances and high level of musicality! They feel honored to have been invited to perform with the rest of the Total Vocal ensemble this year!

NUS Resonance
NUS Resonance
Formed in 2001, NUS Resonance is Singapore’s pioneer and premier collegiate a cappella group based in the National University of Singapore. Made up of members from diverse musical backgrounds bound by a common passion for singing and entertaining, NUS Resonance has performed in various events within Singapore and even overseas, most recently clinching the Gold Award at the 2016 International Kodaly A Cappella Festival in Seoul, Korea. Our members continue to explore for platforms to grow as musicians and share their love for music as they strive towards promoting a greater awareness of a cappella in Singapore and now, beyond!

Solihull Pop Chorus
Anya Small
Anya has been singing professionally for over 20 years, gaining vast experience with professional bands and in theatre productions . Her passion is live performance in a range of genres including pop, rock, jazz and musical theatre. In 2005 she enhanced her practical experience by achieving a Diploma in Musical Theatre with the London College of Music and Media. She most recently appeared on UK television with her Musical Theatre group 'Crescendo' in BBC1's Pitch Battle under the wing of Musical Director Deke Sharon! Anya created Solihull Pop Chorus in order to share the joy of singing and Solihull Pop Chorus now has over 200 enthusiastic singers attending weekly classes. There is a tremendous sense of camaraderie and friendship, with people coming together to sing their hearts out each week. Her focus is making people feel good through the power of music! Anya is thrilled for her choir to be invited to take part in Total Vocal and to be sharing the stage at this amazing New York venue.

Rock Vox Choir
Clare Clay
Clare, a rock & pop singer and jazz trumpeter created Rock Vox Choir in September 2013. Graduating in 2007 with a BA(Hons) in Music and Psychology Clare has spent the last 10 years teaching music in secondary schools. During this time she has performed at notable events and venues such as CarFest South and The Junction, Cambridge as well as hosting local events such as One Love "The Big Sing" concerts. Clare particularly enjoys writing all her own arrangements and loves writing unique takes on rock, pop or soul repertoire and finding hidden Indie gems for the choir to enjoy.

Vocal Confluence
Ryan Perrotte
Ryan Perrotte is Artistic Director of Vocal Confluence, president of In Tune With the Arts Studios, Director of Choral Studies at Peters Township High School, on staff at Camp A Cappella and is the PA state representative for the A Cappella Education Association. As director of Rowdy Rhythm and Vocal Confluence, he has gained notoriety with the Barbershop Harmony Society, performing and competing at district and international competitions and conventions. Ryan shared the stage at the Kennedy Center with renowned performers such as Marvin Hamlisch and Shirley Jones. He currently resides in Wexford, PA with his wife and two boys.

Vocal Confluence is Pittsburgh’s Premier Men’s A Cappella Chorus. The group performs music in a variety of styles, including barbershop, jazz, traditional choral, and contemporary a cappella. Comprised of men of diverse ages and backgrounds, VC is committed to musical excellence. Vocal Confluence has performed over the years for such occasions as barbershop contests, community events, and its own annual concerts. VC is proud to represent the Pittsburgh Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Vocal Academy @ St. James
Anne Marie Oldham
Anne Marie Oldham, Director of the Vocal Academy @ St. James, is honored to to bring her choir to perform with Deke Sharon at Total Vocal for the fourth year in a row. The Vocal Academy is from Solana Beach, California, and features junior high and high school singers and soloists.

The Vocal Academy @ St. James features singers and soloists from junior high and high school. The singers attend schools in coastal North San Diego County, California.

Wells High School Select A Cappella Chorus
Bailey Smith
Bailey Smith is the founder and director the Wells High School Select A Cappella Chorus at Wells High School in Maine. She is a 2006 graduate of Wells High School who went on to obtain her certification in Vocal Technique and Music Theory from Berklee College of Music. Bailey teaches private voice and piano lessons at a local music school; directs the Wells High School Color Guard Programs; and choreographs the school musicals. Bailey resides in her hometown of Wells with her husband and 11-year-old step-daughter.

Shemesh Quartet
Ritta Rosales, Susana Ceniceros, Bruno Cisneros, & Ittai Mazor
The four members of Shemesh Quartet, are active students of the Opera Singing degree, in the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. Throughout their 2 years of trajectory, they have taken courses with important Choral Conductors such as María Felicia Pérez, Horacio Franco, Werner Pfaff, María Guinand, Jonathan Griffith, José Rivera, among others. In addition they have ventured into composition and writing choral arrangements, which has made the quartet a group with original repertoire.

Shemesh Quartet is a vocal ensemble of choral a cappella music with a versatile repertoire, covering diferent genres from Renaissance to Latin Folk Music. In the short time that they have been integrated, the group has received praise from the audience and very good comments from people of the musical environment, who bet that the quartet is a promise for a capella chamber music. The group has performed at some of the most important festivals and venues in Mexico, including the '' Palacio de Bellas Artes ''. Shemesh Quartet seeks to spread the best of mexican choral music, in the intend of making this musical style even more known and mainly, to touch the hearts of its audience.

Vocal Academy @ St. James
Anne Marie Oldham

Director Anne Marie Oldham studied classical voice, jazz piano and choral music education at University of Michigan and biology and law at University of California. After practicing corporate and international law for 20 years, she returned to music education. Ms. Oldham has a passion for combining the arts with cross-curricular and sustainability education and social justice. She has been the performing arts teacher and music director at St. James Academy in Solana Beach, California, for the past ten years. She is thankful to her husband and two children as well as her school and church community for their loving and unwavering support.

Anne Marie Oldham formed the private Vocal Academy@St. James at the request of graduates of St. James Academy. The Vocal Academy includes accomplished vocalists and musicians from three different high schools in North San Diego. Ms. Oldham and her students have been been honored to previously perform with DCINY at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Mr. Whitacre (2012) and Deke Sharon (2014-2018). We are grateful and inspired to be given the opportunity to perform for the first time at Lincoln Center with Mr. Whitacre.