FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHANTICLEER TEAMS WITH SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR SECOND 

CHANTICLEER IN SONOMA CHORAL WORKSHOP

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 15 FOR AUGUST 9-13, 2006 SESSION

San Francisco, November 15, 2005--Chanticleer, the Bay Area’s internationally acclaimed, 12-man vocal ensemble, is teaming with the Sonoma County Choral Society at Sonoma State University to offer the second Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop on August 9-13, 2006.  By popular demand after a successful workshop in August 2005, the 2006 session has been expanded to five days from four. The workshop will take place on the campus of Sonoma State University (SSU). It is open to public application and is aimed at adult amateur choral singers who want to improve their skills.

The Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop is directed by Chanticleer Music Director Joseph Jennings and SSU’s Director of Choral Music, Robert Worth.  They and the 12 members of Chanticleer will participate in coaching sessions, workshops, and demonstrations of rehearsal techniques, as well as more informal interactions with workshop participants.

The Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop is designed for chamber chorus or other choral singers at the university level and beyond. Participation is limited to 64; male and female singers are encouraged to apply. Admission will be determined by vocal category and review of audition recording, choral background and qualifications, and reference statement. The application is available online by visiting www.chanticleer.org and clicking on Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop. The application deadline is March 15, 2006; admission notification will be mailed in mid-April; there is a non-refundable $25 application fee.

Singers will be placed in one of two levels of participation: small ensemble or tutti. The cost of the workshop is $225 for tutti singers, $350 for small ensemble singers, who will receive more personalized attention in small groups.  There is an optional $300 fee for lodging, meals and parking for those wishing to reside on campus. One unit of academic credit (from SSU Extended Education) may be granted for an additional $50.

Participants in the first workshop expressed their pleasure:  “The intimate nature of the rehearsals and learning to work together as a ensemble were joyous.”  “To be taught and coached by such superb musicians and good people—and to have lived and worked with so many like-minded souls from so many places—was a great and motivating gift.”

The Second Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop is part of Chanticleer’s educational program that is expanding in 2005-06. This month Chanticleer presented a day-long choral workshop for 120 adult singers in Tokyo, Japan along with appearances before approximately 400 students at two Tokyo schools. This was the ensemble’s first major educational event in Asia. Chanticleer’s debut Middle School Youth Choral Festival will be held in January 2006 in San Francisco; additional Festivals for high school students will be held this season in San Francisco; Fresno, CA; New Canaan, CT; and Minneapolis, MN.   These are in addition to some two dozen Bay Area school visits that take place throughout 2005-06, conducted by Music Director Joseph Jennings and ensemble members.  Last August’s first annual Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop was attended by 70 adult amateur choral singers from 16 states, Canada and Japan.

For further information, contact Chanticleer (info@chanticleer.org) or the workshop directly at sonomachoral@sbcglobal.net.

Contact:                                                                                                                                                      

Nancy Roberts, 415-252-8589 ext. 306, nroberts@chanticleer.org