"There's not a corner we don't inhabit," laughs Lisa Hornung as she talks about how Summer School for the Solo Voice fills Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford to the rafters with music one week each year.
This is the 19th year for SSSV, founded in 1997 by Hornung as an intense learning opportunity for singers, accompanists, teachers and choral conductors. Beginning July 9, students and staff from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Kentucky, South Africa and Tokyo will make use of Logie Hall, Wesley Hall, the sanctuary and all the various other rooms of the Third Avenue United Church complex to teach, study, experiment and perform.
The school is full, says Hornung. There are 70 registered students. Any more and even Third Avenue couldn't accommodate them. However, she adds, there is room still for auditors, students who observe classes and are able to take part in choral and musical theatre groups.
Summer School for the Solo Voice is a non-auditioned program open to participants aged eight and older, regardless of experience. This year, the youngest is eight and the oldest 84.
For many adults and youth, this is their first time singing in public, while others have participated in music festivals for years. Some are university students pursuing careers in music. Some adult participants may never have sung outside of their shower, while others may be long time choristers or be "coming home" to music studied years ago.
Summer School for the Solo Voice is able to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities by employing highly qualified instructors who excel both as teachers and as performers. Collectively these instructors offer three to eight classes simultaneously. Each participant is given personal choice for daily classes, enabling them to custom make their own program, specializing in the areas they find most interesting and useful.
Hornung is thrilled with this year's faculty lineup, many returning instructors and some new. In addition to Hornung, honoured as one of the University of Saskatchewan's Arts and Science Alumni of Influence, this year's returning faculty members are: Dr. Laurence Ewashko of Ottawa, former director of the Vienna Boys Choir; John Reid Coulter, piano and harpsichord musician, builder and historian from South Africa; local dramatist Roy Challis; Mark Turner, the executive director of the Saskatoon Symphony; mezzo soprano Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, formerly of Maidstone now of Pennsylvania; long-time teacher Bernadette Fanner; speech arts teacher Heather Mcnab; laryngologist Dr. Rick Gore-Hickman; jazz team Paul Suchan and Naomi Suchan; local music teacher Barb Mutch; and local accompanist Gary Gansauge.
New to the faculty this year are Allison Kilgannon, Mary Joy Nelson and Joe Carter.
Originally from Alberta, pianist Alison Kilgannon has performed in Canada as well as in Spain, France, Switzerland, Holland and Germany. She holds a Doctorate of Music degree in piano performance from the Université de Montréal.
Mary Joy Nelson is the founding director of the Academy for Creative Excellence preparatory program at the University of Kentucky. Originally from Spiritwood, and a former participant in the Battlefords Music Festival, she has been teaching youth and children in the performing arts for more than 20 years.
Joe Carter taught voice at Prairie Bible College and Millar College of the Bible for 25 years before moving to North Battleford. She has written plays, composed choral music, accompanied soloists and groups over the years and is currently an accompanist with Hornung's Community Youth Choir.
Also returning is yoga instructor Holly Voetz, who has been practicing and studying yoga for 17 years.
As always, says Hornung, there will be a host of volunteers and helpers making sure everyone has everything they need, including meals.
About the venue, Hornung says words cannot express how grateful she is to Third Avenue United Church. From office co-ordinator Barb Truemner and Rev. Frances Patterson to the congregation, they are always so welcoming, says Hornung, who grew up singing there herself.
Third Avenue has always been a quiet force supporting the arts in the community, she says.
"I could not do this program to the extent and level I want to without the support of Third Avenue."
She also has words of praise for the businesses and individuals who support SSSV as well as the Children's Youth Choir.
"It makes me extremely proud of our community," says Hornung.
Mezzo soprano performer, teacher, adjudicator, clinician and choral coach, Hornung grew up in North Battleford.
World class summer school presents free recitals for the Battlefords
The Summer School for the Solo Voice, running July 9 through 16 in North Battleford, is a week-long intensive study and performance opportunity for singers, accompanists, teachers and choral conductors at beginner, intermediate and senior levels.
The opportunity to perform is an important part of the program, which means top-calibre recitals presented free to the public during the school. Each recital will be about 40 minutes long, says Hornung, and will take place in Logie Hall at Third Avenue United Church. The concerts are free to the public, however donations will be accepted in support of the program.
This year's recital series begins with a kick off to the event Thursday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. A presentation of Haydn's English Widow will feature local singer Casey Peden as well as SSSV founder Lisa Hornung, who is looking forward to a speaking part, accompanied by John Reid Coulter, piano and harpsichord musician, builder and historian from South Africa.
Monday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m., says Hornung, tenor Spencer McKnight, accompanied by Mark Turner, will perform his program for the national music festival, where he will be representing Saskatchewan.
Hornung expects an "absolutely stunning" recital.
Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., the staff of SSSV get their chance to perform. Each year's staff recital is a fun-filled presentation of world-class entertainment, much enjoyed by the staff and audience.
Thursday and Friday, July 14 and 15, will feature performances by participants of SSSV's advanced singers and jazz programs. Each recital will feature different performers. They will be held Thursday at 11:10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. and Friday at 2:15 p.m.
Friday, July 15 will feature the SSSV Musical Theatre Gala. The musical theatre program at SSSV has become a popular and fast-growing part of the summer school. The show beings at 7:30 p.m.
The final recital is Saturday, July 16 at 1:30 p.m. featuring the SSSV Choir and Ensembles. The SSSV Choir is made up of all SSSV participants as well as SSSV faculty.
The final recital marks the end of the summer camp until next year.
