Monday, June 3rd, 2019

Our newest ChoralQuest piece Song in My Head by composer Abbie Betinis received its first two rolling world premieres this spring. Betinis is the first ChoralQuest composer to pilot a new hybrid residency model, working directly with Cottage Grove Middle School in Cottage Grove, MN, and virtually with Lakeside School in Seattle, WA, and Sister Cities Girlchoir in Philadelphia, PA. Betinis has composed one piece informed and inspired all three choirs, and we can’t get the song out of our head!

Cottage Grove, MN

Betinis talks to the audience prior to the 8th grade choir performance.
Betinis and students from the 8th grade choir talk about composition, reflect on their experience working each other, and break out into some impromptu singing.
Post-premiere pride with ChoralQuest supporters Tom Arneson, Betinis, Reid Larsen (director), Fred and Ann Moore.

Seattle, WA

Betinis and Kela Wanyama (director) talk through the score after dress rehearsal.
Betinis introduces her piece to the school and talks about what a composer does. Later that day, Betinis also sat down with the High School choir to share more about her creative process.
Taken after a morning of talking about their experience with Betinis and being led in some round-singing.
Happy to connect with composer John Muehleisen while in town! We also sat down for a great conversation with composer/conductor Karen Thomas.
Talked writing music for early singers with Northwest Girlchoir conductor Sara Boos.

Philadelphia, PA

Next fall, the final rolling world premiere of Song in My Head with director Alysia Lee and the Sister Cities Girlchoir will take place. We can’t wait!

Thank you to everyone who has helped to make these residencies a rich experience for the artist and students!

About ChoralQuest

ChoralQuest is a music series published by the American Composers Forum that commissions new works for middle-level choirs by world-class composers. The series is designed to breathe new life into the available repertoire for choral students in middle school and junior high, introduce students to the composition process, and give commissioned composers the unique opportunity and challenge of writing new works for young, changing voices. So far, the series features works by renowned composers René Clausen, Rollo Dilworth, Judd Greenstein, Jennifer Higdon, Alice Parker, Stephen Paulus, Rosephanye Powell, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, and Chen Yi. All pieces are published by ACF and distributed exclusively by the Hal Leonard Corporation. Visit www.choralquest.orgfor more information. This commission is made possible with generous support from Tom Arneson and Alfred and Ann Moore.