The 2021 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and Community Choral Workshop: Featuring Guest Composer Elaine Hagenberg

Elaine Hagenberg

On March 22-23, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Department of Music & Theatre hosted their third College and Community Choral Workshop, bringing together high school and college choral students with choral professionals. The project was conceived and organized by Michael Boswell, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. This year's guest artist was composer Elaine Hagenberg. The workshop was made possible by a 2021 Arts Project Support grant through Arts Illiana and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. The project was also supported by a City of Terre Haute Arts Grant, a program of the Mayor’s Office.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the workshops were held virtually as Hagenberg and Michael Boswell, also a professional chorister, met with the choirs of Terre Haute North Vigo High School directed by Michelle Azar, Terre Haute South Vigo High School directed by Paul Ellison, and North Montgomery High School in Crawfordsville, directed by Sarah Kavanagh.

Members from the three high school choirs joined the SMWC Choirs in creating a virtual choir video of Hagenberg’s “O, Love” that will be released at the end of the Spring 2021 semester. 

Boswell introducing Hagenberg
to SMWC students and faculty 

"Every single one of us is creative." - Elaine Hagenberg

As Hagenberg greeted everyone, her cheerful disposition and passion for music stimulated an energetic environment. From sharing her journey of becoming a composer to what inspires her, students had the opportunity to be inspired by her words and works.

Initially, Hagenberg didn't plan on becoming a composer, but she had a long love for music. She sang in various choirs growing up and played piano as a rehearsal accompanist. As an accompanist, she unintentionally began studying scores, learning more about the format of choral pieces. In college, Hagenberg studied piano and participated in choir, occasionally having written songs, but nothing that she had ever considered getting published. In addition to her love of music and choral music in particular, Hagenberg loves poetry and being creative which is exhibited in all of her compositions.

Hagenberg greeting workshop attendees

As Hagenberg settled down to raise a family, she began delving into the world of composition as a creative outlet without having any intention or goal of working as a composer full-time. Eventually, she entered a composition competition and one of her pieces won. This set off a string of connections to eventually publishing her first work. Soon after, people were reaching out asking her for commissioned pieces and to teach clinics.

After talking about her background, students raised questions regarding Hagenberg's inspirations, particular pieces she has composed, and her creative process. Many questions were posed from the curious students. Hagenberg revealed that she is inspired in all areas of her life such as her life experiences, family, friends, travels, nature, photography, dance, poetry, etc. Whenever she is inspired by something, she considers this the beginning of a journey and discovery as she composes. "Words always, always, always, come first," Hagenberg explained when asked about her creative process. For her, words inform the music and determine every other part of the composition such as the contour of the melody, harmony, and accompaniment. By taking beautiful words and adding another layer, Hagenberg hopes to "paint a story" through her compositions. Hagenberg prefers to write through-composed pieces (or, continuous and non-sectional) to let the words and music tell the story in a more natural way. She typically starts by thinking of the melody related to the poetry she has chosen for the lyrics. Although her process isn't as visual, she does consider what images are conjured up based on her pieces to create videos featuring beautiful nature scenes to accompany her pieces.

As a pianist, Hagenberg also feels passionately about the role of the piano accompaniments in her pieces. Instead of acting as support and background to the singing, she considers her accompaniments to play a collaborative role. The piano often sets the scene in her compositions to draw in her audience. As a fan of Romantic composers such as Chopin and Brahms, Hagenberg likes to draw inspiration from their compositions. She hopes that her pieces have similar lush, full, and rubato sounds as the classical music that inspires her. Recently, she has also delved into including strings into her compositions, and she hopes to continue to branch out as a composer.

Hagenberg explaining her creative process

During the workshop, Hagenberg discussed a few of her pieces in particular, including "Song of Miriam", "As the Rain Hides the Stars", "Deep Peace", and "O, Love". For her composition, "Deep Peace", Hagenberg revealed that she often enjoys creating a "sound world", particularly when she is inspired by nature. Oftentimes, the "best stuff comes from far away" she explained. When she isn't working, moments of inspiration strike helping to create a soundtrack to her life that informs her compositions. Deeply personal and meaningful, Hagenberg's compositions seem to surround people with feelings of love and beauty. In addition to her commissioned works, Hagenberg has also written songs inspired by her children including "Goodnight, Love" and her own version of "This is My Father's World".

With everyone having different experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hagenberg was asked how her life had changed. Being unable to travel as she typically would, Hagenberg worked from home. As her home and work life were disrupted, Hagenberg adjusted just as everyone else did. She spent time with her children and worked on long-term projects that she hadn't gotten the opportunity to put as much time into with a normal work schedule. Hagenberg hopes her compositions "offer healing, hope, and beauty" that are a wonderful message in times of struggle or uncertainty.

Hagenberg answering students' questions

"What you see is what you get," Hagenberg explained. Upon being asked about her well-known status as a composer, Hagenberg revealed that she doesn't consider herself to be any different than everyone else. "Don't be my fan, be my friend," she said with laugh. Despite her popularity, Hagenberg stays humble and authentic, reveling in the connections she has made throughout her career thus far. 

As the workshop neared its end, Hagenberg shared some advice: "You don't know where life will take you, so have as many musical experiences as possible. Be open and willing to discover."

Blog Post Author: Autumn Wilson, SMWC music therapy major
Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

2019 MAYO INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL PREMIER COMPETITION WINNERS!!!!

Hello friends! If you are reading this, it's probably a safe bet you already know the good news of the day (May 25, 2019). The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals are the 2019 winners of the Mayo International Choral Festival! Still, I want to explain a little bit about what that means and provide an insider's view of our day.

Presented with the Four Part Choirs First Place Award

The Mayo International Choral Festival is held once a year, typically in May. There are several places in Ireland that hold such events, spread throughout the year. The Festival in Mayo has two parts: Community performances and the Competition. The aim is to bring many choirs together in celebration of choral music, spread them throughout the region performing, and provide opportunities for growth and learning from each other. Some choirs may participate in the community performances, but not the competition; and, some participate in the competition, but not the community concerts. We did all of it! In fact, in our 5 days, we will have performed 11 times. The festival included participation by 35 choirs, 23 of which competed.

Here is how the competition is structured:
1.) A choir can compete in two categories. They have 10 or 11 and they include categories such as 'Sacred Music,' 'Choirs from Ireland,' 'Four Part Choirs,' etc. We selected 'Sacred Music' and 'Women's Choir.' However, we learned a few weeks ago that no other choirs chose 'Women's Choir' so we needed to change to another category. The most logical category given our repertoire and the requirements was 'Four Part Choirs.'

2.) Today was competition day, so all competing choirs sang for judges. A winner and runner-up was determined for each of the eight categories. The winner from each category was then allowed to move on to the 'Premier Competition' where judges would select an overall winner and runner-up for the entire competition. In short, it all works exactly like a dog show...

So, today our first competition was in 'Sacred Music.' We sang really well, and felt going in to the day that it would be our best shot at advancing to the premiere competition. So naturally we were disappointed when we learned we were neither the winner nor the runner-up. We did discover that we were only 1 point behind the runner-up and only 2 points behind the winner, according to the reported scores.

Four Part Choirs Award

We went to lunch and then returned to prepare for our second competition, which was "Four Part Choirs". I think we knew we had the potential to do well on the repertoire, but we had also performed it less and knew where potential pitfalls existed. We sang our first selection - 'Ecce Maria' by Michael Praetorius (This category requires an early music piece). It went very well, though we were aware of a slight intonation issue toward the end. Then we sang our second piece, 'Nocturne' by Eric Tuan. It's a complex piece with lots of Spanish, lots of divisi (it splits into 8 parts at one point, and we only have 9 singers!), mixed meter, and a great deal of emotional depth. And our students nailed it. It was truly incredible. At the end, you could hear a pin drop. Then we sat and waited for the results. Given our morning results, having heard other good choirs in our category, and knowing we had a slight issue on the first piece, we really didn't know what to expect. But, we won! This accomplished two things: One, we had a title to take home as a category winner, which was nice as we really felt we grew through the course of the festival. Second, it meant we could move on to compete in the premier competition.

We grabbed a quick dinner, and returned to participate in the premier competition with the other seven winners. It was wonderful to hear the high quality of the variety of ensembles. The rules specified that choirs had to sing one piece from a category you won, and one piece not sung in any other aspect of the competition. So, we selected 'Nocturne' again and 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken,' a raucous favorite of ours. Both went very well, but as choir after choir came up, we wondered how things would go, and what the judges were looking for in the performances.

After the competition, the judges left to discuss the results. We had been previously asked by the festival committee to sing a few selections to cover their deliberation time. So we did and even received a standing ovation after one of our pieces, "Be Like the Bird".

The judges returned and the runner-up was announced. Not us. But then they read the name of the premiere competition champions and the long name of "The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals" never sounded so good!

Premier Competition First Place Award

Even if the result had not been in our favor what a lovely experience our participation in this festival has been! The trophies are nice, but the learning and camaraderie that has occurred cannot be replaced. Thank you to everyone for your support!

Peace Park, Ireland National Museum of Country Life, Westport Concert

The County Mayo memorial at Peace Park

Outside Church of the Holy Trinity.
When you see a picture of yourself, of course, you take a picture of yourself beside it!

Today was filled with a variety of performances and experiences...

First we walked to the Peace Park and Garden of Remembrance just down the road from our inn. It is a memorial to those from County Mayo who lost their lives in war, beginning with World War I. It is an impressive and touching monument. The main feature is a large wall etched with the names of people who were killed in war, but on either side of the walkway to the large wall, there are smaller ones which contain the names of men from County Mayo who fought under the flags of other nations. We were asked to attend, alongside the choir from Canada, because many immigrants would wind up in the United States and Canada. Each choir sang their national anthem, a few selections on the topic of peace and remembrance, and had the honor of raising our respective country's flag and lay wreaths at the monuments of our country. They asked for two for each task, so having three seniors, it only seemed fitting to have them take part. So Shea Davis and Kristin Foster raised the American flag, while Michael and Sara Langenberger placed the wreaths at the memorials.

The USA Memorial at Peace Park

Then we were off to Turlough Village to visit a high tower, have lunch, and tour and perform at the Ireland National Museum of Country Life. The museum is very nice and very informative. The building itself is very neat, having won various architectural awards.You can find out more about it here. We sang 8 selections for a nice-sized crowd who gathered to hear us. These more informal concerts have started to become some of our favorites. Folks immediately come up to speak with you, find out about you, and almost always we learn that we have something in common. One gentleman that heard us at Peace Park actually made the drive to hear us again, and gave us a book he recently wrote as a gift.

Afterwards, we went back to the inn and relaxed for almost an hour and a half, and picked up dresses for the concert tonight in Westport. First though, we stopped and had dinner at a restaurant on the coast called 'The Helm.' Being so close to Clew Bay, most of us had seafood. It was all very good!

Church of the Holy Trinity - Westport.
Down the road from where we stayed
last year when we learned about this festival!

This concert was amazing. All the choirs were very good, and we found the two all-girl high school choirs to be exceptionally fine. We also sang really well - the stronger bond we have forged on this journey is evident on our music-making. We were surprised when we received a standing ovation after our third piece! Including another one at the end, we had two!

It feels that the local audiences really like us, and I think it's because we remind them of themselves. I think that like Ireland, and especially the western part of the country, we are small but can do great things. All the choirs here are bigger than us, often substantially. But when they see this small group rise and sing with skill and full-throated passion, they appreciate it. Their responses have been nothing but filled with love, respect, and appreciation.

Post-concert at Turlough.

Tomorrow is the competition day. This will be a new thing for us and we can't fully know what to expect. As previously mentioned, we are substantially the smallest ensemble competing in our two categories. And many of our competitors have won other competitions before. So we don't really have an idea of how things will go when the judges cast their votes. But we do know this; we have already won the hearts of many local Irish and many touring Americans. And we will win more tomorrow regardless of the results. #SmallChoirBigHearts

Inside the Church of the Holy Trinity

Ireland National Museum of Country Life.
Very Interesting!

Blog Post Author: Michael Boswell, Director of SMWC Madrigals

Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Undergraduate Music Therapy

For more information about the SMWC music and theatre programs, please visit our website!

Guest Artists, Creative Collaborations, and Artistic Beauty Abound!

In the Department of Music and Theatre at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), we sometimes proclaim "We are small, but mighty!" to try to describe the creativity, passion, and resourcefulness of the faculty and students to produce the many high quality events throughout each year, enriching the College community and the Wabash Valley. As an example, read about all of the wonderful events presented by "the little department that could" during the month of April.

McIntyre rehearsing the Chamber Choir

On April 7, 2016, Dr. John McIntyre presented his compositions in a diverse and exciting program, featuring a vocal ensemble of professional singers from four different states, the Indiana State University Brass Ensemble, and many more performers, including Michael Boswell, Associate Professor of Music, and Ron Maurey, Instructor of Music, at SMWC. This program brought an energy to the Conservatory and the campus and was very well attended. Below is one beautiful setting by Dr. McIntyre of the hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" performed on this concert. 

Professional Ensemble Singers
following concert

Dr. John McInytre, composer, with
colleague/singer Michael Boswell

Then, on April 22, 2016, Guest Artist and Grammy winner Estelí Gomez, soprano, arrived on campus to begin rehearsing with the SMWC Chorale and Madrigals, along with Director Michael Boswell and Guest Artist Dr. Michael Boney, organ. The Department posted a couple of sneak peeks prior to the Spring Choral Concert on Sunday, April 24th, and Norwegian composer of the "Magnificat", Kim André Arnesen posted one of them on his own Facebook page.

Guest Artists with SMWC faculty M. Boswell

On Saturday April 23rd, Gomez facilitated a Voice Master Class in Cecilian Auditorium with three of our SMWC music students (Nathan Mensah, senior; Allison Payonk, sophomore; and Kristin Foster, freshman), one ISU music student and a student from Terre Haute North High School. The master class lasted 2 1/2 hours and the students commented that it went by too quickly! They learned so much in a short time and Gomez was able to provide some new context to pieces they have been working on all semester.

SMWC Music Faculty and Guest Artists E. Gomez and C. Davin

The Spring Choral Concert on Sunday, April 24th, titled Northern Lights: Exploring the Choral Music of Scandinavia, took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The audience first heard Estelí Gomez, soprano soloist, on "Norwegian Trilogy" arranged by Margaret King. Estelí was standing in the balcony and took many audience members by surprise. Then, as SMWC music faculty Sharon R. Boyle described how Boswell was able to bring Gomez to SMWC and also introduced the next piece, the Madrigals moved to the balcony, where Michael Boswell conducted the "Magnificat"by Kim André Arnesen with Michael Boney accompanying on the organ. As her soprano voice rang throughout the church, the Madrigals' voices joined her, and the beauty was palpable in the soaring melodic lines and harmonies. During the 4th movement, "Et Misericordia", many audience members expressed emotions by taking deep breaths, tearing up, closing their eyes, or smiling. The entire piece lasted more than 40 minutes, and the audience was asked to just take in the music and listen in silence until the very end. During the 6th movement, "Suscepit Israel", Gomez was joined in a duet by senior Christina Pifer. Following the concert, Pifer's mother was in tears, stating how important the experience had been for her daughter. Many in the audience seemed to be transported somewhere else as they listened, while others appeared prayerful or in meditation. The concert ended with a rousing piece titled "Safari", which involved Michael Boswell, conductor, turning to the audience and singing an enthusiastic solo, which was then answered by Estelí Gomez' own. The Chorale and Madrigals energetically responded by singing, clapping, and stomping as Gomez improvised an incredible yodel-like vocal line over the top.

 Ring Song following concert

Gomez with Christina Pifer, senior

On April 25, 2016, Gomez was joined by acclaimed guitarist Colin Davin for a Guest Artist Concert entitled Destinations Unknown: Songs of Home and Travel in Cecilian Auditorium. The duo presented Spanish pieces by Manuel de Falla, German pieces by Schumann and French pieces by Duparc. In this concert Estelí demonstrated again how she is able to adjust her vocal tone and placement to suit any style or nuance of a piece. Davin wowed the audience with his clear intention of each note, his technical prowess on the classical guitar, and the beautiful voicing he presented in the guitar melodies. The audience was able to truly enjoy hearing some of the finest musicians ever brought to our campus. Below is a piece "Sevillanas Del Siglo XVII" from Canciones espanolas antiguas by Lorca which demonstrates the energetic pairing of voice and guitar.

         Guest Artists with SMWC faculty member 

Richardson performing during live concert recording

The final event of the semester was the live concert recording of Dr. Tracy Richardson, on April 28, 2016 in Cecilian Auditorium. Her concert included covers of some of her favorite songs over several decades, in addition to her own songs, written in a range of styles including country, blues, gospel, and pop. The live recording will be used to create a CD to hopefully help fund a future recording project. The mellow sounds of her rich alto voice with the elegant picture of her playing a Steinway truly demonstrate the diversity of music offerings from the Department of Music and Theatre.

In writing about these artistic offerings and as an audience member, I feel there must truly be hope for humanity, having the ability to create such beauty. Congratulations to everyone involved in all our concerts, recitals, and productions throughout the 2015-16 academic year!

Students learn about life as a professional singer

For more information about the Department of Music and Theatre, please check out our website!

- Sharon R. Boyle, blog author, is Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program.

*All Photo Credits: Sharon R. Boyle

SMWC Homecoming Choral Concert 2015: There's No Place Like...Home

Pictured: SMWC Choirs with SP Schola Cantorum
Photo Credit: Anthony Dinkel

Another Homecoming at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has come and gone, but the connections remain. The theme of this year's Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Chorale and Madrigals Homecoming Concert was "There's No Place Like...Home". The music chosen for the program by Michael Boswell, Director of Choirs, truly emphasized this theme in many ways.

The concert opened with a piece entitled "Hark! On the Windswept Breton Shore" by LaFarge. The SMWC Chorale was joined by the Sisters of Providence Schola Cantorum providing a musical representation of their connection. 

Pictured: Madrigals with Michael Boswell
Photo Credit: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The SMWC Madrigals then performed two pieces. The first was "The Angels Will Guide You Home" by Eleanor Daley, describing a Heavenly home, and the second piece was a beautiful arrangement by Andrea Ramsey titled "Travelin' Home". This piece also featured Sharilyn Spicknall playing violin. The beauty of this piece is difficult to articulate, but as the choir sang the word home at the very end, the violin sounded a sustained note to create such a peaceful moment. Here is a short clip from the beginning of this piece during the rehearsal prior to the concert.

Pictured: Alumnae and Student Choir chat during rehearsal break
Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle

The SMWC Chorale and twenty-five returning Alumnae then came together to sing several pieces. Director Michael Boswell spoke a few words before they began:

"We have alum singers returning this year whose graduation dates range from 1968-2015, and I think many of them may still feel like their returning today is a return home. Faculty and staff may work here for decades, literally raising their families here, but they are often connected to other institutions and other geographical locations as well. Still, I believe many of us consider Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to be 'home.' So, what is it about this place that holds on to all of us? There is certainly a special spiritual element here. On that, I think we can all agree. But what else is it?...this is a place where you feel connected to others. This is a place where you feel like part of a community. This is a place where you have importance. I think that what we have that makes this place feel like home, is each other."

Pictured: Current SMWC music students
Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle

The first piece, "Come to Shore" by Audrey Snyder was followed by "Never Far From Home" by Mark Patterson. The full sound of the Chorale and Alumnae longingly singing the text "I leave the hills that I have known, the woods and meadows I have roamed. The journey calls and I must go, but I will never be far from home" brought tears to some audience members' eyes.

The final piece "Like a Tree", by Margaret Douroux/Arr. Lon Beery, was a gospel piece encompassing challenges to be overcome, but also spoke of not giving up and remaining strong:

Just like a tree that's planted by the water, 

I shall not be moved.

Pictured Hanna Mills and Sidnie Crowley
Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle

Though the winds are blowing all around me, 

I shall not be moved.

These winds will never last. This storm is sure to pass. 

This trial is just a test. So I shall not be moved. 

Though winds of affliction sweep over my soul,

And billows and storm clouds continue to roll, 

I shall not be moved!

Pictured: SMWC Chorale and Alumnae
Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle

The concert ended with the singing of the three traditional songs song every year at Homecoming:
Our Lady of Providence.........
by Rose Angela Horan, S.P./Cecilia Clare Bocard, S.P.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Song......
by Gertrude Smith, S.P./Dorothy Newland '32
The Ring Song.....
by SMWC Class of 1962

As all other alumnae who were present in the church, along with all current students and Sisters of Providence, stood in a circle around the sanctuary singing "The Ring Song", one-by-one, each slowly reached out and held the hand of the person standing next to them. One-by-one, they began to link the circle by holding hands as the melody rang throughout the church. Those singing and those listening were filled with a sense of belonging to something special, of feeling connected to everyone in that space and all those who had come before...and some shed tears. There has been struggle and yet there is always hope for those who return year after year to reconnect and feel the true sense of community.

As we wait for our next return "home" to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College through a reunion or Homecoming, let us consider these words by Hildegard of Bingen:

Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, and under the earth

is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness.

 

Pictured: Danielle and Roni O'Connor, alums
Photo Credit: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Photo Credit: Anthony Dinkel

Pictured: Accompanist, Ronald D. Maurey
Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle

List of students and alumnae present at Homecoming Concert

Rehearsal of Chorale and Alumnae Choir

Michael Boswell, Director
Ronald D. Maurey, Accompanist
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Maurey

Photo Credit: Sharon R. Boyle