“I’m over here, and you’re over there, but there is something between us that’s greater.”
This line from Brian Tate’s “Connected” is a perfect metaphor for the shared joy of making music. People come together, playing different instruments and singing different rhythms and melodies to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
In the spirit of celebrating musical connections, the Dubuque Chorale is proud to present SongFest, an annual celebration of choral music in the greater Dubuque area made possible by a generous grant from the DRA. “Their consistent support of community music-making embodies the connectedness of our Dubuque community,” says Dr. Amanda Huntleigh, Artistic Director of the Dubuque Chorale.
Now in its 11th year, this concert brings singers of all ages together for an evening of sharing and making music. The Dubuque Chorale, along with their chamber choir Cadenza and both Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs (DCCC), will be joined onstage by other local groups, including the Julien Chamber Choir, the Music Men, and choirs from Clarke University, Emmaus University, Loras College, the University of Dubuque, and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
This concert provides a wonderful opportunity for audience members to sample a variety of groups with different musical styles. “I learned about multiple groups that I didn’t know about from our area my first time attending SongFest,” recalls Victoria Bausman, director of one of the children’s choirs. “Barbershop harmony tends to be a lesser-known style, so we welcome the opportunity to display what it’s all about,” says Merlin Green, longtime member of the Music Men Barbershop Chorus. There’s something for everyone at this concert, and the participating choirs look forward to sharing what makes their ensemble special with their fellow singers and potential new fans!
SongFest is important to the Dubuque Chorale’s community building and educational goals because it brings together singers from across generations. The Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs have been part of the festival since 2023, truly making this an event for all ages. In this concert, children as young as eight will stand onstage and sing with musicians from all stages of life, from college students to octogenarians. This experience shows young people that music can be a lifelong pursuit. “Your tennis arm might eventually give out, but you can still sing through your eighties!” remarks Kristen Eby, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Dubuque and conductor of the Julien Chamber Choir. We hope our audience also recognizes the proof in this concert that it’s never too late (or too early) to get involved in making music.
Another goal of the concert is to celebrate connecting through music. The finale piece, “Connected” by Brian Tate will be sung by the combined choirs and is a beautiful illustration of this idea. Karmella Sellers, program director for the DCCC, says “‘Connected’ is the perfect song for an event that gathers singers from all kinds of places – community, universities, children – to lift their voices in song together.” The text of the song includes lines such as, “I am a part of you, you are a part of me, and so together we are one body,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people.
The piece will be conducted by DCCC Staccati Singers conductor Victoria Bausman. “When we raise our voices together, we embody the truth the piece proclaims—that we are not separate, but connected,” says Bausman. Musically, the piece makes connection even more evident by juxtaposing a section of different overlapping melodies with a second section where each voice part returns to a common refrain. Each person may be singing different notes and rhythms, but they all combine to create a unified sound and deliver a powerful message.
Please join us for the 11th annual SongFest and experience the joy of musical connection! The performance will take place at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School on February 7 at 7:00 PM. There is no cost for admission; freewill donations are appreciated.
Special thanks to the Dubuque Racing Association; this event couldn’t happen without your generosity.
Thanks to all our sponsors and in-kind donors!
Premier Bank, Gronen, Iowa Arts Council, City of Dubuque, DRA, National Endowment for the Arts, Henry Family Foundation, Schoen Family Charitable Trust, The Wahlert Foundation, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bread of Life Presbyterian Church, Grand View Methodist Church, Church of the Nativity, First Congregational Church UCC, Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.
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