DUBOIS – The DuBois Vocal Arts Ensemble will present “I Hear America Singing,” its annual spring concert, on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Paul G. Reitz Theater which is located at 36 E. Scribner Ave., in DuBois.
The 15-member vocal ensemble which is comprised of nine women and six men will perform a variety of songs about the music of America.
DVAE will open the program with an exuberant piece by Andre J. Thomas entitled, “I Hear America Singing,” which quotes the Spiritual, “Walk Together, Children.”
Other musical selections will include “The Boatmen’s Dance,” a Minstrel Song adapted by Aaron Copland, “’Cross the Wide Missouri,” which incorporates two folk songs, “Shenandoah” and “The Water Is Wide,” “The Mouse Madrigal,” an American Folk Song arranged by Steven Porter and “Oh, Susanna” by Stephen C. Foster.
Also featured in the concert will be “America” from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, “A Gershwin Swing Set” arranged by Mac Huff, “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” from the Motion Picture At the Circus, a Mark Hayes arrangement of “Lean on Me” with “We Shall Overcome,” and a patriotic medley by Brant Adams entitled “An American Celebration.”
DVAE will conclude the concert with a stirring rendition of Peter J. Wilhousky’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic” followed by DVAE’s traditional closer, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” which includes the “Irish Blessing.”
The DuBois Vocal Arts Ensemble is also honored to perform an original composition by DVAE member Joe Shupienis entitled “Spring Showers,” which is a Reverie for Double Chorus.
Members of DVAE include the following singers: Soprano I – Leslie DeLarme and Diane Kennard; Soprano II – Michelle Nupp, Rikki Ross and Cathy Shank; Alto I – Brianna Cooney and Jeanne Hayes; Alto II – Karen Fuller and Sally Laux; Tenor – Luke Crawford, Victor Kosko and Tom Stafford; and Bass – Joshua Orner, Joe Shupienis and Don Wojtaszek.
Eloise Kosko is the DVAE Director and Piano Accompanist. Instrumental accompanists will include Jeanne Hayes on Flute, Melissa Shepler on Clarinet, Brianna Cooney on Tenor Saxophone, Rich Fisherowski on Trumpet, Melinda Swauger on Trombone, Sherry Dieringer and Stefanie Penvose on Violin, Lydia Crooks on Cello, Jacob Penvose on Keyboard, Tim Jay on Guitar, Mike Mohnacky on Bass Guitar and Jonny Keen and William Penvose on Percussion.
Joe Shupienis is in charge of media for the DVAE Web site (dvae.org) and Tracey Dusch is the CRI administrator for the Reitz Theater.
Tickets for the DuBois Vocal Arts Ensemble’s Spring Concert, “I Hear America Singing,” are available online at the ReitzTheater.com, at Ace Hardware in DuBois or the Reitz Theater Box Office. Any remaining tickets may be purchased at the door.