[csc_newsline] Stomp Pandemonium: The Lost and Found Orchestra

[Larry Speakman]

Dear Choir,

 

I am writing to let you know of a project that will involve The Concert
Singers of Cary and provide some background regarding how it came to be and
how singers were selected for the project.

 

On August 16th, I was contacted by a representative from New York who was
calling on behalf of the British based Producers of the show Stomp who were
celebrating their 20th anniversary. A new 12 city tour was being planned
with the second stop being at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh. Stomp was
introducing a new concept called Stomp Pandemonium: The Lost and Found
Orchestra which featured string and wind instruments using the same junk
yard materials that they have made into percussion instruments over the
years. In addition, they wanted the last 15 minutes of the show to include a
small chorus. Because of our past involvement in some unusual programming,
were recommended by the organizers of the Broadway South.

 

While this sounds like and IS a wonderful opportunity, there were some
serious challenges in making it happen. The production involves eight
performances from September 28th - October 3rd and a two rehearsal schedule
that begins on September 25th. We didn't receive final confirmation for the
project until August 23rd. I have learned that these kinds of events often
happen last minute as the logistics of something this large are monumental.
Adding a chorus that essentially serves as a cameo is one of the last pieces
to be put in place.

 

As a group for hire, whoever does the hiring also sets most of the criteria.
There were numerous criteria involved in putting the group together, most of
which were dictated by Stomp to insure that we would deliver what they were
requesting and needing for the project to be successful. The criteria in
this case had to do with the specific numbers requested (S-10, A-8, T-6,
B-4), physical mobility, type and size of voice, ability to learn and
memorize on short rehearsal and availability for all rehearsals and
performances. We hope to field more of these professional level projects
from touring organizations such as Stomp and last year's Video Game Symphony
and to do so we need to become more used to the idea that the criteria will
be on a project by project basis, varying greatly as a result. I completely
understand if some of you are disappointed that you were not included this
time. I found it personally stressful to find myself in the position of
having to make those choices.

 

The Stomp project is a wonderful marketing opportunity for us. It exposes
CSC to a wide range of people who are not regular choral or symphony
audiences. The producers are also giving us the opportunity to promote
discount tickets sales through an online source that will provide CSC with a
$2.50 profit for each ticket sold. I will send you more information about
that in a separate e-mail. 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Larry

 

Lawrence Speakman

Artistic Director and Conductor

CSC_final_logo

The Concert Singers of Cary

919-249-6421

 

 

 

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