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Director: Robert Pritchard

Robert Pritchard is a native of North Carolina and a Charlotte resident since 1988. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Mars Hill College where he was a student of Robert and Mollie Rich and of Julie Fortney. He earned a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Louisiana State University where he served as the graduate assistant to the Director of Choral Activities. He has held teaching positions from middle school through the college level and has been active as a singer, conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and church musician for more than 35 years. Mr. Pritchard has conducted a number of European choral tours, including performances at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ely Cathedral and its acclaimed Lady Chapel, and York Minster. His contributions to the Charlotte music community include Oratorio Singers, Oratorio Chamber Choir, and as soloist with the Charlotte Symphony. He directed the Festival Singers of Carolina Voices for 8 1/2 years prior to founding Renaissance in February 2002. His choirs have frequently appeared at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. In addition to his work with Renaissance, he has been the Director of Music at Dilworth United Methodist Church since 1998. He is currently Manager for the choral music division of Brodt Music Company, Inc. of Charlotte.

Accompanist: Dr. J. Michael Grant

J. Michael Grant is the Associate Director of Music and Organist at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte. A native of South Carolina, Dr. Grant completed a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance at Newberry College, a Master of Music in Organ performance at Converse College School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. From 1975 until 1986, Dr. Grant served as the Organist and Choirmaster of the First Presbyterian Church in Danville, VA. During this time he was granted a leave of absence to study French music and the music of J. S. Bach in Paris with the world-renowned organist, Marie-Claire Alain. While in Paris, Dr. Grant served as the organist for the St. Michael’s English Church, the official church of the British Embassy. From 1986 until 1996, Dr. Grant served as Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. While working on the doctorate degree, Dr. Grant served as Director of Music and Organist at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Bethesda, MD. Before coming to Charlotte, Dr. Grant taught organ, music theory, and church music at Newberry College and Limestone College. He has played recitals in Europe and throughout the United States. He has been a featured artist on various occasions at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and at the national conventions of the Organ Historical Society. He has been with Renaissance since its founding in 2002.

RAP: 2009

As part of its nonprofit public service mission, Renaissance has adopted an apprenticeship program for promising Charlotte-area high school singers. Each of the past 3 years, students nominated by their choral directors are auditioned, mentored, and rehearsed for participation in the ensemble's annual holiday concert. Successful "RAP" apprentices receive certificates for possible use with college choral programs, a modest stipend for their high school choral department, and the appreciation and endorsement of the Renaissance singers.

2009 proved to be our best apprenticeship class yet. For the first time, each of the 4 (SATB) voice parts---from 3 different high schools---was represented in the apprentice class. The musical talent, conscientious participation, and maturity of the 2009 group -- Megan Swinyard and Christie Lainez of South Mecklenburg HS, Nick Horn of Ardrey Kell HS, and Brian Lax of Charlotte Latin -- earned the genuine admiration of their considerably older chorister colleagues. These students participated fully in our December 19 concert and their many family members and friends
added a youthful tint to the regular audience profile at Renaissance concerts.

The Renaissance RAP program appears poised to make ever more substantial contributions to the future of Carolinas choral music in the years ahead.

Singers (Fall 2009):

Sopranos:
Ann Atkinson
Mary Eppley
Elsie Erneston
Jo Ellen Hill
Patti Jones
Marty Page
Linda Warren
Wendy Wingard-Gay

Altos:
Kimberly Carpenter
Anna Gosnell
Sarah Komisin
Janet Lyman
Irene Pointon
Christina Richiger
Susanne Short

Tenors:
Ed Back
David Duggan
Chip Givens
Bill Krewson
Peter Leo
John Sullivan
Andrew West
Larry White

Basses:
Jim Amburn
Sam Bomar
Roger Coates
Erik Johnson
George Lampe
Linwood Little
Bill Peterson
Gene Ritter
John Wilson

Singers of Renaissance, Inc. Board and Officers (2009–2010):

Sam Bomar – Vice President

Roger Coates – Treasurer

David Duggan

Elaine Helms

Jo Ellen Hill – Business Manager – ex officio

Sarah Hyde

Sarah Komisin – President

George Lampe

Marty Page – Secretary

John Sullivan

Bob Pritchard – Artistic Director

Kim Wangler

We are always looking for community volunteers to serve on our board and help guide our growth as a non-profit arts organization. Please contact the board if you are interested in lending your talents in this way!

Copyright © 2009 Singers of Renaissance, Inc. All rights reserved .
Last modified 07 October 2009 .