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3 New Branson Community Concerts Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church Branson are proud to announce three more exciting concert events at the Old Stone Church in Branson, Missouri. These Community Concerts are presented free of charge, and the public is invited and encouraged to bring friends. The Old Stone Church is located at Fourth and Pacific Streets, next to First Presbyterian Church of Branson. Mark these dates on your calendars and make the most of these free community concerts!

The Colliers in Concert

Place: The Old Stone Church
Time: Sunday, April 23, 2017 – 2:00pm

An amazingly talented family, the Colliers (Jenni, Eliya and Steve), will present an eclectic afternoon of music.  They will energetically present several original pieces and some cover songs in their own wonderful style.  The afternoon promises to be a concert of musical excellence and toe-tapping delight.

Clara Christian and the Clara Christian Piano Studio

Place: The Old Stone Church
Time: Saturday, April 29, 2017 – 2:00pm

Clara Christian, Piano Professor at the College of the Ozarks, and the students from her studio will perform classical piano compositions including selections by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Liszt.

Clara has given solo recitals throughout North America as well as in St. Petersburg, Russia.

She has performed at venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center and played on the “Jaani Kirik” (St. John’s Church) Recital Series in St. Petersburg and the Fourth Presbyterian Church concert series in Chicago.

She has served as  the rehearsal accompanist for the Chicago Master Singers, and performs frequently as a collaborative artist.

Come, sit back and relax in the intimate setting of the Old Stone Church and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music.

The Branson Chorale – Gregg Busch, Director

Place: Main Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church
Time: Sunday, April 30, 2017 – 7:00pm

This program entitled “Alway Something Sings – A Celebration of Choral Music,” will be presented by this Branson based Chorale of forty talented participants.

The program will feature songs by Whitacre, Forrest, and Beethoven, to name a few of the composers. This promises to be a memorable experience and an amazing concert.

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Java Jived Returns To Villa Vista April 22nd

 

Java Jived is back by popular demand, for a one-night-only concert at the beautiful Villa Vista in Lampe.

Java Jived is based out of St. Louis, MO and specializes in a cappella arrangements of jazz and pop classics from the 20’s to the 80’s. Known for its fine blend and intonation, this high-energy ensemble performs polished stylistic renditions of challenging repertoire by the best contemporary arrangers, including Deke Sharon, Kirby Shaw, Teena Chin, and Gene Puerling, who is well known for his arrangements for The Manhattan Transfer.

April 22, 2017 at 7:30pm

Performance at Villa Vista – $25 per person admission [Purchase Tickets Now]

Location: Villa Vista, 1245 Kingsgate Rd., Lampe, MO 65681 [Google Map Link]

Our members are primarily classically trained professional musicians with years of experience exploring a variety of musical periods and genres with acclaimed local groups, including the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, The American Kantorei, and Collegium Vocale of St. Louis.

Sponsored by Villa Vista, Stone County’s “Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake” and the Branson Arts Council, Java Jived will perform the hottest tunes and the coolest harmonies with their vocal jazz. Audience space is limited, purchase your tickets online now at https://bransonarts.org/shop/java-jived-in-concert/. All proceeds benefit local area non profit organizations.

Google Map To Villa Vista

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Branson Regional Arts Council Announce Auditions For New Theatre Productions

The Branson Regional Arts Council proudly announces auditions for Youth Troupe and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

As a member of the theatre “Youth Troupe,” area youth will also have the opportunity to audition for our Shakespeare Theatre Group (ages 11 and up) and MidSummer Night’s Dream.  Performers will be part of the productions and receive professional instruction in workshops designed to build artistic skills in musical theatre, voice, dance, and acting.

Come prepared to sing a one minute Broadway or Disney style song.

Audition Times & Locations

Saturday, April 29th – 10am to 12pm noon
Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson, MO 65616
-or-
Sunday, April 30th – 2pm to 4pm
Forsyth Performing Arts Center, Forsyth High School

Audition Information & Cost

Who: Students ages 8 to 18 years old
Tuition: $50.00 for the entire Summer Program (May 23-June 25)
Scholarships Available (call us for information)

Full Audition & Rehearsal Schedule Available Here

Production Dates

Public Performance Dates: June 23, 24 and 25 

[fac_icon icon=”calendar”] Click Here To Download the Entire Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

 

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2017 Branson Regional Arts Council Youth Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

[fac_icon icon=”file-pdf-o”] Download & Print PDF Version

Branson Regional Arts Council – 2017 Youth Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Auditions Saturday April 29th 10 am- noon (Branson Community Center)

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Auditions Sunday April 30th 2-4pm (Forsyth Performing Arts Center)

Madagascar/Shakespeare Troupe Rehearsal Schedule

Location: Forsyth Performing Arts Center

  • Tuesday May 23: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday May 24: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Thursday May 25: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday May 26: 3:00 -6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Tuesday May 30: 3:00- 6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday May 31: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 1: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday June 2: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Monday June 5: 3:00 -6:00  (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 6: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday June 7: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr.  Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 8: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday June 9: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Monday June 12: 3:00-6:00 (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 13: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday June 14: 3:00-7:00 (Headshots will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm) Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman and King Julian at 2:00 for Make up.
  • Thursday June 15: 3:00-7:00 Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech with lighting
  • Friday June 16:3:00-7:00  Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech with lighting
  • Monday June 19: 3:00-6:00 (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 20 3:00-8:00  Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech
  • Wednesday June 21 3:00-8:00  Madagascar Jr. Final Dress Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 22: Madagascar Jr. School Performance 1:00 pm Call Time 11:30 am  Brush up Rehearsal 2:30-5:00
  • Friday June 23  Madagascar Jr. Show at 7:00 pm  Call Time 4:30
  • Saturday June 24 Madagascar Jr. Show at 7:00 pm Call Time 4:30
  • Sunday June 25  Madagascar Jr. Show at 2:00 pm Call Time 12:00

Shakespeare Rehearsals & Performance Schedule

  • Monday June 5th    3:00-6:00 Shakespeare Rehearsal
  • Monday June 19th 3:00-6:00 Shakespeare Rehearsal
  • Monday July 17th Shakespeare Rehearsal  (Hollister park) Time TBA
  • Monday July 24th Shakespeare Rehearsal (Hollister park) Time TBA
  • Sunday July 30 Shakespeare Show 7 :00 pm  Call time 5:30 (Hollister Park)
  • Monday July 31 Shakespeare Show  7 :00 pm  Call Time 5:30 (Hollister park)
  • Sunday August 6th Shakespeare Show 7:00pm Call Time 5:30 pm (Hollister Park)
  • Monday August 7th Shakespeare Show  7 :00 pm Call Time 5:30  (Hollister park)
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Jim Barber Named New Executive Director of Branson Arts Council

Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors (left to right): Denise Jones (Chief Financial Officer), Rex Wood, Clint Cross, Ex Officio Bonnie Herrmann, Jim Barber (Executive Director), Lisa Murphy (President), Kim Hale (Vice President), Robert Cohn, Chris Benham, Hayden Head, and Darlene Graham (Secretary).

Press Materials
Press Release: text version  | Press Release pdf version |  Images: high-rez photo  | high-rez jpg logo | high-rez png logo

Jim Barber Named New Executive Director of Branson Arts Council

The Branson Arts Council Board of Directors have implemented several big changes for the organization after Bonnie Herrmann, who successfully served as Executive Director for over 12 years, announced her retirement from the position. Ms. Herrmann will remain active as an advisor and valued member of the Board.

Long time Branson entertainer and marketing professional, Jim Barber, is excited to step into the role of Executive Director. His extensive arts background in live entertainment, theatre, music, journalism, broadcasting, multimedia and tourism marketing position him as an ideal person to champion the development of arts in the Ozarks.

Jim has already initiated a few changes that set the stage for new growth of the Arts Council, leading to enhanced artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of our area. Moving forward, the name of the organization will be changed to ‘Branson Regional Arts Council’ to better describe the outreach of arts initiatives and programs in the neighboring communities, counties, and states that the organization has, and will continue to serve. A new, official logo has been designed, the website is undergoing a major upgrade, and the previous domain name BransonArtsCouncil.com has been simplified to BransonArts.org.

Jim earned his BA Degree in Broadcasting and Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota as well as an Associates Degree in Multimedia Development from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. In addition to his service on behalf of the Arts Council, Jim will continue as an independent marketing advisor for other area businesses, including Trophy Run Resort on Lake Taneycomo.

In January 2018, Jim will complete his fourth and final year to attain IOM accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management. IOM is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association, chamber, and nonprofit professionals. This complements his board participation in many area organizations including the Branson Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Branson League of Theater Owners & Show Producers, Mountain Country Homes of Hope, Salvation Army of Branson, and Faith Community Health Clinic.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has been serving the Branson Tri-Lakes community since 1965 when it was known as the ‘Taney Arts Council’, founded by Jean Cantwell, who remains an active member today. The council evolved through the decades and was known for several years as the ‘City of Branson Arts Council’ with a board and administrator, but no general membership by the community. The organization received 501 C3 not-for-profit status with the State of Missouri on April 19, 1993, and has provided competent, creative arts leadership to our community ever since.

The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors include (left to right),Denise Jones (Chief Financial Officer), Rex Wood, Clint Cross, Ex Officio Bonnie Herrmann, Jim Barber (Executive Director), Lisa Murphy (President), Kim Hale (Vice President), Robert Cohn, Chris Benham, Hayden Head, and Darlene Graham (Secretary).

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Springfield Concertmasters To Perform Community Concert At Old Stone Church In Branson

The Branson Arts Council is excited to launch it’s 2017 Community Concert Series to be held at the Old Stone Church in Branson. Co-organized by Americanna Magness, this year’s slate of free concerts promises to include a nice variety of incredible musical performances.

The first concert to kick-off the 2017 season features two extremely talented musicians; Kirsten Weingartner-Weiss (on Viola) and Pamela Davis (on Violin).

 

Featured performances will include:

Duo in G major – W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)

  • Allegro
  • Adagio
  • Rondo

Three Madrigals – Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959

  • Poco Allegro
  • Poco Andante
  • Allegro

Duo in C major – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Duo Concertant, opus 15, no.3 – Allesandro Rolla (1757-1841)

  • Allegro
  • Andante-Tema di Caraffa, Andantino
  • Rondo-Presto

About the Artists…

A graduate of Indiana University, Pamela Davis is Assistant Concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony, and Concertmaster of the Springfield Regional Opera and Taneycomo Festival Orchestras. After years of teaching public school music and private violin lessons, Pam recently retired from nine years as an administrator, having earned her Masters and Specialist degrees from MSU. Before moving to Missouri, she performed in the Florida Symphony, the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico, the Midland Symphony, the Traverse Symphony, the Las Vegas Symphony, the Nevada Chamber Orchestra, and the Serenata Trio. Pam spent 14 years playing and touring with various entertainers in Las Vegas, such as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, and Henry Mancini, but her favorite musical moments are with Kirsten.

Kirsten Weingartner-Weiss holds music degrees from Illinois Wesleyan and DePaul Universities. She had performed as a member of  several orchestras throughout the Midwest, prior to landing in Branson,  where she made many of her fondest memories and friends in the 11 years she spent with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra.  Currently, Kirsten serves as a the principal violist for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the concertmaster for the Springfield Drury Civic Orchestra and is an active chamber musician.

Most recently, she has been busy taking Suzuki teacher training and has started her own private studio, where she teaches approximately 30 violinists and violists from ages 2-62.  Aside from her musical endeavors, Kirsten most enjoys spending time with her beautiful family,  running (slowly),  and making music and mischief with her dear friend, Pam.

Support Arts In The Branson Tri-Lakes Area All Season Long!

Click here to become a valued member of the Branson Arts Council.  It’s easy, and extremely affordable for individuals, students, families, and even businesses who appreciate the importance of the arts in our community and understand the positive impact they have on our future generations.

 

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Springfield Symphony Educates Students Through Music

On January 31st, 2017 the Branson Arts Council proudly presented the annual Young People’s Concert at the Hughes Brothers Theater in Branson, Missouri.

Under the direction of Music Director, Kyle Wiley Pickett, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra entertained and educated over 500 young students from across the Ozark Mountain area.

The students traveled to Branson to listen to live symphonic music and to gain valuable exposure to the elements of musical styles and eras. Area schools in attendance included, Taneyville, Dora Elementary, Shell Knob, Hurley, Hollister, Branson, Galena and Harrison AR.

Both school groups and home schoolers were treated to a musical journey lead by a young explorer, who introduced each of the musical selections.

The music was interspersed with entertaining facts about each composition. Musical instrumentation were explained, as were differences in musical styles.

The program was provided by the Branson Arts Council in cooperation with the Hughes Brothers Theatre.

See more pictures of this event on the Branson Arts Council Facebook Page, and while you’re there… please LIKE us!

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Pictures from Yes Virginia, The Musical

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