Will Lisa Bianconi win a Grammy ?

My client, Kurn Hattin Homes, has an extraordinary music teacher, Lisa Bianconi, who is now up for a Grammy Award for her exellence as a music teacher.

http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_23474260/grammy-award-kurn-hattin-rsquo-s-bianconi-becomes

Kurn Hattin Golf Classic Prizes

Glad to help them package a prize around the Capitol Steps, who will perform in Cambridge, MA on Thanksgiving weekend. https://kurnhattin.org/auction?__hstc=251794707.13c36b1a1f7265f6ced8d0ad695bd3a6.1353507929064.1369942926883.1371217372236.19&__hssc=251794707.2.1371217372236

Kurn Hattin Golf Classic in Brattleboro Reformer

http://www.reformer.com/sports/ci_23457422/cioffi-cota-evans-barile-win-fun-runs

TV Coverage: Kurn Hattin at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

http://www.wptz.com/news/vermont-new-york/burlington/Southern-Vt-school-plays-jazz-festival-for-first-time/-/8869880/20436778/-/myr8hb/-/index.html?fb_action_ids=10151540291014678&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151540291014678%22%3A180223692142538%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151540291014678%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Kudos to Kurn Hattin Music Director Lisa Bianconi

http://newenglandflame.com/kurn-hattin-homes-music-director-selected-for-grammy-music-educator-award-q-p2077-131.htm

Lisa Bianconi, Kurn Hattin Homes Music Director on the Road to a Grammy

Kurn Hattin Homes Music Director Selected for Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinals

WESTMINSTER, VT—Lisa Bianconi, Music Director at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, has been chosen as one of 217 quarterfinalists from across the U.S. for the first-ever Music Educator Award presented by the Grammy Foundation^® and the Recording Academy^®.  Bianconi was one of three Vermont music teachers chosen to move on to the quarterfinals round from a total of 30,000 nominations submitted from all 50 states.

The Grammy Music Educator Award was established to recognize current music educators from K-college, in both public and private schools, who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools. The award will have its inaugural presentation during Grammy Week in February, 2014.

Kurn Hattin Homes’ Co-Executive Director, Connie Sanderson, nominated Bianconi for the award. Sanderson said, “In her 28 years here, Lisa has had an immeasurable impact on our students’ lives. She doesn’t stop at teaching music; she helps them see music as away of life. Especially for children who are at-risk or in need, music provides a way for them to express themselves and to feel that they’re not alone. Lisa always finds a way to recognize and nurture each child’s talent; her program instills such confidence and self-esteem.”

Bianconi, who has been Kurn Hattin’s Music Director since 1985, is responsible for teaching general music classes, as well as directing the marching, jazz, and concert bands, and the beginning, select, and advanced choirs. She said, “It’s is an incredible honor to be nominated for this award. I’m very lucky to have such supportive, collaborative colleagues and to work at a place where music education is so valued. Many of the children here have not had opportunities to participate in music programs before, be it for financial or other reasons. It’s fantastic to see how brightly they shine when they are given that opportunity.”

This year marked several landmark performances for the Kurn Hattin Select Choir under Bianconi’s direction, including appearing on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster and winning top children’s gospel performer in Western New England public television member station WGBY’s “Together in Song” choral competition. The Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble will also perform at the Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington, VT on June 4.

Music has played an essential role in life at Kurn Hattin since the school's beginnings over a century ago. Today, all 105 students participate in one or more aspects of the music program, and all students in grades 4-8 learn and perform on band instruments. The children perform over thirty public concerts in an academic year, and Kurn Hattin also hosts annual invitational concerts attended by jazz bands and choruses from area schools. 

Established in 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vermont is a charitable, year-round home and school for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who are affected by tragedy and social or economic hardship. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org

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The VT Commons Profiles Kurn Hattin's "Together In Song" Journey

The Commons, a weekly paper covering Brattleboro, did a fabulous feature on the Kurn Hattin Homes
singers journey from audition to final performance in "Together In Song".

http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=7532&page=1#.UZuaIc1fxaU

Media Relase: Kurn Hattin Homes Horsemanship Clinic

DATELINE: May 20, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com

Horse and Rider Become One at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children

WESTMINSTER, VT| Riders and horse enthusiasts from all over New England converged at Kurn Hattin Homes’ Westminster campus last weekend for the Two-As-One-Horsemanship® Clinic, presented by renowned horse trainers and riding clinicians Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard of Middletown, NY. The Two-As-One philosophy, developed by Jeffreys and Sheppard, focuses on teaching riders steps toward better communication with their horse, improved connection and partnership, and a higher degree of harmony between horse and rider, resulting in enhanced riding performance.

Event organizer, Sara Stine is the Director of Kurn Hattin’s therapeutic riding program. Stine said she was glad to be able to share Kurn Hattin’s facilities with the public, and to give others a sense of the type of programming the school offers. “This is a different kind of riding instruction. It’s about building trust and respect with the horse, and seeing things from another perspective.” “There are a lot of parallels with what we do with our children here at Kurn Hattin,” added riding program volunteer Caryl Richardson, “It’s the idea of bringing out the best in someone by treating them with kindness and respect.”

Workshop participant and lifelong rider, Patty Winter, works as a physical therapist at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, Vermont. “There are immense therapeutic benefits to working with horses, both physical and emotional,” Winter said, “There’s an amazing sense of confidence that comes from learning how to communicate with this animal that’s so much bigger and stronger than we are. What we’re learning here today is such an important part of riding.”

Clinic presenters Suzanne Sheppard and Bob Jeffreys travel extensively giving workshops and sharing their expertise on the human-horse relationship. They made the connection with Kurn Hattin Homes several years ago when Sheppard met Sara Stine at training workshop for riding instructors. Sheppard said the pair was pleased to be invited back to Westminster. “We have a common mission with Kurn Hattin in helping people (and horses) be successful and confident. I think there’s a wonderful energy here that’s the result of helping to bring out the best in children, despite their circumstances.”

Established in 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vermont is a charitable, year-round home and school for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who are affected by family tragedy, or social or economic hardship. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org

High-resolution downloadable photos of this event are available at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/sets/72157633510667876/

Kurn Hattin's "Spring Fling"

http://www.ibrattleboro.com/events/2013/apr/fun-whole-family-kurn-hattins-spring-fling

Help Kurn Hattin Sing Out on Together in Song

The big night for the live performance is this Sunday, April 28, 7PM.

If you're in Springfield, MA, watch the Kurn Hattin Select Choir perform live at the Paramount Theatre at 7PM.

If you're near a TV, watch the show live on WGBY.

If you're near a computer, stream it. Information at wgby.org

Help Kurn Hattin become an audience favorite. Remember KURN. Text it to WGBY during the broadcast.

Details here.  http://togetherinsong.wgby.org/

Kurn Hattin and Together In Song

from The Brattleboro Reformer:

http://www.reformer.com/ci_23101675/kurn-hattin-choir-makes-lsquo-together-song-rsquo

How Kurn Hattin Made it to Together In Song

An incredible video with Kurn Hattin music director Lisa Bianconi and the kids in the choir.

https://kurnhattin.org/news/352-kurn-hattin-select-choir-chosen-to-perform-in-live-showcase-finale-of-wgby-tv-choral-competition-series-together-in-song

IBrattleboro: Kurn Hattin's Sunday Appearance on Together in Song

http://www.ibrattleboro.com/sections/music/kurn-hattin-select-choir-chosen-perform-live-showcase-finale-wgby-tv-choral-competiti

Kurn Hattin Media Release / Together In Song Finale

DATELINE: April 18, 2013
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:
    Jaimie Scanlon
    Rapt Creative
    (W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
    jaimie@raptcreative.com



Kurn Hattin Select Choir Chosen To Perform in Live Showcase Finale of WGBY-TV Choral Competition Series, "Together in Song" on Sunday, April 28

WESTMINSTER, VT.—The Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir has been chosen as one of nine regional choruses to appear on the finale of the WGBY public television choral competition series, “Together in Song” on Sunday, April 28. After reviewing the performances of 36 adult and children’s choirs in various categories over four weeks, the judges announced their final selections April 16th. The 40-member ensemble from Kurn Hattin was selected for their competition entry in the children's gospel category. “Together in Song”, now in its third season, is produced and aired by Public Television member station WGBY in Western New England. The children will perform live on stage at the season finale showcase on Sunday, April 28 at 7PM  at the Paramount Theater, 1700 Main Street, in Springfield, MA. The showcase performance will be broadcast live on WGBY.

The Kurn Hattin Select Choir, directed by Lisa Bianconi, is the first Vermont chorus selected to compete in the “Together in Song” series, which highlights non-professional children’s and adults' choirs in various musical genres. The children taped their performance at WGBY's studios in early February, and their selections aired on the show's season premiere on March 23. The 36 groups competed in nine categories according to age and musical genre. Kurn Hattin's selection as a Showcase Performer was determined by a combination of judges' scores and audience votes.

Bianconi, Kurn Hattin's music director since 1985,  said, "This year in particular has been an amazing adventure for our students." Last fall, the choir performed on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster at the Bellows Falls, VT Opera House. Earlier this month, Kurn Hattin’s best-known musical alumnus, jazz trombonist Dick Nash, returned to the campus to mentor students and share his talents in the school's Annual Jazz Invitational, which included performances by some of the most talented jazz ensembles in northern New England.

The live "Together in Song" showcase performance, hosted by Springfield Symphony Orchestra maestro Kevin Rhodes, will feature the nine selected ensembles, each representing one competition category. For  further information on Together in Song and broadcast venues, visit togetherinsong.wgby.org.

Tickets for the Together in Song Showcase live are priced $50 for cafe patron seating, $20 for general admission, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For ticket information: 413-781-2801 or togetherinsong.wgby.org.

WGBY, Public Television for Western New England is a community-supported public broadcasting organization affiliated with PBS. For information on WGBY’s programs and services: wgby.org.

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit kurnhattin.org.

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High-resolution photo downloads of the Kurn Hattin Select Choir are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8423805455/sizes/l/in/set-72157633270180422/
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8424940568/sizes/l/in/set-72157633270180422/

Kurn Hattin Recipient of Rite-Aid Grant

http://newenglandflame.com/kurn-hattin-homes-receives-rite-aid-foundation-grant-to-support-uninsured-c-p1702-131.htm

More on Kurn Hattin and Together In Song

https://kurnhattin.org/news/352-kurn-hattin-select-choir-chosen-to-perform-in-live-showcase-finale-of-wgby-tv-choral-competition-series-together-in-song

WGBY Press Release on "Together In Song"

For Immediate Release: Contact: Myrna Flynn 413-781-2801, ext. 258; mflynn@wgby.org www.twitter.com/myrnaflynn

WGBY Announces Choirs to Perform at Live Showcase

Judges and viewers selected local singers of all ages for April 28 season finale.

Springfield, MA -- April 17, 2013 – After watching 36 adult and children’s choirs sing in various categories over four weeks, judges and viewers have selected just 9 of the groups to perform at the Together in Song Live Showcase on April 28. Here are the names of the ensembles along with the number of members in each:

Hampshire Young People’s Chorus Chamber Singers (43), Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir (25), Edward P. Boland Elementary School Chorus (37), Deerfield Academy Chamber Singers (5), Pioneer Valley Chordsmen (13), Amherst Regional High School Chorale (25), Mak’hela: The Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts (40), The University of Massachusetts Chorale (100) and Lyrics (48).

Performance categories include gospel, secular classical, sacred classical, pop/doo-wop, folk/world and barbershop.

Kevin Rhodes, conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will host WGBY’s live production from Springfield’s historic Paramount Theater on Sunday, April 28 from 7-9:00pm. In addition to singing individual pieces, the choirs will perform together during the finale. They will sing the “Together in Song” theme composed, just for this event, by esteemed local musician Clifton “Jerry” Noble.

Reserve your seat for the Live Showcase at the Paramount Theater now! Tickets may be purchased online at www.wgby.org/togetherinsong or by calling 781-2801, ext. 247. We look forward to seeing you as we continue to celebrate the rich choral tradition of western New England.

About WGBY

WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community-supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other through national PBS programming and locally produced series and specials. With four digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region’s most accessible community institutions, providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. WGBY is available over the air on digital channel 57-1 and on cable throughout western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut and can be seen in high definition in western Massachusetts at Comcast 857, Time Warner 1807, Charter 782 and over the air on channel 57.

Recap: Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational

DATELINE: April 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com

Generations of Musicians Swing the Night Away at Kurn Hattin's 6th Annual Jazz Invitational

WESTMINSTER, VT| Jazz performers of all ages convened at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children on Wednesday, April 10th for a demonstration of both rehearsed and improvisational musical virtuosity. The annual event, held at Kurn Hattin's campus in Westminster, featured performances by select youth jazz ensembles from around the area. Among this year's special guests was world-renowned trombonist and Kurn Hattin alumnus, Dick Nash. The 85-year-old Nash was visiting his alma mater in order to take part in the concert and mentor students in the Kurn Hattin music program. Also on hand was the Keene Jazz Orchestra, led by accomplished tenor saxophonist, Scott Mullett. Master of Ceremonies was Eugene Uman, Artistic Director of the Vermont Jazz Center. Admission to the concert was free with canned goods collected by the Kurn Hattin Student Council for donation to the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls.

Participating youth groups included jazz ensembles from Bellows Falls Union High School, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, Northfield Mount Hermon, Vermont Academy, and the Vermont Jazz Center.

Kurn Hattin Music Director, Lisa Bianconi, was thankful for the enthusiasm of the participants. "This concert has inspired and changed the lives of many people - myself included. I cannot express my gratitude for the hard work of the students and everyone who participated. I am confident that everyone in attendance will be bringing a bus load of people to this event next year!"

Guest of honor Dick Nash beamed, "To meet and perform with these students has touched me. Kurn Hattin has changed my life again."

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit  www.kurnhattin.org.

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NOTE to the media: High-resolution photos of this event are available for download below:

Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Children, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8642641437/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656407120/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Eugene Uman on Piano, Scott Mullett on Saxophone, Dick Nash on Trombone, Steve Cady on Upright Bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8653138546/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble brass section, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8652052865/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Kurn Hattin Homes for Children Jazz Ensemble Saxophone solo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8652067863/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble at 2013 Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8653176156/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8652080225/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble members entering Higbie Auditorium, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8651996901/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Co-Executive Director Tom Fahner, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8642616183/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational Rehearsal with Dick Nash, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8643806422/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Dick Nash and kids conversing at Rehearsal, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8643368986/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Henry Mancini/Dick Nash Album autographed for Kurn Hattin, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8642254203/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656407912/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Vermont Academy Director Steve Cady on upright bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656393700/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Dick Nash, Lisa Bianconi, and Eugene Uman, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656434008/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Eugene Uman Master of Ceremonies, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656451466/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Dick Nash and Scotty Tabachnick, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8656455208/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Dick Nash Trombone, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8655851833/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Keene Jazz Orchestra with Scott Mullet, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8655927343/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Tom Fontaine and Father Harlow conferring on lights, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8655926495/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Director Ron Smith, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8657022814/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Vibraphone soloist, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8655918419/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble Guitars and percussion, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurnhattin/8655915493/sizes/l/in/set-72157633229797502/

Jane Brody at Kurn Hattin

Vermont Public Radio interviewed New York Times columnist Jane Brody, who speaks on issues of aging on 4/16/13 at Kurn Hattin Homes. Her appearance is part of Westminster Cares. http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/98141/jane-brody-encourages-end-life-planning/

NY Times Columnist Jane Brody Speaks at Kurn Hattin Homes

Under the auspices of Westminster Cares.

http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=7326&page=1#.UWW88s1fxaU

http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_23000099/nyt-columnist-speak-at-kurn-hattin