Carolina Planos Music Director, St. Thomas the Apostle School Miami, FL April 25, 2008 I wanted to thank you and MidAmerica for such an amazing experience. Everything was very organized and very well planned. I truly feel that my choir girls will never forget this weekend! You should feel very proud of the complete performance. Please give my regards to everyone at MidAmerica for a job well done! Thank you once again, and I hope to be able to come again in the future! Back to top
Margaret Cornils Professor of Flute University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI April 24, 2008 I want to "thank" ... everyone at MidAmerica Productions for making my debut at Carnegie Hall such an incredible experience. Your commitment to quality, your calm confident and excellent manner in concert operations, and your personnel made this experience one I will never forget. Frankly, I was truly impressed. I look forward to working with you in the future...it has truly been a joy. Back to top
Brian T. Wolfe Director of Bands, Rincon/University High School Tucson, AZ April 22, 2008 I just wanted to take a second and thank you all for such a wonderful experience for my students and staff. The level of professionalism by all the MidAmerica staff was outstanding and the performance at Carnegie was a positively life changing experience for my wind ensemble. I couldn't be happier with the entire trip and package that MidAmerica provided for our group while in New York City. Back to top
C. Myron Flippin Conductor, North Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra Fayetteville, AK April 12, 2008 It truly was an awesome experience for the students of the North Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra to participate in the MidAmerica Productions Ensemble Spotlight. For many of these students it was a once in lifetime event and they will always remember it in a positive and exciting manner. I will never forget the expressions on their faces when we hit the first big chord on stage. That was worth all the efforts I personally put into this trip and concert! I wish to convey to you my deepest appreciation and gratitude to you and all your staff... They are all consummate professionals and you are indeed fortunate to have such fine associates on your staff. Please see that they receive my warmest thanks and regards for their cooperation and assistance. I look forward to working with MidAmerica again. Thanks for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall! Back to top
Patricia Setser Conductor, Winnetonka Symphonic Band Kansas City, MO April 11, 2008 My Carnegie experience was the highest quality imaginable. Your company provides everything they promise and the professionalism is world class. Back to top
Joyce Hibser Director, Vero Beach High School Concert Choir Vero Beach, FL April 10, 2008 ...the performance in Carnegie and our trip to NYC was a success with my ... nine little students. Those nine had a life changing experience. Two of them who were not quite so motivated before have now become so. A little tenor whose changing voice has made him incredibly shy, has opened up and really started to concentrate and really sing... I genuinely appreciate the opportunities I've had. Thanks again for everything. Back to top
Philip Posey Conductor, Kansas City Wind Symphony Prairie Village, KS April 10, 2008 ...I didn't want the week to go by without thanking you for everything you did to make the appearance of the Kansas City Wind Symphony in Carnegie Hall a great success. You and your staff did a marvelous job... Performing on the Carnegie stage and in the hall was overwhelming and wonderful. I have no suggestions, just ultimate praise! Back to top
Michael J. Anderson Conductor Chair, Department of Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL February 26, 2008 I have been to Carnegie Hall on two previous occasions and I have always been impressed by the MidAmerica people, their kindness, and attention to detail. But this time, because I needed to be concerned about everything that happened in rehearsal and on stage, my admiration grew exponentially! Everyone was enormously helpful and supportive; great communication, simple registration, careful monitoring of rehearsals, the supplying of continuous concrete information, even to getting people to the right buses. The professional colleagues were outstanding...all were first rate! (And coming from Chicago I know first rate.) I thank you and your staff for the truly remarkable program you have put together. You provide an outstanding opportunity for many young people to fulfill one of their dreams. Back to top
Nick Page Composer, conductor Melrose, MA November 28, 2007 It was a joy to be at Carnegie Hall and a joy to work with a fine orchestra, but the greatest joy for me is always working with amazing singers. I thank you and I thank everyone at MidAmerica for providing this opportunity for so many. Everyone on your staff clearly cares very much for each individual singer and I speak for everyone when I say that it is greatly appreciated. Back to top
Joan Litman Former Music Director, Mustard Seed School Current Choral Director, United Nations International School New York, NY September 18, 2007 The opportunities that MidAmerica Productions provides are true investment in the artistic life of young people, and the future of the arts in this country and abroad. Parents...still glow when they speak of the concerts their children were included in years and years ago. Back to top
Tracy Resseguie Music Director, Shawnee Mission East High School Chorus Shawnee Mission, KS August 21, 2007 I just wanted to say again thank you so much for the opportunity you gave to me and my students. Not in my wildest dreams when I set out 20 years ago to teach music did I ever imagine that something like that would happen. I dedicated myself to this call of making human beings the best they could be. I have always accepted that call and have done what I can through music to help make that happen... I want you to know that I think you all do a wonderful thing for so many people. No one will ever be able to tell me that the lives on that stage that day will not forever be changed, including mine. The most I could hope for as a high school choir director is that I touch people lives in such a way that... when life does get hard, and we all know that it does, these experiences will give them the strength and the ability to see that there is much more there than just the toughness, but the beauty of what this world has to offer. I thank you for this gift and will never forget the magic that happened that night, the magic of what music can do for us all. Back to top
Dr. Jonathan Ng Music Director, Catalina United Methodist Church Tucson, AZ August 18, 2007 The reason that I wrote to you is that I would like to express my appreciation to you and your staff members. The whole experience with MidAmerica Productions was superior to my expectation! The conduct of your staff members is so professional. The whole process from the very beginning till the end was well organized. I understand it is an extremely complicated process whenever you involve a big group of people let alone traveling together. However, our experience was nothing but enjoyable and smooth! Back to top
Merle Moore Director, West Valley Children's Chorus Litchfield, AZ June 25, 2007 I would like to offer an enthusiastic thank you from myself and all the members of our choir and parents. The program and performance was totally awesome and our kids were thrilled with the experience. Most significant for me personally was having two of my grandchildren singing in the performance with me. Paisley, my 17 year old, stood right in front of me in the concert. It was thrilling for me. Please pass onto the staff at MidAmerica our thanks and congratulations for an outstanding program. Back to top
Jan Neisess Director of Music and Worship Arts, New Summit Presbyterian Church Lee's Summit, MO June 19, 2007 The whole time in NYC was filled with unexpected delights along the way that were absolutely magical and... well, there are not words. I cannot thank you enough for the gift of trust in allowing me to put together a choir—we had built a great camaraderie coming into it which was further strengthened each day. I am still excited by the joy it was to sing under your direction in NYC! Back to top
Ms. Jan D'Annunzio Manager, Piedmont High School Chorus Piedmont, CA June 5, 2007 Sara–please pass along to your colleagues what a glorious experience our NY trip was! Your organization did a first rate job on EVERYTHING. There was absolutely NOTHING we would have changed! We LOVED having the kids rehearse at the Hilton, we loved the location of the Hilton, and the kids loved John Rutter. When they came out of the first rehearsal on Saturday, I asked some of them, "How was the rehearsal?" and to a person they said "Good". From teenagers who usually complain about such things, I was shocked! The concert was magical and we had many parents in attendance who were awed and thrilled to be there. Back to top
Dr. Paul T. Plew Chairman, Music Department, The Master's College Santa Clarita, CA June 3, 2007 Thank you for the kind note and for the opportunity to conduct at Carnegie. You have a fabulous team of people at MidAmerica. They are certainly a "cut above". They represent you, your organization, the art of music, and the City Of New York in a remarkable manner. My time with you was pure joy. Back to top
Nancy P. Fleming, DMA Professor of Music Choir Director, Hendrix College Conway, AZ May 31, 2007 I am writing to thank you for all you did to make our performance with John Rutter last weekend so enjoyable and so successful. The students and I had a great time, and we were all impressed with how smoothly the arrangements were carried out. I also appreciate your patience with my many questions and my pre-concert jitters about the Beethoven semi-chorus. Back to top
Ms. Jean Ashworth Bartle Director, Toronto Children's Choir Toronto, ONT Canada May 30, 2007 Thank you Peter. MidAmerica, under your direction, has gone from strength to strength! Congratulations for having the courage to undertake it all. You have given many conductors and countless singers unparalleled opportunities and all of us are grateful. All good wishes for continued success...and a great summer season in the Aegean!! Back to top
Dr. Terry Russell Chair-Performing Arts Department Director of Choral Activities Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA May 29, 2007 The professional yet personal approach everyone associated with MidAmerica takes is greatly appreciated, especially in light of the large number of participants with whom you work. Please accept my genuine thanks for everyone's assistance and attention to detail, particularly on such a busy and event-filled Memorial Day concert weekend. Back to top
Mark Hayes Composer, Conductor Kansas City, MO May 29, 2007 It was an honor for me to conduct in that hall. I was pleased with the performance as well. I am especially grateful that you agreed with my choice of repertoire. I love composing for large chorus and orchestra and I can think of no better place than Carnegie to premiere my compositions. Back to top
Dr. C. Charles Clency Professor of Music and Director of Choirs College of Lake County Grayslake, IL May 25, 2007 Thank you for providing a stimulating cultural opportunity for our students. The experience represents for them a memorable one they will never forget. Others will treasure this as their first experience away from Illinois and, in particular, to New York City. The singers are already inquiring about the possibility of returning next year. Back to top
Steve Accatino Director, Ygnacio Valley High School Band and Orchestra Concord, CA May 21, 2007 I know that you have dealt with literally hundreds of groups through the years, but each time that we come to New York, we are made to feel special, as though we are the only group with whom you are dealing. I want to thank you for your part in bringing our trip to fruition. This truly was an amazing experience that my students and I will never forget. Back to top
Stephanie Gramm Vocal Music Director Sunnyslope High School Phoenix, AZ March 13, 2007 The trip to New York and being part of such a great performance at Carnegie Hall reminded me how much I love my students, how much I love music, and that music really does change people! I have told everyone since our return last Monday that I feel truly blessed to have been a part of such an experience. Thank you for inviting us, for encouraging me to go for it, and for inspiring me to continue to strive for greatness! Back to top
Daniel Sass Director of Music, Chapel 1 Fort Bliss, TX February 14, 2007 Having heard of the wonders of the Carnegie Hall experience, we now can attest to our pleasures first-hand! THANK YOU to all associated with this experience. Dr. Holmquist is a treasure—she took our admittedly-aged singers and treated them gently, "growing" them into satisfactory singers enjoying a first-rank musical performance. The "handling" of our group by all others mentioned above was also on this par—again, THANK YOU. Back to top
Jill Harrison Tour Manager, Shawnee Mission East High School Chorus Shawnee Mission, KS February 13, 2007 The trip could not have been better for our kids—performing at Carnegie Hall and getting a standing ovation will be something they will remember all of their lives! I think they were simply awestruck when they stepped onstage, but just got stronger and stronger as they sang. The cruise was also great-a perfect way to end the day. Back to top
Daniel Trevino Director, University High School Chorus Irvine, CA July 28, 2006 Thanks for the card and I hope MidAmerica's season was a success. Our second trip with you was amazing. Working with Jonathan Babcock was memorable and a highlight of the trip. Both the students and the parents were thrilled with the concert, the hotel, and of course NYC... Your staff was very helpful, especially Joyce Howard. I am always amazed how you all handle the millions of things that come up with each group. Thanks again for helping make this an unforgettable experience for my students. Back to top
Beryl MacLeod Chair – Toronto Youth Orchestra Toronto, ONT Canada June 14, 2006 I don't need to tell you what a joy and privilege it was for us to enjoy the Carnegie Hall experience, and on behalf of our entire organization, I can't thank you and MAP enough for the flawless and professional execution of your program. Back to top
Elaine M. Saulnier Former Music Director: Carondelet High School, Concord, CA and Saint Mary's Church, Mansfield, MA Current Music Director: Holy Redeemer Church, Palm City, FL June 15, 2005 My choir and I thoroughly enjoyed our time working with John Rutter and performing the Brahms Requiem at beautiful Carnegie Hall on Memorial Day weekend. Back to top
Dr. David L. Brunner Professor of Music, University of Central Florida Orlando, FL June 1, 2005 It was great being in New York again this weekend on the Carnegie Hall series. Thanks for all you did behind the scenes to ensure the success of our performance. As always, it was a pleasure. Back to top
Dr. John Burge Director, School of Music Queen's University Kingston, ONT Canada April 8, 2005 I just wanted to write and thank you again for such a wonderful weekend in New York. The performance of Angel's Voices was beautifully realized and Mary Alice did a wonderful job getting as much music as she did out of the singers. I know that all the choirs involved in the performance were quite excited. There is obviously something overpowering about hearing your children sing in Carnegie Hall and many parents who attended the concert spoke of being moved to tears in the final movement of my work. Back to top
Barbara Clark Director, Ottawa Regional Youth Choir Ottawa, ONT Canada April 5, 2005 The organization of the rehearsal times, the group placements and the various activities associated with the event were all handled most professionally and the added opportunity to join the audience for the portion of the concert conducted by John Rutter was icing on the cake! My young singers appreciated your rehearsal techniques and were individually enriched by the occasion to sing in Carnegie Hall under your direction. They were most eager to share details of their adventure at the next full choir rehearsal. I think there were more than a few who wished they had been able to be part of the trip. Back to top
Mary Segall Director of Choirs, Paradise Valley High School Phoenix, AZ April 4, 2005 Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience with you that I had and my students experienced. The 11 parents that attended the concert were absolutely enthralled. The rehearsals were great and the performance was a once-in-a-lifetime for us all. Thank you very much for making this opportunity available to us. This gave us all a greater appreciation of wonderful, dramatic Beethoven, a premier building of America to sing in, and of the great city of New York. Back to top
Robby Daniels Director, Quitman High School Chorus Quitman, MS March 31, 2005 Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to you for allowing me and my students this wonderful musical opportunity. Words I can use to describe you and our experience are: professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and "the Best"! The opportunity to sing under the baton of John Rutter...priceless! Everyone that went on this journey loved the fact that he wrote these two works, rehearsed with us, and conducted them in a most amazing hall, Carnegie Hall. Please know, in my opinion, there is no other way to get to New York City and the world famous Carnegie Hall other than through MidAmerica Productions. This is because of the superior job that you do! Back to top
Dr. Michael Allard Director, Porterville Combined High School Orchestra Porterville, CA May 30, 2004 I wish that all of you at MidAmerica could watch the enthusiasm created in a community such as ours for the year preceding a concert in Carnegie Hall with MidAmerica. Students are coming out of the woodwork to participate in our program at all levels. The town council, school board, parents, and community members are bonding together to support the students' efforts to reach New York. The school administration has given us an upgraded rehearsal site in anticipation of our preparation, and has granted me additional time to prepare the group. We will also meet evenings each week next year to prepare. While I did not have 50 players last year, I anticipate at least 50 in September. Back to top
Scott R. Buchanan Director of Choral Activities Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN April 21, 2004 I wanted to send you a brief note of thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with MidAmerica again. Our students here at ISU have been relishing the memory of their solo performance, as well as their mass choir experience with John Rutter. It is my hope that the Indiana State University Concert Choir lived up to the standards and expectations for which MidAmerica is known. I want you to know (although I am already sure you do!) that your staff is extremely professional and a pleasure with which to work. Events such as yours are so difficult to do well and your people pull it off time after time. Please pass along my appreciation. Back to top
Mary Alice Stollak Director, Michigan State University Children's Choir East Lansing, MI 2-Time Grammy-Award Winner May 1, 2003 What a fine, rich musical experience your organization provided for me and for the choristers who sang last week's performance of the Jager I Dream of Peace! Your invitation gave us the gift of experiencing something much bigger than ourselves: something wonderful that took collaboration and working TOGETHER. Far too few of our children (and too few adults) have the opportunity to engage in an activity that results in the inspiration of others. It is only the commitment and dedication to excellence and creation of beauty that allows this to happen. MidAmerica Productions' positive spirit and the dedication of the entire MAP staff inspired me and inspired the children-for this I give you my heartfelt thanks. Back to top
Jean Romig Director of Music, Trinity Lutheran Church Leavenworth, KS February 4, 2003 We all have lifetime memories of our trip and have shared that with our church family and community. Please know how much the work you do to make these opportunities available to musicians throughout the country is appreciated. All of the members of the Trinity Lutheran congregation wish you the very best. Back to top
Dana Self Director of Vocal Music Lindbergh High School Saint Louis, MO November 15, 2002 Once again, MidAmerica Productions has by far exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Sara, for all your assistance in ensuring a trip that my students will never forget! Back to top
Frank J. Palermo Organizing Director, San Jose Symphonic Choir San Jose, CA July 1, 2002 I personally wish to thank each of you, for your efforts in making our visit to New York, and appearance in Carnegie Hall a memorable one. On a scale of 1-10, certainly it deserves a 10...If there were any glitches it was not of your doing, but mine...Having been to this event, now for the third time, things can change...First Norman, let me say that the rehearsals were great, well organized and productive. The ladies...who had to sit for the rehearsals and the concert, really appreciated the extra attention they got... On behalf of our members, I wish to thank you all for making this concert, and visit to New York, an unforgettable experience in their "musical life". Back to top
Elaine M. Saulnier Former Music Director: Carondelet High School, Concord, CA and Saint Mary's Church, Mansfield, MA Current Music Director: Holy Redeemer Church, Palm City, FL June 6, 2002 I am so grateful to MidAmerica Productions for providing such an opportunity whereby adolescents can experience the wealth of the choral repertoire and interact with a distinguished composer/conductor such as John Rutter. I prefer this experience for my students rather than a Choral Competition. In this way, every student who arrives for the rehearsals and performance prepared wins... And to give a quality performance at Carnegie Hall, how wonderful is that? Back to top
Paula K. Norwine Former Director, Oak Harbor High School Vocal Music Department (retired) Oak Harbor, OH May 23, 2002 The MidAmerica concert was the most educational experience and my students without exception loved it. Back to top
William Sand Director, Connecticut Symphonic Band January 22, 2002 This letter has two purposes. First to thank you for the opportunity and to tell you how much we appreciate being able to perform where all the great musicians have stood over the last 100+ years. We had a great time and the experience will become one of the most memorable experiences in our lives. The second reason for writing is to tell you what a positive experience it is working with your staff. On numerous occasions I spoke with Norman Dunfee, Molly Waymire and Lesligh Walters. They all stayed on my case to make sure everything went smoothly and each one handled his/her responsibilities with complete accuracy and the utmost in professionalism. It was a real pleasure working with them. Back to top
Charlene Larson Professor of Music, Northeast Alabama Community College Rainsville, AL June 13, 2001 Everyone on your staff is a genius! I do not know how you continue to negotiate so many singers and events. We are so fortunate to be part of the Carnegie Hall magic. Thank you! Back to top
John L. Lamkin Director of Music, First United Methodist Church Fullerton, CA June 11, 2001 From the very beginning your organization showed how professional and competent you are at what you do. My choir had a wonderful experience in New York and it was because you were well organized and provided everything you promised…and more. My group will never forget the experience. Back to top
John Paul Johnson, Ph.D. Professor of Music Director of Choral Activities Southwest Texas State University San Marcos, TX June 15, 2000 I was pleased with the weekend, the experience for the singers, the orchestra, and ultimately, mostly pleased with the concert. That the focus upon "performance" and "we" turned into "crisis" and "we" made me appreciate many things: the quality of the work of my singers and of Paula, Jane and Paul the marvelous orchestra the challenges of our art the fact that my score study was important the fact that I really did use the stuff I learned in those expensive degrees the organization of MidAmerica and of Tzell the joy my singers experienced all five days (worth it all) the kindness of you, Norman and Joyce and how lucky I was to have been asked to conduct this event Back to top
Judy C. Reed Choral Director, Early High School Early, TX July 29, 1997 I could recommend MidAmerica Productions without reservation to any group seeking such a company. The benefits I and my students have received are immeasurable and on-going. I am able to make comparisons because of dealings with other companies in the past, and I can say with some amount of authority that MidAmerica personnel have treated me with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. Back to top
Steven Carstenson Choral Director, Ankeny High School Ankeny, IA July 15, 1997 We have appeared in Carnegie Hall as a part of MidAmerica Productions' Concert Series three different times. The caliber of musical experience for our students has been very high on each occasion. The trip, especially the rehearsals and concert, have had a very positive effect on our vocal music program in Ankeny. We plan to perform in the Carnegie series again in the future. Back to top
Georann G. Whitman Choral Director, Shawnee Mission South High School Shawnee, KS July 10, 1997 Thank you for making the musical experience of a lifetime happen for me and my students! Your assistance and support in the "nuts and bolts" organization of the New York trip was invaluable-it made an overwhelming task into an attainable goal. Carnegie Hall...What a rush! Thanks again! Back to top
Edward J. Dalton Choral Director, Lakeland Regional High School Wanaque, NJ July 8, 1997 ...MidAmerica Productions epitomizes the highest level of professional organization and aesthetic standard! Back to top
David Schripsema Bradford Symphony and Chamber Orchestra Kenosha, WI June 26, 1997 MidAmerica Productions' Carnegie Hall experience was the most rewarding in the history of the Bradford Orchestra. We worked hard to give the best performance we could to follow the great artists who have performed in this great hall. Peter Tiboris and his staff are a first class act which cannot be beat by any other performing arts agency. Everything went like clockwork from the time we set foot on the airplane to our return. The organization and accommodations were superb in every respect. Back to top
Dr. Gary Ebensberger Professor of Music, University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX May 12, 1997 I have had the pleasure of participating with MidAmerica Productions in both New York and in London. The musical experience for my students was outstanding—one they will never forget! I have always found MidAmerica personnel to be highly organized, efficient, and helpful to both me and my students. I know of no other program in the United States which offers such an outstanding opportunity for performance in world-class concert halls with prominent conductors from around the world. MidAmerica concerts represent an endeavor well worth the time, money, and effort of any high school, university or community choir. Back to top
Jan Pressgrove Choral Director, Del Rio High School Del Rio, TX April 30, 1997 We recently made our second trip to Carnegie Hall via the marvelous group at MidAmerica! What an opportunity for our group it has been to prepare and perform musical greats while under the direction of such people as John Rutter and Peter Tiboris. Always quality, always friendly, and so organized there is never a moment's worry. Your students will remember this choice opportunity forever! Back to top
Anne R. Tornillo Director, Trumbull High School Concert Choir Trumbull, CT February 30, 1997 Our dealings with MidAmerica Productions have been nothing but positive! In November 1996, the Trumbull High School Concert Choir had the privilege to work with Jonathan Willcocks who is a consummate musician, extremely professional and all-together delightful. It has also been a pleasure to deal with the professional staff of MidAmerica…they have been extremely helpful and consistently pleasant. It is also impossible to describe in words the thrill of performing at Carnegie Hall!
