a cappella prestidigitation

Transcription

1 Gary Schanzer, Charles Dear, Peter Sachner, Doug Rollins, Mike Costantino, Dave Callahan, and John Carlson are the... a cappella prestidigitation mike@connartists.com

2 BI The Conn Artists is a highly acclaimed seven-member men's a cappella singing group based out of Fairfield, Connecticut. Pinning The Conn Artists to a single musical genre isn't possible they obstinately refuse to be classified as belonging to any one vocal style. They bristle at being labeled either "Doo-wop" or "Barbershop." "It's not that we have anything against those styles," says business manager Dave Callahan, "in fact we have a couple of killer doo-wop tunes in our core repertoire, but our goal is to master the large variety of musical styles that can be performed a cappella. Whether we're singing 'Gloria' (the doo-wop classic), a Sting or Doobie Brothers song, a folk ballad, or the seven-part 'Ave Maria', we want our audience to say Whoa, now THAT was great!" In fact, the group's repertoire is surprisingly diverse. They move with ease from Duke Ellington to madrigals to a haunting folk-ballad arrangement of seventies hit "Billy Don't Be a Hero." " "ur goal is to create true musical excitement through great vocal blend, dynamics, and lyrical phrasing," says musical director Michael Costantino. "ften that means defying an audience's pre-conceived notions of a cappella." Another surprising fact about The Conn Artists is that none of them is a professional musician. In fact, their list of occupations has a decidedly non-musical ring to it from attorney to financial planner to orthodontist. But they all have backgrounds in a cappella music, having sung with top collegiate groups, including the Princeton Nassoons, Princeton Tigertones, Williams ctet, Williams Ephlats, Trinity BMC, and the New Hampshire Gentlemen (UNH). They've even placed second in the New York regionals of the national a cappella competition Harmony Sweepstakes. The group's musical chemistry and camaraderie can be traced back to the fact that 5 of the 7 members were friends, classmates and fellow musicians at Greenwich High School. "We've been singing together on-and-off for 25 years now," says group founder Charlie Dear. "We know how to make music... its in our bones." The Conn Artists are a favorite of music-lovers throughout the region probably because each of their concerts features amazing a cappella music, plus a unique injection of comedy and satire that their audiences have come to expect.

3 TESTIMNIALS "Impeccable, musical, personable, and funny." -- David Johnson, Music Director, St. Paul's, Riverside "You guys were really first-class. I kept on saying to myself, these guys should be singing at Carnegie Hall" -- Galen Tate, Music Director, St. Thomas More, Darien "Thanks so much for stopping by and singing for us and with us. The guys really had a ball. You were a hit! What really came across was the performers that you are." -- Tony Andrade, President, The Coastal Chordsmen "Your product is magnificent. I mean, you guys are always in tune, blended and making real music." -- Tom Zimmerman, Basso "That arrangement of Take 5 is outrageous. It s hard to believe that voices can sing that kind of crazy jazz." -- Chris Reising, Jazz Musician and Composer "Wow! I can t believe I'd never heard you guys before. I'm a fan now." -- Dave Whalen, A Fan

4 Partial Repertoire List R C K S L W R C K J A Z Z 8th Ave. Shuffle Adrianna Consider Me Gone Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes Dream Lover Gloria Gotta Get You Into My Life Greatest Thing I Love My Boss Moondance Naturally nly ne Rock the Boat So In Love That's What I Like About You You nly Mean Everything to Me Zombie Jamboree Ain't No Sunshine Billy Don't Be A Hero Change in My Life How Deep Is Your Love? I Can't Make You Love Me I Can't Tell You Why n and n Please Since I Fell for You Whenever God Shines His Light Whole Lotta Lovin' Lost Worst That Could Happen Better Than Anything If I nly Had a Brain Luck Be A Lady Lucky So & So n the Street Where You Live Secret June Sephronia B S L W J A Z Z H L I D A Y S P E C I A L T Y Slap That Bass Take 5 Too Darn Hot Blue World Danny Boy Glocca Morra God Bless the Child Lovely Day Rainy Day September Song There Will Never Be Another You Where Is Love Winter's Night A Christmas Song Away in a Manger Greensleeves/Acres Have Yourself A Merry Xmas Please Come Home for Xmas Rise Up, Shepherd Simple Gifts Xmas Tree 3 Tenors Another Irish Drinking Song Do You Really Want to Hurt Me Lieber Bruder Men Scotsman Trout (No Doubt) A Parting Blessing Ave Maria Galbailly Farmer Happy Birthday Siyahamba Slender Small Love Star Spangled Banner

5 ACCLADES & ACCMPLISHMENTS Recordings First ffense Greatest Hits CD (Summer 2002) 7 Schmoes a Singing Holiday Mini "Shape" CD (Xmas 2000) Mike Costantino's arrangements, and The Conn Artists' recordings of, "All Things Considered" theme music aired several times on NPR Competitions 2 nd place in Harmony Sweepstakes NY Regional Championship Best Arrangement at Harmony Sweepstakes Top Five placement at second Harmony Sweepstakes appearance Repeat Engagements Summer 2005 marked the 6 th appearance by The Conn Artists at the St. Paul's summer courtyard concert series once again, this concert concluded the festivities The Conn Artists have performed for The Blockbuster Video holiday party for four consecutive years The Harmonic Convergence a cappella jamboree has been hosted by The Conn Artists once and attended by The Conn Artists five other times Regular performers for Greater NY Business Council annual meeting black-tie banquet in Sarasota, NY

6 CNCERT PHTS Here are some photos from our concerts.

7 ARTWRK The Conn Artists are known for presenting "theme concerts" with a twist. Here are some of the posters and postcards we've used to promote our events.

8 fine digital press photo