Curriculum Vitae
Steven A. Mitchell
[email protected]
www.stevensong.net
As a musician and teacher for more than 30 years, I have come to understand that music, and music education, are basic to the intellectual and social development of young children; the inclusion, acceptance and confidence of teens; the exploration of communities and cultures around young adults; and the understanding, connection and optimism of our adult population. It is truly lifelong learning - and life affirming! I am a talented artist and proven leader ready to use my skills, experience, and partnerships to impact my ensembles, my organization, and the broader community through connection, collaboration, facilitation, and inspiration.
Work experience - Conducting & teaching
Director of Choral Music, Kingswood Oxford School, West Hartford, CT 2016 – Present
Oversee and direct all Middle School choral ensembles (Choraliers, Cantabile) and a cappella groups (Octopipers, F2B), serve as faculty advisor, direct Upper School ensembles (Concert Choir, Voce Novissima, Oxfordians), Musical Director for annual Upper School musical
Minister of Music and Arts, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT 2000 – 2015
Direct the Sanctuary Choir, plan and develop worship services, children’s music, adult studies in art, drama and music, art installations, Arts & Spirituality Retreats, community collaborations, Neighborhood Parade Project, production/marketing of Concert Series and Music for Humanity events
Minister of the Arts, Coral Gables Congregational Church, Coral Gables, FL 1992 – 1999
Direct the Chancel Choir, worship development, children’s music programming, adult studies in art, drama and music, Summer Concert Series, staged theatrical events, and art installations
Classroom Teacher: Chorus, Drama, Television Production, Cutler Ridge Middle School, Cutler Bay, FL 1985 – 1993
Co-founded the Ridge ARTS Program, multi-disciplinary arts education, Dade County Public School System
Additional Music & Arts Work Experience
Co-Founder and Technical Director, NightFall, Hartford, CT 2012 – Present
Developed original concept; collaborator on annual performance theme and script; develop stage and technical backline and Front of House; work with Department of Public Works and City park personnel to develop site-plan and footprint; supervise load-in, installation and operation of lighting and sound support
Choir Director and Cantorial Soloist, Congregation Beth Israel 2002 – 2014
Rehearse and direct professional choir for the High Holy Day observances. Work with Cantor and Rabbi to identify and program worship music.
Private Voice Instructor & Vocal Coach 1995 – Present
Work with youth and adults on vocal technique, vocal health, repertoire development, and performance/audition preparation
Projects and Achievements
Hartford Symphony Orchestra “Celebrate America” Concerts, 2013 & 2015
Guest Conductor and Guest Choir and at the Talcott Mountain Music Festival - Collaborated with HSO personnel on programing and logistics for a 50 voice choir to perform at this outdoor concert event which draws more than 8,000 people
Connecticut ACDA Conference – Featured Choir, President’s Concert, 2014
The Sanctuary Choir of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, under the direction of Steve Mitchell, was invited to perform on the President’s Concert at the state ACDA Conference - the only church choir to receive such an honor
Duke Ellington Sacred Concert, 2014
Collaborative concert event with 3 predominantly black churches in Hartford’s North End and Asylum Hill Congregational Church featuring the sacred music of Duke Ellington, a full jazz band, 110 singers, soloists and tap dancer. Raised $14,000 for the Greater Hartford YMCA
Music for Humanity, 2012 - 2015
Established endowed fund to present live, high-quality concert events for the Hartford Community in partnership with local community service organizations. Concert expenses covered by endowment while ticket sale proceeds are passed directly to area service organizations. Raised more than $60,000 to date.
Asylum Hill Neighborhood Parade Project, 2009 - 2015
Hire local artists and assemble volunteer team to work with neighborhood residents to create parade apparatus, costumes and puppets from donated and recycled materials for use in neighborhood parade
Asylum Hill Concert Series, 2000 - 2012
Community Concert Series featuring local and national talent – Contract artists, hire and oversee technical vendors, market full series and individual events, coordinate press coverage, ticket sales management and volunteers
Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival, 2001-2015
Producer/Director of annual Epiphany event (now in its 49th year) with volunteer production team, cast and crew of more than 250, professional musicians, dancers, live animals, and community arts organizations. Five shows with nearly 5,000 total attendance
Hartford Cares Community Concert – Producer/Director, 2008
In cooperation with Leadership Greater Hartford, invited and collaborated with Hartford arts and cultural organizations to present a concert and candlelight vigil in Bushnell Park. Participants included the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Artists Collective, Sankofa Kuumba, Conga Bop, area churches and synagogues, and local spoken word and visual artists.
Co-Founder and Instructor, Ridge ARTS Program, Cutler Ridge Middle School, Miami, FL, 1987-1993
Multidisciplinary Arts Education model combining art, music and drama students for intensive instruction and performance opportunities across their respective disciplines. Recognized by the School Board Journal and Executive Educator Magazines as “one of the 25 most effective educational programs in North America”
Skills and related experience
Choral Music:
Experienced and skilled conductor – choral and orchestral music
Public school, Church music ministry, and Festival Director experience
Effective across ages, experience and development – elementary, middle school, high school, college and adult ensemble experience
Extensive and diverse repertoire of choral & vocal music: standard classical repertoire, world music, jazz, pop, and musical theater
Knowledge and understanding of vocal pedagogy – vocal health, changing voice, passagio, mixed voice, “belting”
High-energy rehearsal presence with high expectations for quality music making
Tour and travel experience – from field trips, to concert runouts, to regional and international concert tours
Production and Programs:
Program Development and Budgeting – collaborated on overall organizational budget ($2 million+) and managed departmental expenses and revenues in excess of $250K annually
Event Management - contracting artists and vendors, scheduling and calendaring of events with appropriate lead times, marketing runs, load-in and load-out, and facilities management
High level working knowledge of audio and video systems and components – full audio systems, lighting control systems and fixtures, meeting room technology (projectors, computers, smart boards) and simple sound reinforcement
Vendor Relationships: Sound engineering, lighting systems, backline and rental needs. Working professional relationships with Snow Sound, Ace Audio, Connecticut Audio and Theatrical Supply, Show Lighting, Northern Lights, Connecticut Stage, Rockwell Communications
Marketing:
Event Marketing – Concept and design of seasonal Concert/Event Brochures; Media Campaigns: print media, radio spots, email and electronic marketing, press releases; “pitch” and resource feature stories and photo/TV opportunities; Maintain relationships with local media contacts in an ever-changing information environment.
Graphic Design – identify, hire, collaborate and supervise graphic artists in the design of marketing campaigns including posters, flyers, email, print ads, and social media
Electronic Ticketing System training and execution/ Electronic Marketing Systems and database management – Vendini.com
Leadership:
Supervision of Staff Team – two full time reports and 8 part-time reports. Annual reviews, hiring and release as needed
Team Building – develop clear vision and purpose, celebrate common goals, and implement change processes when needed
Meeting planning and execution – agendas, goals, minutes, responsibility delegation and follow up
Active, collaborative and enthusiastic member on a multidisciplinary team
Interpersonal communication – learning other people’s stories; understanding their passions and motivations
Collaborations and Partnerships – “Feet on the street” interaction: face to face/hand in hand
Public Speaking and presentation – comfortable in large and small settings
Excellent writing skills – reports, proposals, brochure copy, press releases, constituent communications and email
Fundraising:
Grant writing and awards – Aetna Foundation, Greater Hartford Arts Council, The Roberts Foundation, Knox Foundation, and Evelyn Preston Fund
Grant panelist/review experience – Dade County Cultural Affairs, Greater Hartford Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts
Donor cultivation and communication
Administrative:
MS Office Suite – including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Google suite – shared documents, sites, sheets
Website construction and management – Weebly, Wix
Audio/Video Editing – Audacity, iMovie
Working knowledge of Constant Contact and Mail Chimp email distribution systems
Experience with Civi CRM database management
Collaborations and Partnerships
Hartford Symphony Orchestra; American Federation of Musicians Union Local 400; Artists Collective; Spectrum In Motion Dance Theater Ensemble (founding board member); Sankofa Kuumba (arts and culture of the African Diaspora); Asian Performing Arts (Chinese dance and cultural art); Afro-Semitic Experience; People of Goodwill World Music Ensemble; Hartford Jazz Society; Sea Tea Improv (Hartford-based theatrical improv company); YMCA of Greater Hartford; Boys and Girls Club on Asylum Hill
Houses of worship: Asylum Hill Congregational, Faith Congregational, Immanuel Congregational, Union Baptist, Metropolitan AME Zion, Congregation Beth Israel, Center Church, Amistad UCC, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick - St Anthony
EDUCATION
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Graduate Assistant in Choral Conducting 1993/94
Founding Director, UM Men’s Chorus
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Bachelor of Music Degree - Music Education
1985
Hobbies and interests
Performing musician/singer (classical, musical theater and jazz); Theater goer and supporter; painting and photography (my own); museum rat; cooking and eating; fitness and health (see cooking & eating); World travel with my partner; NPR geek
[email protected]
www.stevensong.net
As a musician and teacher for more than 30 years, I have come to understand that music, and music education, are basic to the intellectual and social development of young children; the inclusion, acceptance and confidence of teens; the exploration of communities and cultures around young adults; and the understanding, connection and optimism of our adult population. It is truly lifelong learning - and life affirming! I am a talented artist and proven leader ready to use my skills, experience, and partnerships to impact my ensembles, my organization, and the broader community through connection, collaboration, facilitation, and inspiration.
Work experience - Conducting & teaching
Director of Choral Music, Kingswood Oxford School, West Hartford, CT 2016 – Present
Oversee and direct all Middle School choral ensembles (Choraliers, Cantabile) and a cappella groups (Octopipers, F2B), serve as faculty advisor, direct Upper School ensembles (Concert Choir, Voce Novissima, Oxfordians), Musical Director for annual Upper School musical
Minister of Music and Arts, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT 2000 – 2015
Direct the Sanctuary Choir, plan and develop worship services, children’s music, adult studies in art, drama and music, art installations, Arts & Spirituality Retreats, community collaborations, Neighborhood Parade Project, production/marketing of Concert Series and Music for Humanity events
Minister of the Arts, Coral Gables Congregational Church, Coral Gables, FL 1992 – 1999
Direct the Chancel Choir, worship development, children’s music programming, adult studies in art, drama and music, Summer Concert Series, staged theatrical events, and art installations
Classroom Teacher: Chorus, Drama, Television Production, Cutler Ridge Middle School, Cutler Bay, FL 1985 – 1993
Co-founded the Ridge ARTS Program, multi-disciplinary arts education, Dade County Public School System
Additional Music & Arts Work Experience
Co-Founder and Technical Director, NightFall, Hartford, CT 2012 – Present
Developed original concept; collaborator on annual performance theme and script; develop stage and technical backline and Front of House; work with Department of Public Works and City park personnel to develop site-plan and footprint; supervise load-in, installation and operation of lighting and sound support
Choir Director and Cantorial Soloist, Congregation Beth Israel 2002 – 2014
Rehearse and direct professional choir for the High Holy Day observances. Work with Cantor and Rabbi to identify and program worship music.
Private Voice Instructor & Vocal Coach 1995 – Present
Work with youth and adults on vocal technique, vocal health, repertoire development, and performance/audition preparation
Projects and Achievements
Hartford Symphony Orchestra “Celebrate America” Concerts, 2013 & 2015
Guest Conductor and Guest Choir and at the Talcott Mountain Music Festival - Collaborated with HSO personnel on programing and logistics for a 50 voice choir to perform at this outdoor concert event which draws more than 8,000 people
Connecticut ACDA Conference – Featured Choir, President’s Concert, 2014
The Sanctuary Choir of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, under the direction of Steve Mitchell, was invited to perform on the President’s Concert at the state ACDA Conference - the only church choir to receive such an honor
Duke Ellington Sacred Concert, 2014
Collaborative concert event with 3 predominantly black churches in Hartford’s North End and Asylum Hill Congregational Church featuring the sacred music of Duke Ellington, a full jazz band, 110 singers, soloists and tap dancer. Raised $14,000 for the Greater Hartford YMCA
Music for Humanity, 2012 - 2015
Established endowed fund to present live, high-quality concert events for the Hartford Community in partnership with local community service organizations. Concert expenses covered by endowment while ticket sale proceeds are passed directly to area service organizations. Raised more than $60,000 to date.
Asylum Hill Neighborhood Parade Project, 2009 - 2015
Hire local artists and assemble volunteer team to work with neighborhood residents to create parade apparatus, costumes and puppets from donated and recycled materials for use in neighborhood parade
Asylum Hill Concert Series, 2000 - 2012
Community Concert Series featuring local and national talent – Contract artists, hire and oversee technical vendors, market full series and individual events, coordinate press coverage, ticket sales management and volunteers
Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival, 2001-2015
Producer/Director of annual Epiphany event (now in its 49th year) with volunteer production team, cast and crew of more than 250, professional musicians, dancers, live animals, and community arts organizations. Five shows with nearly 5,000 total attendance
Hartford Cares Community Concert – Producer/Director, 2008
In cooperation with Leadership Greater Hartford, invited and collaborated with Hartford arts and cultural organizations to present a concert and candlelight vigil in Bushnell Park. Participants included the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Artists Collective, Sankofa Kuumba, Conga Bop, area churches and synagogues, and local spoken word and visual artists.
Co-Founder and Instructor, Ridge ARTS Program, Cutler Ridge Middle School, Miami, FL, 1987-1993
Multidisciplinary Arts Education model combining art, music and drama students for intensive instruction and performance opportunities across their respective disciplines. Recognized by the School Board Journal and Executive Educator Magazines as “one of the 25 most effective educational programs in North America”
Skills and related experience
Choral Music:
Experienced and skilled conductor – choral and orchestral music
Public school, Church music ministry, and Festival Director experience
Effective across ages, experience and development – elementary, middle school, high school, college and adult ensemble experience
Extensive and diverse repertoire of choral & vocal music: standard classical repertoire, world music, jazz, pop, and musical theater
Knowledge and understanding of vocal pedagogy – vocal health, changing voice, passagio, mixed voice, “belting”
High-energy rehearsal presence with high expectations for quality music making
Tour and travel experience – from field trips, to concert runouts, to regional and international concert tours
Production and Programs:
Program Development and Budgeting – collaborated on overall organizational budget ($2 million+) and managed departmental expenses and revenues in excess of $250K annually
Event Management - contracting artists and vendors, scheduling and calendaring of events with appropriate lead times, marketing runs, load-in and load-out, and facilities management
High level working knowledge of audio and video systems and components – full audio systems, lighting control systems and fixtures, meeting room technology (projectors, computers, smart boards) and simple sound reinforcement
Vendor Relationships: Sound engineering, lighting systems, backline and rental needs. Working professional relationships with Snow Sound, Ace Audio, Connecticut Audio and Theatrical Supply, Show Lighting, Northern Lights, Connecticut Stage, Rockwell Communications
Marketing:
Event Marketing – Concept and design of seasonal Concert/Event Brochures; Media Campaigns: print media, radio spots, email and electronic marketing, press releases; “pitch” and resource feature stories and photo/TV opportunities; Maintain relationships with local media contacts in an ever-changing information environment.
Graphic Design – identify, hire, collaborate and supervise graphic artists in the design of marketing campaigns including posters, flyers, email, print ads, and social media
Electronic Ticketing System training and execution/ Electronic Marketing Systems and database management – Vendini.com
Leadership:
Supervision of Staff Team – two full time reports and 8 part-time reports. Annual reviews, hiring and release as needed
Team Building – develop clear vision and purpose, celebrate common goals, and implement change processes when needed
Meeting planning and execution – agendas, goals, minutes, responsibility delegation and follow up
Active, collaborative and enthusiastic member on a multidisciplinary team
Interpersonal communication – learning other people’s stories; understanding their passions and motivations
Collaborations and Partnerships – “Feet on the street” interaction: face to face/hand in hand
Public Speaking and presentation – comfortable in large and small settings
Excellent writing skills – reports, proposals, brochure copy, press releases, constituent communications and email
Fundraising:
Grant writing and awards – Aetna Foundation, Greater Hartford Arts Council, The Roberts Foundation, Knox Foundation, and Evelyn Preston Fund
Grant panelist/review experience – Dade County Cultural Affairs, Greater Hartford Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts
Donor cultivation and communication
Administrative:
MS Office Suite – including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Google suite – shared documents, sites, sheets
Website construction and management – Weebly, Wix
Audio/Video Editing – Audacity, iMovie
Working knowledge of Constant Contact and Mail Chimp email distribution systems
Experience with Civi CRM database management
Collaborations and Partnerships
Hartford Symphony Orchestra; American Federation of Musicians Union Local 400; Artists Collective; Spectrum In Motion Dance Theater Ensemble (founding board member); Sankofa Kuumba (arts and culture of the African Diaspora); Asian Performing Arts (Chinese dance and cultural art); Afro-Semitic Experience; People of Goodwill World Music Ensemble; Hartford Jazz Society; Sea Tea Improv (Hartford-based theatrical improv company); YMCA of Greater Hartford; Boys and Girls Club on Asylum Hill
Houses of worship: Asylum Hill Congregational, Faith Congregational, Immanuel Congregational, Union Baptist, Metropolitan AME Zion, Congregation Beth Israel, Center Church, Amistad UCC, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick - St Anthony
EDUCATION
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Graduate Assistant in Choral Conducting 1993/94
Founding Director, UM Men’s Chorus
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Bachelor of Music Degree - Music Education
1985
Hobbies and interests
Performing musician/singer (classical, musical theater and jazz); Theater goer and supporter; painting and photography (my own); museum rat; cooking and eating; fitness and health (see cooking & eating); World travel with my partner; NPR geek