National Endowment for the Arts FY 2017 Fall Grant Announcement

Spire Chamber Ensemble
$10,000 Kansas City, MO
To support artist fees and travel costs for a performance project. The chorus will premiere a recently
commissioned oratorio by American composer John Muehleisen titled "But Who Shall Return Us Our Children? -
A Kipling Passion." In partnership with the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, as well as
Local Veterans of Foreign War Chapters, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and local high school choirs in
the Kansas City Public Schools, the project will explore the context of England's entrance into World War I and
the historical account of the death of Lieutenant John "Jack" Kipling during the 1915 Battle of Loos. Composer
Muehleisen will participate in rehearsals, interviews, and community engagement activities.
Spokane Symphony Society (aka Spokane Symphony)
$10,000 Spokane, WA
To support a collaborative community engagement program with the Spokane Indian Reservation. The project,
titled Music Heals, is inspired by the words of a Spokane Tribal Elder: "We won't heal until we all remember to
sing, drum, and dance." The intergenerational program, under the direction of Music Director Eckar Preu will
bring together students in the Wellpinit School District, Spokane Tribal Elders, and the community through
music education in traditional instruments and interactive performances with the orchestra at Martin Woldson
Theater at the Fox in Spokane. The orchestra also will perform on the grounds of the Spokane Tribe for a
collaborative concert with students performing on hand-made flutes and drums alongside members of the
orchestra for the community.
St. Catherine University (aka St. Kate's) (On behalf of The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium)
$15,000 St. Paul, MN
To support The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium's 20th anniversary Women of Substance performance series. Two
musicians with Minnesota roots, jazz composer and orchestra leader Maria Schneider and guitarist Sharon Isbin,
will be engaged for performances and multi-day residencies. Schneider's musical program will include selections
from her Grammy-winning recording "The Thompson Fields." Her residency will encompass a master class and
public discussion for participants from partner organizations such as the The Dakota Foundation for Jazz
Education, KBEM Jazz Radio, and St. Paul music schools with jazz studies programs. Isbin will be teaming up with
Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard for a concert featuring Spanish works for guitar and voice.
Artist residency activities may include a master class, a school visit, lecture/demonstrations, and a public
discussion with members from partner organizations such as The Schubert Club, El Centro Tyrone Guzman, and
Project Success.
St. Louis Children's Choirs (aka SLCC)
$10,000 St. Louis, MO
To support a performance and community engagement project. Through the project titled Serving St. Louis
Through Song, communities of Greater St. Louis will be engaged through concerts in elementary and middle
schools, language immersion schools, the St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center, the St. Louis Children's Hospital,
and residential care facilities for senior citizens. Pre- and post-concert learning exercises, as well as interactive
experiences with audiences, will augment the concert experience at applicable locations.
St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble, Inc. (aka Orchestra of St. Luke's)
$15,000 New York, NY
To support Orchestra of St. Luke's Subway Series of free chamber music. The orchestra will present ensembles of
its musicians in hour-long performances throughout the city, featuring repertoire of chamber music from the
Some details of the projects listed are subject to change, contingent upon prior Arts Endowment approval. Information is current as of
December 7, 2016.