ÉLAN
Elon University vocal jazz (MUS 107-A) ~ Membership in élan is by audition only and is on an annual basis. The audition consists of a prepared solo of the student's choice, sight-singing and a "24-hour bug". The solo should be from the standard jazz or Broadway repertoire. The "24-hour bug" will be made available 24 hours before the audition time with specific instructions. élan performs literature from the jazz, Broadway and pop genres. Emphasis is on vocal technique, striving for artistry, style, performance practice, mic technique, studio technique and concepts regarding entertainment versus artistry. élan meets Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ 2:20-4:00PM.
DIRECTOR
Stephen A. Futrell is in his eighth year as Director of Choral Activities at Elon University, North Carolina. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music, studying with Dr. Eph Ehly, and the Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education from Louisiana State University. He has taught music in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and has held the position of Director of Choral Activities at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, Shepherd College and Southeastern Louisiana University. Futrell has held the position of Staff Conductor/Chorus Master with the Baton Rouge Symphony Association and has worked with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in the Arts in Education Program. He has conducted a variety of instrumental ensembles including jazz ensembles, chamber orchestras, and pit orchestras for musicals and ballet; as well as numerous choral ensembles of all types. As conductor, clinician and adjudicator, he has made appearances in twelve states and in Europe for instrumental and choral festivals and workshops. Futrell has over twenty-five years experience as a professional live and studio vocalist / trumpeter / writer / arranger / producer and as on-screen talent—performing extensively throughout the gulf coast region, the Kansas City metropolitan area, Chicago, Orlando and Nashville—and has worked internationally as a music producer for Dreamworks~SKG. Dr. Futrell made his European conducting debut in June 2002, appearing with the Sinfonia Dell—Arte di Arezzo at the Teatro Petrarca in Arezzo, Italy and has made appearances as a featured vocalist at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His most recent appearance as guest conductor was as conductor for the National Youth Choir April 2, 2006 at Carnegie Hall for Field Studies International. He has recently published modern performance editions of three Classical motets by Anna Amalia von Sachsen (1739-1807) through National Music Publishers. Futrell appeared as Associate Conductor/Chorus Master for the Aegean Verdi Festival on the Greek island of Lesvos, in June 2006.
