Collecting Consort concerts are an unique experience. One of our presenters described our performance as a total emotional massage. We entertain and educate with a sensitive blend of music, drama, stories, nature sounds, and narration. Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, keyboard, flutes, whistles, and other woodwinds, deliver appealing musical arrangements.

In addition to the traditional airs and laments, we will apply a few jigs, mazurkas, and polkas just to make sure everyone’s tastes are satisfied. Don’t be surprised if you find a little Bach or Chopin thrown in with Broadway show tunes along with a contemporary composition by one of our composer friends.

Verbal introductions to each selection are designed to enhance the experience of the listener.  We also include a few stories, poetry and other readings for added meaning.  

The experience is designed to paint pictures of past memories, touch the warmest of emotions, and maybe present some interesting concepts, perceptions, or ideas.

You can expect to find the addition of gentle nature sounds we have recorded around Michigan. These will be creatively mixed with story and music.

Due to our extended experience with all age groups from pre-school to senior citizens, we are well equipped to pick music and stories that will appeal to any age group. Language, content, and presentations are always changing depending upon the desires, capacities and needs of our audience. (click here to link to school assembles and workshops)

MUSIC AND MESSAGES WITH MEANING

Our new concert program for this year was debuted at Battle Creek’s "Midnight on the Creek" on New Years Eve and was very well received due to its informative, inspirational, historical, and patriotic themes.

Similar to our other concerts, we feature a wide variety of stories and readings along with the usual Collecting Consort music performed sensitively on the Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, whistles, and flutes.  We will share the story behind the "Star Spangled Banner", along with readings of the "Gettysburg Address", Shel Silverstein’s "Unicorn Song", and Eugene Field’s "Wyken, Blyken, and Nod" (recorded on "Meditative Readings").  You will also find a hilarious version of Garrison Keeler's "The Old Man Who Loved Cheese"

 Music will vary from the Peruvian "El Condor Pasa", George Gershwin's classic jazz melody, "Summertime" to a Celtic jig or two.  Light classical and contemporary music will be added for a good mix giving the audience an entertaining and meaningful experience.

MICHIGAN'S HERITAGE

This Collecting Consort favorite follows Michigan’s history from the Ice Age and the Native Americans to the present. Along this trip, we creatively utilize stories and folk music to represent the important ethnic groups who have made Michigan what it is today. In addition, you will discover the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, experience the storm that inspired “How Great Thou Art” and meet Henry Ford talking about his first car.

Please note our “Michigan’s Heritage” recording features the music included in this concert.

THE SPIRIT WITHIN

This program explores music and stories that document and reveal their spiritual significance in many different ways. Of course, we feature some of the favorite old hymns along with classical music inspired by the Christian church. In addition you will find Native American music, Jewish folk melodies, and other traditional melodies that are guaranteed to move your “Spirit Within” Several of the selections from our “Spiritual Essence” and “Reverence” recordings are featured.

MUSIC, A FORM OF EXPRESSION

Are you aware of the many ways you can experience music? Did you know it can tell a story? How about painting a picture like a landscape or a portrait? It can also set a mood, recall pleasant old memories, or alter your feelings. This “music therapy” concert is emotionally moving and educational.

THE NATIVITY ACCORDING TO JOSEPH

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to experience the happenings surrounding the nativity from Joseph’s perspective?   Join him as he recalls the events, his feelings, and his responses from the time he discovers the pending birth until he leaves Jerusalem with his new family to escape King Herod.  Favorite traditional carols played by the Collecting Consort add emotional depth to this unusual perspective.

THE AMERICAN CHRISTMAS

This program features Old World carols accompanied by stories that were brought here to the New World by the European immigrants. Learn about the history of Santa Claus, and the stories behind “Silent Night” and “I Wonder as I Wander”. Musical selections are taken from our “American Christmas” and “Season’s Greetings” recordings.

YOU PICK THE TITLE

If you have a group that has specific interests, or you wish to celebrate a special date or holiday, we can do an original program for you. For example, you may request a specific theme such as Celtic, Irish, American, etc. We also work with spiritual themes around religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Lent, etc. and our eclectic experiences in Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, United Church of Christ, and Congregational organizations have been extended to programs for Catholic and Jewish congregations. So, if you have an idea, let us know, and we will welcome the creative opportunity to explore it with you.

MYSTERY TRIPS

Imagine traveling with your group of senior citizens, church or service group to an unknown destination. You leave the highway for a short trip on a country road and turn into a long driveway covered by oak, basswood, pine and cedar. Stopping to let the deer cross, or waiting for the wild turkeys to abandon the thoroughfare, you realize you are entering a unique experience.

Your destination reached, you leave your vehicle to be awed by the view of Big Brimmer Lake and the valley below. Inside, you discover you are guests in our home and recording studio. After exploring all the antiques, plants, instruments and sound recording equipment, you are comfortably seated by the fireplace. While watching the bird feeder and the panorama of the changing seasons, your own personal concert introduces you to the Collecting Consort music and stories.

After your informal concert, you are served homemade cookies with coffee or tea. We extend our hospitality by answering your questions and appreciate your comments about our creative ventures and its impact upon you.

This experience can be available to any group. We suggest a limit of 40 participants. Call us for details