GENERAL PRESS RELEASE  (Date)
FOR RELEASE WEEK OF:

The Collecting Consort will be performing at the ___________(location) in___________(city) on _______________(date) at _______(concert time)  

The Collecting Consort, Anne and Gary Wakenhut, are best described as a “warmly sensitive and skillful duo“ who combine music and story to entrance and entertain their audiences.  Their simplicity and gentle humor provide a soothing contrast for today’s complex world.  The Consort’s musical blend of Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, whistle, wood and pan flutes is creatively combined with narration and story.

Their performance will be entitled “Music and Messages With Meaning ”.  A montage of familiar folk, classical, and contemporary music will be skillfully blended with stories, poems, drama, sound effects, and narration.  This program has been created to entertain, educate, entrance and inspire the creative imaginations of all children, six to sixty.

The Wakenhuts bring an interesting history to their performances.  For 30 years, they worked with adults and children in the creative media of education and personal development.  In 1985, they combined their professional work with their interests in music, drama, story telling, history, and creativity to form the Collecting Consort.  Their unique combination of interests and talents has attracted audiences in excess of 200,000 people, ranging in age from kindergartners to senior citizens.   Governors John Engler and Jennifer Granholm have recognized their role as ambassadors of Michigan for their presentation, “Michigan’s Heritage”, which has been shared with audiences throughout the United States. 

The Collecting Consort has released 16 recordings with international recognition for their moving and emotionally sensitive qualities. This unusual approach to music and recording has resulted in sales of over 150,000 CDs and cassettes. They have also been featured in the Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Program and Michigan's Great Outdoors Culture Tour.  .

Their latest creations can be found at www.collectingconsort.com. In addition to their innovative audio greeting cards, their website also features live audio broadcasts of music and stories.   

For further information about the Collecting Consort’s performance call  (presenter’s name and phone #).

If a SHORT STATEMENT is needed for programs, advertising, etc. use one of the following (always include at least our name and “Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer” in your copy as these instruments draw audiences well):

     The Collecting Consort, Anne Wakenhut, Celtic harp, Gary Wakenhut, hammered dulcimer, whistle, wood and pan flutes, provide a creative and entertaining approach to music and story.

The Collecting Consort, Anne Wakenhut, Celtic harp, Gary Wakenhut,
hammered dulcimer, whistle, wooden and pan flutes, blend stories
and music from traditional to contemporary…transporting you to
distant times and places.

Press Release: Message of Hope (Hurricane Relief Volunteer Mission) _________ (Date)

Click here for articles, photos, more information etc. from our mission

For release week of _________

Certified Music Practitioners, Anne and Gary Wakenhut will present their program, "Message of Hope" at _______________________(location)  on __________(date) at ________ (time).

"Message of Hope" documents their three week volunteer mission in New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana this past December.  The Wakenhuts will use photos, stories and live music to document this special experience.

Anne and Gary are Certified Music Practitioners and provide live music for healing and transition.  When they heard about the high incidence of suicide and depression in New Orleans following Katrina, they felt their music might provide some respite for the residents.

The Wakenhuts were amazed by the faith and dedication of the residents and volunteers they met in the Gulf Coast area.  Deciding they needed to share this experience with others, they have prepared "A Message of Hope".  This program documents their trip by combining stories of their experiences, photos and live music featuring the Celtic harp and Irish flutes.

Stories, photos and other information about their mission and the work of the Collecting Consort can be found at their website, www.collectingconsort.com

For further information about "The Message of Hope" program and the Wakenhuts' work, contact _______________ (name) at _______ (phone #).

Include additional information from General Press Release if desired.