Tilikum Choir Community
Our Mission:
Building community and creating joy; fostering quality singing through commitment, rehearsal and performance. The Tilikum Choir Community is a group of interested and enthusiastic singers, most of who are from the Portland Metropolitan area.
Tilikum Choir is directed by John Baker and Amber Schroeder. Our singing year ranges from 2-4 terms, depending on the literature selected. This year we will have 2 major projects. We'd love for you to join us!
Requirements are:
*The ability to match pitch and blend within a choral setting. Anyone needing help with matching pitch will have an opportunity to study privately (at the singer's expense) and return for a voice check when they feel ready.
*Attendance at most rehearsals and concerts
*Fees: $150 per term or $250 per year if paid by the Fall Kick-Off. We hope YOU will consider joining us in the Tilikum Choir Community!
*Rehearsals: Tilikum Choir Community rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Milwaukie Lutheran Church, 3810 SE Lake RD, Milwaukie, OR 97222.
**************Terms & Concerts***************
Fall Kick-Off-Sunday, October 1, 2023, “Half-Day Retreat”: 1 pm-4 pm; BBQ & Potluck will follow the rehearsal
Fall/Holiday Term Rehearsals: October 3-December 19; Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm *No rehearsal on Halloween (10/31)
*HOLIDAY Concert- Vivaldi's "Gloria" & Holiday Favorites, featuring a Choralaire Christmas Revival
Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
**********************
Spring Term 2024-Rehearsals: February 20-May 7, Tuesdays 7:00-8:30
No Rehearsal during Spring Break, Tuesday, March 26, 2024
*SPRING Concert- The Beatles and Choral Gems of the 1970's WITH Northern Arizona University's Chamber Ensemble, "Shrine of the Ages Choir" AND Sam Barlow H.S. Choir
Monday, May 13, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
***********************
*Questions/Contact: John or Sandy- johnbakerchoir@gmail.com
John Baker is the Artistic Director of Tilikum Choir Community, Milwaukie Lutheran Church Choir and the former Artistic Director of Pacific Youth Choirs. John was the choir director at Rex Putnam H.S. for 32 years, during which time the A Cappella Choir and Choralaires performed at state, regional and national ACDA and MENC Conventions. In 1993, he and his wife, Sandy, founded the North Clackamas Children's Choir, a program which continued for 15 years with approximately 125 singers in 3 choirs. Mr. Baker has served as a guest conductor/clinician for honor choirs, workshops, and retreats in Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Montana, Canada, Alaska and Thailand.
Amber Schroeder, a native of Gresham, Oregon, received her Bachelor’s degree in 2001 and a Masters of Education in 2005, from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, where she participated in the award winning PSU Chamber Choir under direction of Dr. Bruce Browne. She also recently finished a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.
Amber's teaching career has focused on choral music education in the Portland area, serving school and church choirs aged Elementary through Adult. She currently serves as a Choral Director with Tilikum Choir Community, Sam Barlow High School, Choro in Schola, and Pacific Youth Choir. Choirs under her direction have performed at events throughout the Northwest, including the Oregon Music Educators Association Conference. An active member in Nafme, OMEA and ACDA, Amber currently serves on the boards of multiple non profit organizations that benefit music and education. She regularly adjudicates for music events held in Washington and Oregon and works as a clinician for honor choirs and retreat settings.
She has been a featured soloist with Milwaukie Lutheran Church, Tilikum Choir Community and First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon (Ruby Bridges Suite-Darrel Grant). She can also be seen singing at local hot spots around the Portland area. She loves partnering with friend and musician extraordinaire, Kit Taylor, and has worked with him on multiple projects around town and in the recording studio. Deeply rooted in her hometown, Amber recently won the "Best Teacher" award, which is voted on by members of East County where she resides with her husband Jeff and their children.
