Artistic Direction

CAROL MENKE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Choral conductor and lyric soprano Carol Menke began her musical studies at the piano with her mother at age five, and at age eight started flute lessons.  She entered college with aspirations of a career as a flautist.  However, participation in a voice class led to recognition of her superb vocal gifts.  Study with Professor Gwen Curatilo nurtured Carol's appreciation of the glorious lieder repertoire.  Following graduation from CSU, Chico, attendance at the Franz Schubert Institute in Baden Bei Wien, Austria, confirmed her passion for the Art Song genre.  The young singer was heard in performance many times at the Schuberthaus in Vienna during this period of study with Elly Ameling, Jorg Demus and Norman Shetler.  Ms. Menke later completed her Master's Degree in Vocal Performance.  She studied with Alden Gilchrist for many years and credits her cherished mentor with her extensive knowledge of the Art Song repertoire.  Her performances have won the accolades of music critics and orchestral conductors who have commented on her "silvery bright ... illuminating voice" and "appealing sweetness of tone."  Her repertoire is vast, covering works extending from medieval times to the present; and her expertise in performing difficult, diversified repertoire has made her the soloist of choice for many composers and conductors.  Upon hearing her perform one of his newly composed chamber works, the renowned composer Alan Hovhaness acknowledged and praised her "perfect musicianship." Carol maintains a full schedule as teacher and choral conductor in addition to her illustrious solo engagements. At Santa Rosa Junior College she teaches voice and music theory classes.  The Santa Rosa Children's Chorus has thrived and achieved high praise during Ms. Menke's tenure as Artistic Director.  Her leadership of the St. Cecilia Choir at the Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa as well as Cantiamo Sonoma, a distinguished chamber choral ensemble, has served to enrich the musical environment of the area.

CLAIRE FRYDENLUND, THEORY INSTRUCTOR

Claire has been singing as long as she can remember.  She grew up in the Santa Rosa Children's Chorus for 8 years and is intimately acquainted with every aspect of the program. She has been a choral singer for most of her life, starting in the SRCC and continuing throughout high school and college. She was honored to be invited to the 1999 ACDA National Convention with the Santa Rosa High School Chamber Singers in Chicago, IL and traveled with the Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus to British Columbia and Italy. She was also a member of the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, and a student-run jazz choir at California State University, Chico.  She has been singing with Cantiamo Sonoma since her return to Santa Rosa in 2002.  She is also a member of Church of the Incarnation's St. Cecilia Choir. Claire is the Parish Administrator at the Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa, and she greatly enjoys spending time with her 4 1/2 year old son, Scott.

CATHE KILER, PIANIST

Cathe Kiler studied music, piano and voice at San Francisco State University and Dominican University in San Rafael.  Over the last 35 years, she has accompanied church choirs, community choruses, school choirs, school musicals, and various vocal and instrumental soloists. Currently Cathe is employed as Music Director at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma, where she works with three different choral groups.  Her home is in Novato, where she lives with her husband, daughter Brianna, and golden retriever, Vivian. Cathe joined the SRCC staff in September 2010.