Since 1968, the small community of Martha’s Vineyard has supported a wonderful choral group through the regional high school. The Minnesingers was founded by director Tom Mills. Robert Nute took over in 1970 and directed the group for 29 years. Mr. Nute built a singular group with a tradition of excellence, service and community pride. The group began competing (and winning) locally, and traveling to Europe to represent the Vineyard. The illustrious Janis Wightman brought the group into 2018 and the celebratory 50th Anniversary celebration, during which we identified 658 alumni and gathered 175 individuals on island for a gala performance celebrating the continuation of what is such an important part of people’s experience in high school. Mrs. Chandler took over in 2018, and hopes to shepherd the group out of the pandemic to be better and stronger. Here is just a sampling of what we do!
- Every year, the Minnesingers perform as part of Christmas in Edgartown at the Old Whaling Church on Main Street in what has become a must-do to kick off the holiday season. Ahead of this show, we do a concert tour to local elderly housing facilities and churches for folks who might not be able to come out for the show.
- Members of the Minnesingers participate in the All-Cape Festival, South East Music Festival, and MMEA All-State Festival. During April of 2023, we sang at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) competition where we won a silver medal.
- Every other year, we travel to Europe for a once-in-a-lifetime concert tour experience. This trip is a great opportunity to meet new people and perform gorgeous music in some of the most amazing places on earth. We have sung at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kilkenny, Ireland, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Cordoba Cathedral in Spain, St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, and countless other amazing places. We have hiked Arthur’s Seat and biked Italy’s lakes region, had a private falconry lesson in the Highlands of Scotland and seen the world’s great museums. Best of all, we have performed with local school choirs and formed life-long friendships.
Being a member of this group helps students learn many skills beyond musical. Passion for the art of singing gives spark to their performances, but as important is the code of conduct every Minnesinger is expected to uphold.
From the Director’s Expectations:
- Character: In and out of rehearsals, demonstrate self-respect and respect for others. Be nice. Don’t break school rules.
- Resilience: Rehearsals are not always fun. They can be boring, aggravating, and long. This is the work we do to get to be amazing. I will do my best to ensure dynamic, creative, engaging rehearsals, and in return, I expect that you will have the resilience to endure the not-fun parts without talking, without getting distracted, without complaining.
- Dedication: I expect you to prioritize this group. Schedules for outside activities (sports, work, etc.) must be submitted as soon as you have them.
- Professionalism: Be early to rehearsal, be prepared, don’t talk. Always have your music, volunteer to help when asked, always be attentive. Take care of yourself so you are well enough mentally and physically to be a part of the group.
- Hard Work: There will be assignments outside of rehearsals. This will make note-learning in rehearsals go much faster – do these assignments. Choreography is hard – make sure you practice it on your own. Put in the time outside of rehearsal.