FAQ
First things first, how do I say your name?
It’s simpler than it seems…We’re called “imPulse.” MPLS is an acronym for our hometown of Minneapolis. imPulse is an alternative pronunciation of that acronym (thus the parenthesis).
That sounds complicated. How did you get that crazy name?
In October of 2013, Artistic Director Samuel Grace posted a “free idea” to his Facebook friends: “Someone should start a club here called MPLS (pronounced “impulse”).” A friend (and current singer) commented that Grace should use the name for a choir instead. It was only a matter of months until plans for MPLS (imPulse) were underway (the night club never happened, but Sam maintains that it is still a great idea).
Okay, so there are, like, a million choirs in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. What makes you different?
MPLS (imPulse) is a semi-professional project-based chamber chorus. We build a communal choral experience through the celebration of living music, the singer experience, and collaboration with novel venues. We are proud of the qualities that make our ensemble unique:
What does “project-based” mean?
Twin Cities singers are talented and VERY busy! MPLS (imPulse) seeks the best local singers for “projects” with a limited rehearsal schedule. We do not hold weekly rehearsals. Rather, our singers learn all of the music on their own prior to a weekend retreat of rehearsals and community building.
What kind of singers are you looking for?
MPLS (imPulse) is a semi-professional choral ensemble with both fully paid and volunteer projects. Due to the condensed rehearsal periods for each project, a high level of skill as a choral singer is a must. We seek singers who are flexible singing a variety of styles, who are highly skilled and reliable in personal preparation. Above all else, we seek great people who are passionate about our mission and work well with others.
Can I audition?
Absolutely! We hold auditions annually in May and June for new singers. Inquire for an audition at [email protected]
Where do you perform?
Where don’t we perform? We will perform anywhere that we think would make a unique and attractive venue for choral music. Notable past venues include Como Planetarium, Flat Earth Brewery, Kitchen Window, and the Minneapolis Public Library Atrium.
Who do you work with?
We work with people and organizations curious about the power of choral music in their own contexts. It’s often an artistic goal to work alongside people and organizations specializing in things we (and our audience) love: drinking beer, dreaming, cooking dinner, and looking at the stars, for example.
We are always looking for new partners. Is that you?
It’s simpler than it seems…We’re called “imPulse.” MPLS is an acronym for our hometown of Minneapolis. imPulse is an alternative pronunciation of that acronym (thus the parenthesis).
That sounds complicated. How did you get that crazy name?
In October of 2013, Artistic Director Samuel Grace posted a “free idea” to his Facebook friends: “Someone should start a club here called MPLS (pronounced “impulse”).” A friend (and current singer) commented that Grace should use the name for a choir instead. It was only a matter of months until plans for MPLS (imPulse) were underway (the night club never happened, but Sam maintains that it is still a great idea).
Okay, so there are, like, a million choirs in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. What makes you different?
MPLS (imPulse) is a semi-professional project-based chamber chorus. We build a communal choral experience through the celebration of living music, the singer experience, and collaboration with novel venues. We are proud of the qualities that make our ensemble unique:
- Space: We are driven every day by the belief that choral music can and should be experienced outside of churches and the concert hall. With that comes endless opportunities for collaboration with unique organizations and venues.
- Repertoire: Thematic, narrative-style programming is at the heart of our mission. We carefully pick the repertoire that fits with our program, our collaborators, and the unique venues that we sing in. Our primary focus is living music that is created from our time and for the people our time. Our repertoire is entirely secular and filled almost entirely by living and local composers.
- The Singer Experience: We are dedicated to supporting talented Twin Cities choral artists, and we prioritize the singer experience in rehearsal. We value the whole person, not just the voice, of each singer we work with. We strive to foster a community driven experience for our singers both in and outside of rehearsals.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We reach audiences in unusual venues all over the Twin Cities. We have been fortunate to collaborate with our venue partners in crafting a choral experience for our audience. We also love to collaborate with other artists and organizations, from dancers, musicians, and even farmers! We want to explore what art can do for our community!
What does “project-based” mean?
Twin Cities singers are talented and VERY busy! MPLS (imPulse) seeks the best local singers for “projects” with a limited rehearsal schedule. We do not hold weekly rehearsals. Rather, our singers learn all of the music on their own prior to a weekend retreat of rehearsals and community building.
What kind of singers are you looking for?
MPLS (imPulse) is a semi-professional choral ensemble with both fully paid and volunteer projects. Due to the condensed rehearsal periods for each project, a high level of skill as a choral singer is a must. We seek singers who are flexible singing a variety of styles, who are highly skilled and reliable in personal preparation. Above all else, we seek great people who are passionate about our mission and work well with others.
Can I audition?
Absolutely! We hold auditions annually in May and June for new singers. Inquire for an audition at [email protected]
Where do you perform?
Where don’t we perform? We will perform anywhere that we think would make a unique and attractive venue for choral music. Notable past venues include Como Planetarium, Flat Earth Brewery, Kitchen Window, and the Minneapolis Public Library Atrium.
Who do you work with?
We work with people and organizations curious about the power of choral music in their own contexts. It’s often an artistic goal to work alongside people and organizations specializing in things we (and our audience) love: drinking beer, dreaming, cooking dinner, and looking at the stars, for example.
We are always looking for new partners. Is that you?
