Category Archive Performers

Tell us about your group.

Heartland Youth Choir is a nonprofit organization that provides a performance-based program focused on music literacy, character development, and community engagement for central Iowa singers in grades K – 12. Students who love to sing can explore that passion beyond the school setting with highly skilled and experienced choral instructors. Heartland Youth Choir, with offices in Windsor Heights, is in its 15 th year of service to central Iowa youth.

Cantilena Choir, which will perform at Christkindlmarket, is one of six ensembles that comprise Heartland Youth Choir. The majority of Cantilena singers are in grades 3 and 4. The group performs at a number of concerts and collaborations throughout the year. And each spring, Cantilena hits the road for a regional choir tour.

What inspired you to get involved as a performer at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

Heartland Youth Choir sang at the first Christkindlmarket in 2016, and the group is delighted to return for 2017. Public performances are an important component of HYC’s teaching philosophy. Rehearsals help students learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership, as well as build confidence and creative thinking skills. The only thing more fun than singing songs with your friends is singing holiday songs with your friends!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Conductor of the Cantilena Choir is Sandy Miller, who also teaches music at Timber Ridge Elementary in Johnston. The accompanist is Mary Bartemes, the assistant director of choral music at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.

Heartland Youth Choir ensembles deliver 40 performances a year. In addition to their own concerts, HYC also seeks collaborations with professional musicians and organizations. A few examples: the Des Moines Metro Opera, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Canadian Brass, Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, the Des Moines Symphony, Mannheim Steamroller, and Simon Estes.

Heartland Youth Choir’s reputation for excellence includes a gold rating in the World Choir Games and an invitation to the International Choral Festival (the first Iowa choir to receive that honor).

Local jazz musician Max Wellman is a Heartland Youth Choir alum.

New members are always welcome at Heartland Youth Choir. For information, visit joinhyc.org.

Friday, December 1, 2017

11:00 am – 3:00 pm Stu Ryan O’Brien Irish traditional, pub classics and Irish American songs everybody knows. There’s always a wee bit of clappin’, sing along and lots of laughs too!

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Top Hat Carolers The Top Hat Carolers have been performing throughout Central Iowa for 25 years. They sing traditional Christmas and contemporary holiday songs dressed in Victorian garb.

6:00 pm – 6:10 pm Opening Ceremony

6:10 pm – 6:30 pm – East High School Advanced Handbell Ensemble

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen is a polka/variety band. Get ready to dance and sing along to some fun music!

Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen

Saturday, December 2, 2017

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area.

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Heartland Youth Choir The Heartland Youth Choir, comprised of 180 singers from central Iowa, is a civic organization providing a performance-based program for youth, emphasizing musical literacy and character development.

2:50 pm – 3:30 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

5:10 pm – 5:50 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Malek’s Fishermen Band Oldtime European style Polka Music

Sunday, December 3, 2017

11:10 am – 12:00 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Metro Brass Quintet The Metro Brass Quintet is based in the Des Moines, Iowa Metropolitan area and plays a wide range of music from polkas to classical to new works!

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Des Moines Chantant (strolling) Des Moines Chantant was created in 2014 by a group of French-speaking Iowans who wanted to get together and sing in French around Christmas time. We have loved it so much that we are still getting together after 3 years and love to share our French songs.

2:10 pm – 2:50 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm International Folk Dancing This is a spectator’s participation dance, no experience necessary, Each dance will be taught as we go and dances are from around the world with an emphasis on French Folk Dances.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of programming. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is dedicated to immersing visitors in a world of folklore and craftsmanship as well as enticing them with traditional, seasonal gastronomic specialties to provide an experience filled with European elegance and charm. See Google Images of Christmas markets around the world.

We will provide a four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by Christkindlmarket Des Moines event planning committee on Cowles Commons. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided.

Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed internally and all information stored in our database.

What is the timeline for the process?

Fill out the online needs assessment no later than March 1, 2017
Send photographs representing you or your group to – [email protected]
Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by April 1, 2017

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Performer Information Guide

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Performer Needs Assessment