New executive director announced for Elgin Master Chorale
Tyler Hast has been named the new executive director of the Elgin Master Chorale.
Hast holds master’s degrees in voice performance from Roosevelt University in Chicago and arts administration from Florida State University and his resume includes jobs with the College of Music at Florida State University, the Tallahassee Community Chorus and the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, a news release said.
Those posts “showcased his ability to drive sustainable growth and foster community connections,” the release said. “In these positions, he spearheaded initiatives that increased membership, improved marketing outreach and strengthened community ties.”
Hast said, “I am deeply honored to join the Elgin Master Chorale and have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from this vibrant community. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by my predecessor, Steve Martin, and advancing our mission of bringing exceptional choral music to the community.”
Dennis Rossow, president of the Elgin Master Chorale Board of Directors, said, “Tyler possesses an exciting background that syncs well with our current growth in all phases of our organization.”
More Top Picks Wire Landscape
Fox River Valley library district launches 5-year strategic plan
The Fox River Valley Public Library District has launched a new strategic plan meant to guide operations and public services through 2029.
Following extensive input from patrons, community partners, staff and the library board, the plan establishes key priorities that include inspiring curiosity and innovation, optimizing spaces to enhance library experiences, offering impactful programs and services, fostering a positive organizational culture and promoting district-wide engagement with the library.
For more information, go to www.frvpld.info.
Elgin Community College earns state-level awards from state group
Elgin Community College has received multiple honors from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
ECC President David Sam was presented with the 2024 Advocacy Award, given to someone who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advocating for the needs of students and for the Illinois community college system, a news release said.
The college also received the Equity and Diversity Award, which recognizes exemplary commitment by an Illinois public community college board and its chief executive officer to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion in its education programs.
Diane Kerruish, senior executive assistant to the president, received the Professional Board Staff Member Award and ECC Board of Trustees Chair Donna Redmer earned her fourth Trustee Education Award for participating in seminars offered by the association.
August deadline set to submit entries to the Elgin Short Film Festival
The entry deadline for the 16th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival is Aug. 30, with submissions entered by Aug. 2 paying a reduced fee, a news release from fest organizers said.
Live action and animation entries are sought, with each category having five potential finalists and the top two voted chosen a selection committee. The other three films in each category will compete to be part of the Elgin Fringe Festival being held Sept. 20-29, the release said.
The fest has attracted international entries for films that are 20 minutes in length or less. The event will be held live and via virtual screening on Saturday, Oct. 5, at The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, with trophies and cash prizes of up to $1,000, $500 and $300 awarded to the top three films.
If an entry is submitted by Aug. 2, the fee is $40. Anything that comes in after that will pay a $50 fee, the release said.
Rules, regulations and application forms are available at filmfreeway.com/ElginShortFilmFestival.