ABOUT US
CASSANDRA'S LATEST PROJECTS
Cassandra continues to feed her passion for teaching in her home studio in Woodstock. She continues to perform solo and collaborates with many area musicians. She is currently producing a new Second Saturday Concert Series in collaboration with the Woodstock Opera House started in January of 2019. She was named the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. Cassandra serves on the Woodstock Tree Lighting Committee and has been active in the Witches and Wizards of Woodstock Committee as well. She is also a member of the Mayor appointed Woodstock Arts Commission.
She co-hosts a monthly Original Open Mic at the Stage Left Cafe' in Woodstock partnering with Offsquare Music to give original artists a platform to share their work. Cassandra also started the Ukulele Superhero Club.
In 2015 Cassandra founded the Woodstock Community Choir and continues to function as the artistic director. The choir is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and is dedicated to building community through singing! It has recently been recognized as the official city choir of Woodstock.
Recently, she has started a new Podcast with friend and colleague Denny Svehla entitled "When Will the Curtain Go Up?- Creative Artists Emerging In An Ever Changing World. She also has a screenplay in development and is working on other creative projects including co-writing children's music and literature. She also has a secret project that she is really excited about!
THE STUDIO
A Place to Shine Music owner, Cassandra Vohs-Demann, provides training for singers, songwriters, educators and creative artists at all levels of development. Anyone can come and explore their voice and creative expression in a safe, nurturing environment. In addition to providing educational resources to students and aspiring teachers, she is also dedicated to creating opportunities for music instructors and professional performers to share their gifts and inspire others while continuing on their own journey of growth as artists.
Whether it is singing at a local open mic or pursuing a professional career as a singer, actress, songwriter, public speaker or any other form of self-expression, she is here to help you take the next step in your journey. Cassandra is here to support each student's goals and assist in creating a clear path to achieve them. Come find your place to shine!
OUR STUDENTS
Our students range from beginning to professional level. Many current and past students of A Place to Shine Music are working as Professional Musical Theater Performers, Music Directors, Music Therapists, Voice Teachers, School Music Teachers, Professional Touring Musicians, Recording Artists, Actors, Directors, Public Speakers, and Songwriters.
HISTORY
Cassandra has been performing professionally for over 30 years. She is a trained vocalist, writer, coach, actress, and an accomplished songwriter. She loves to use her musical gifts to be of service, bring people together and build community. Always a performer at heart, she is thrilled to be back singing regularly after a long hiatus.
Cassandra’s love of singing and the arts came at an early age while growing up on a farm in Woodstock, IL. She is the owner of A Place to Shine Music, where for almost 30 years, she has been teaching, performing, writing and producing music. After receiving a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois in 1991, Cassandra continued her professional training in opera and acting in Chicago where she performed with the Grant Park Symphony, toured with The New Organization for Vocal Artistry and was an anthem soloist for the Chicago Bulls. She has had the pleasure of working with several amazing coaches and directors. She has extensive experience both as an actress and musical director. She was also an extra in the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray filmed in her hometown of Woodstock!
In 1999 Cassandra shifted from opera to contemporary music. She began focusing more on her passion for writing and performing her own original songs. Since then, she has toured the Midwest as a solo performer and has been the lead vocalist for numerous rock bands. Cassandra currently performs with a band, as a solo artist and is asked to collaborate regularly with other talented area musicians. She has performed in Nashville Writer's Rounds, is a member of ASCAP and The Nashville Songwriters Association.
Her CD "Here I Am" was recorded at Starbell Hatchery Studio with friend, collaborator, and producer, John Hegner, and was released on October 23, 2010. She was thrilled to have guitarist Peter Calo play on her CD as well. Peter is a New York based guitarist known for his work with Carly Simon. The CD can be heard on Pandora Radio and is also available on iTunes. She is always writing new music and collaborates regularly with her colleague and friend, Brian Silver. Cassandra also collaborates with LA based drummer, composer, and friend, Graham Butler.
A prolific songwriter, Cassandra's lyrics and extraordinary vocals connect with people straight from the heart. Three of Cassandra’s songs, Let’s Paint the World, The Teacher and Colors have been used as the backdrops for Pioneer Center for Human Services of McHenry County's 2011 and 2012 mission videos. Her song “Legacy” was used as the backdrop for a video for the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in January 2013. In addition, her song “Celebrate Anyway” has been released as a free download for those dealing with loss and grief during the holidays. In 2017, she collaborated with producer John Hegner, of Starbell Hatchery Studio, to record an original song written to help promote the Food Shed CoOp in McHenry County. She recently performed her song "Just Come Through the Door" for Mainstay Therapeutic Riding's Annual Benefit and there are plans for a video in the future to help promote the organization.
Cassandra's studio is in her home in Woodstock, IL where she lives with her husband Philip and their 2 cats, Blaze and Misty.