Vocal Arts Festival
February 5, 2027 – February 6, 2027
Date & Time
Friday, February 5, 2027 (12–9 p.m.)
Saturday, February 6, 2027 (9 a.m.–8 p.m.)
Ages
High School Students
Contact
vocal-arts-festival@uwm.edu
The Vocal Arts Festival provides an opportunity for skilled high school singers to interact with, perform for, and join their voices with peers from around the region. Participants have the chance to learn and grow as both soloists and choral artists.
Overview
- Rehearse and perform with the Vocal Arts Festival Honor Choir, including a final performance in UWM’s Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts.
- Work on a prepared solo with UWM voice faculty and guest artists in a masterclass or mini-lesson (accompanist provided).
- Attend classes and interest sessions on topics related to vocal performance including musical theatre masterclasses.
- Attend performances of choral music and classical, musical theatre, and commercial music solos by UWM students.
Student Applications
Any high school singer may apply, and teachers may nominate as many students as they wish by providing students with a link to the student application form. Once a student fills out the application, including nominating teacher’s email, the teacher will receive a link to verify student information and complete a brief recommendation form. Applications are due by November 3, and students will be notified of acceptance by November 25.
The festival is limited to 120 students, so only the most qualified nominees will be selected for participation. Teachers are encouraged to nominate accomplished singers who are strong musicians and will have a prepared classical solo to perform during the festival.
Cost & Repertoire
$75 per accepted student. Cost includes all rehearsals, vocal sessions, voice masterclasses and lessons, performances, accompanists, parking, music (on loan), and three meals. Scholarships are available to students in need. Lodging is not included.
The honor choir will perform four selections. Three will be sent to accepted students in advance. Singers are asked to prepare their voice part on these pieces before arriving. A fourth choral piece will be distributed and learned at the festival.
Schedule
Friday, February 5, 2027
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | Check-in and seating |
| 12:30 p.m. | Warm-ups and choral rehearsal |
| 2:15 p.m. | Musical theatre masterclasses and voice interest sessions |
| 3:30 p.m. | Choral rehearsal |
| 5:00 p.m. | Catered dinner |
| 6:30 p.m. | Choral rehearsal |
| 7:30 p.m. | UWM Vocal Showcase Recital |
| 8:30 p.m. | Reception |
Saturday, February 6, 2027
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Warm-ups and choral rehearsal |
| 10:30 a.m. | Masterclass #1 |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch (subs) |
| 12:45 p.m. | Choral rehearsal |
| 2:00 p.m. | Masterclass #2 |
| 3:30 p.m. | Relaxation session |
| 4:00 p.m. | Choral rehearsal in performance hall |
| 5:30 p.m. | Catered dinner |
| 7:00 p.m. | Final concert (with UWM Concert Chorale) |
| 8:00 p.m. | Festival concludes |
Performances
Join us for two free public performances on Friday and Saturday as part of the festival activities. Tickets are not required for these events.
| Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2027 (7:30–9 p.m.) | Music Building, Recital Hall 175 and Virtual |
Join us for a free public recital featuring a wide variety of UWM’s outstanding undergraduate voice majors singing pieces from a variety of styles and genres.
| Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|
| February 6, 2027 (7–8 p.m.) | Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Bader Hall and Virtual |
The UWM Vocal Arts Festival concludes with a final free concert open to the public. Join us to hear UWM’s flagship Concert Chorale and the UWM Vocal Arts Festival Honor Choir comprising 120 select students from around Wisconsin and Illinois as they perform a varied and exciting program of choral music.