Vocal Arts Festival
January 31, 2025 – February 1, 2025
| Dates | Ages | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 31, 2025 (12–9 p.m.) February 1, 2025 (9 a.m.–8 p.m.) | High School Students | Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Bader Hall | vocal-arts-festival@uwm.edu |
The Vocal Arts Festival provides an opportunity for talented singers to interact with, perform for, and join their voices with peers from around the region. Participants will have the chance to learn and grow as both soloists and choral artists. The festival also includes the occasion to attend a vocal recital and perform in the culminating public concert.
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.
- Attend performances of opera and musical theater scenes, choral music, and vocal solos given by UWM faculty and students.
Nominating Students
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 the student’s information along with a few other fields.
The festival is limited to 100 students, so only the most qualified nominees will be selected for participation. Please nominate only 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. Lodging is not included.
The honor choir will perform four selections. Three will be mailed 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 at the festival and learned during rehearsal.
Schedule
| Friday, January 31, 2025 | Details | Saturday, February 1, 2025 | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | Check-in and seating | 9:00 | Warm-ups and choral rehearsal |
| 12:30 | Warm-ups and choral rehearsal | 10:30 | Masterclass #1 |
| 2:15 | Voice classes and interest sessions (students choose one to attend) | 11:45 | Lunch (subs) |
| 3:30 | Choral rehearsal | 12:45 | Choral rehearsal |
| 5:00 | Dinner at UWM Sandburg Café | 2:00 | Masterclass #2 |
| 6:30 | Choral rehearsal | 3:30 | Relaxation session |
| 7:30 | UWM Vocal Showcase Recital | 4:00 | Choral rehearsal in performance hall |
| 8:30 | Reception | 5:30 | Catered dinner |
| 7:00 | Final concert (with UWM Concert Chorale) |
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 |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2025 (7:30–8:45 p.m.) | Music Building, Recital Hall 175 and Virtual |
Join us for a 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 1, 2025 (7–8 p.m.) | Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Bader Hall and Virtual |
The final concert of the Vocal Arts Festival. The performance will feature UWM’s flagship Concert Chorale and the VAF Festival Choir comprising 100 skilled high school singers from around Wisconsin and Illinois.