Vocal Arts Festival
February 6, 2026 – February 7, 2026
Date & Time
Friday, February 6, 2026 (12–9 p.m.)
Saturday, February 7, 2026 (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.
- 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
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | Check-in and seating |
| 12:30 p.m. | Warm-ups and choral rehearsal |
| 2:15 p.m. | Voice classes and interest sessions (students choose one to attend) |
| 3:30 p.m. | Choral rehearsal |
| 5:00 p.m. | Dinner at UWM Sandburg Café |
| 6:30 p.m. | Choral rehearsal |
| 7:30 p.m. | UWM Vocal Showcase Recital |
| 8:30 p.m. | Reception |
Saturday, February 1, 2025
| 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) |
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 6, 2026 (7:30–8:45 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 7, 2026 (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.