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Vocal Arts Festival

January 31, 2025 February 1, 2025

Vocal Arts Festival Warm-Up
DatesAgesLocationContact
January 31, 2025 (12–9 p.m.)
February 1, 2025 (9 a.m.–8 p.m.)
High School StudentsZelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Bader Hallvocal-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

Though the application period is closed, the selection process is not yet complete, and late applications may still be accepted. Contact Zack Durlam at durlam@uwm.edu for an application link.

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, 2025DetailsSaturday, February 1, 2025Details
12:00Check-in and seating9:00Warm-ups and choral rehearsal
12:30Warm-ups and choral rehearsal10:30Masterclass #1
2:15Voice classes and interest sessions (students choose one to attend)11:45Lunch (subs)
3:30Choral rehearsal12:45Choral rehearsal
5:00Dinner at UWM Sandburg Café2:00Masterclass #2
6:30Choral rehearsal3:30Relaxation session
7:30UWM Vocal Showcase Recital4:00Choral rehearsal in performance hall
8:30Reception5:30Catered dinner
7:00Final 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.

UWM Vocal Showcase Recital
Date & TimeLocation
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.

Final Concert (with UWM Concert Chorale)
Date & TimeLocation
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.

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