COOKEVILLE –A blend of high school and Tennessee Tech choirs are coming together for a day full of singing and instruction.
Tennessee Tech University’s School of Music presents the 10th annual Festival of Voices. This year, 10 high schools from across the state of Tennessee will travel to Tech for the all-day event.
“It has turned into something where high schools want to come,” said Craig Zamer, Tech’s director of choral activities. “It has become quite popular.”
This year, the choral department is pleased to welcome back Andre Thomas from Florida State University. Thomas was the very first clinician for Festival of Voices in 2008.
“Since we are celebrating our 10th anniversary, we are bringing back Andre Thomas,” said Zamer. “I’m really excited to have him back on campus. The students get some one-on-one time with a very gifted conductor.”
The day’s clinics and events will culminate in an evening concert at 7 p.m. in Wattenbarger Auditorium of the Bryan Fine Arts Building located at 1150 N. Dixie Ave.
“This is not a competition. The whole purpose is about education and about getting better,” Zamer said. “There is a little less pressure on the high school directors, because they are coming to learn and get better.”
The concert will feature performances by participating choirs, Tennessee Tech’s Concert Choir and Tech Chorale, as well as a finale that will display over 450 students on stage and performing with Thomas. The concert is free and open to the public.