21st Annual Jim Turner High School Choral Festival

February 18-19, 2020, Time 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Dalton Theatre, Kalamazoo College

 

Dr. Kristina Boerger, guest clinician

 

Ten select Michigan choirs and their directors are invited to participate in an all-day choral Master Class. The public is welcome to attend as audience members for this special youth workshop.

15th Annual Middle School Choral Residency

Southwest Michigan Middle Schools

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Dr. Chris Ludwa, Music Director of the Kalamazoo Bach Festival and Kalamazoo College Professor of Music 

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Inspiring choral students, supporting our local programs, and connecting with our talented and dedicated teachers, Dr. Chris Ludwa is excited to build lasting relationships and work on-site with middle school students and their directors.

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Email Chris directly at to schedule your class visit anytime this year!

Now accepting Applications

for the 2020 Young Vocalists Competition 
For High School Students!

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Deadline to Enter: Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Competition: Saturday, February 8, 10 am - 2 pm, 2020
Concert Performance: Wednesday, March 4, 7 pm, 2020

 

AWARDS — CASH PRIZES AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY 
                  
First Prize:                $500.00        
Second Prize:            $200.00        
Third Prize:               $100.00        
Honorable Mentions (up to 2)    $  50.00

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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY
The first place winner will be invited to perform in concert with the Kalamazoo Bach Festival at the Love Is Concert. The winner will be featured as a guest soloist on Wednesday March 4, 2020 and must attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 pm.  Prizes and awards will be forfeited if you are unable to rehearse and perform for the concert. All awards will be given at the discretion of the judges.  

COMPETITION
The Competition will be held in the Light Fine Arts Building, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Applicants qualifying for the competition must bring one copy of original music; no additional copies are required. However, your accompanist may use copies of your scores. Applicants should be able to perform their pieces from memory. The competition and concert are open to the public. The High School Competition will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 8, 2020 .  There will be two or three adjudicators.  Winners will be notified by phone and email no later then Monday, February 10, 2020.

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ELIGIBILITY
You must be currently enrolled in High School or home schooled.  You may not win first place two years in a row but you can compete every year.

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REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
Time limit is 8 minutes. Entrants must prepare one song from each of the following categories for a total of two songs: A foreign language art song sung in the original language; an aria sung in the original language, or a musical theater selection, jazz standard, or piece from the American Songbook.

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ACCOMPANIST—COMPETITION AND CONCERT
Applicants may supply their own accompanist who is not bound by the age requirements. A staff 
accompanist will be available for both the Competitions and the Young Vocalists Concert.  

If you choose to use Bach Festival’s staff accompanist, copies of all music must be included with your application so that the accompanist has time to prepare. Rehearsal fees with any accompanist are your responsibility. You will not be charged to use the Bach Festival Accompanist for the competition.

 

APPLICATION  PROCESS
The Kalamazoo Bach Festival will accept the first 40 applications. The Kalamazoo Bach Festival reserves the right to adjust the number of competitors depending on the number of applications received. Entry fees will be returned to non-qualifying applicants. Applicants will be contacted in the order they are received shortly after their application is approved to sign up for an audition time.  A reminder email with audition information will be sent out to all competitors on Thursday, February 6. Application must be postmarked or emailed  by Tuesday, February 4, 2020, and include:
- Non-refundable $25.00 entry fee payable by check, Visa, MC, or Discover credit card, or debitcard
- Proof of age 
- If using Bach Festival staff accompanist—(copies mailed or PDF e-mailed)      
         
MAIL TO:                                            OR E-MAIL TO: bach@kzoo.edu

Young Vocalists Competition            
Kalamazoo Bach Festival             
1200 Academy Street
        Kalamazoo, MI  49006

QUESTIONS?
269-337-7407   |   bach@kzoo.edu