WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News Annual festival brings 1500 singers to WMUMarch 1, 2007 KALAMAZOO--The 69th annual Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival will bring 1500 talented singers from 38 high schools to Western Michigan University for a daylong celebration that will culminate with a free, public performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in Miller Auditorium. The evening's program will include five selections by the 1500-member Festival Chorus and three by the 60-member auditioned Honors Choir. Guest conductor Craig Arnold, professor of music and choral director at Luther College, will lead the chorus. WMU musicians who will make guest appearances include members of the University Chorale, the brass and timpani sections of the University Symphonic Band, and flutist Bethany A. Padgett. Padgett, from Saranac, Mich., is a senior in WMU's School of Music. The Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival is one of the largest, oldest and most successful high school choral festivals in the United States. Since its inception in 1935, it has been providing high school students with an experience in mass singing of quality repertoire under the direction of an inspiring conductor. Participating high schools and choral directors Albion, Tony Shapow Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu WMU News |