University of Akron Choirs

VOCAL AND CHORAL PROGRAMS

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The University of Akron Invitational Vocal Choral Festival "Bridges of Courage, Pathways of Peace" February 13, 2026

Open to all High School Singers/Choirs and Upper Middle School Singers: Join the UA Choirs for Clinics, Sectionals, and Workshops. Registrants can also participate in UA Choir rehearsals.

Registration Deadline: January 26, 2026

Registration Fees

Early Bird Group Rates available before January 9, 2026
Individuals/Groups >15: $23 per person
Groups 15-24: $400 
Groups 24-34: $575 
Groups 35+: $675

  • Tentative Schedule:
    • Registration 
      7:45 a.m. Arrival and Check-In (Guzzetta Hall Atrium) Meet ZIPPY! 
      7:45 - 8:45 a.m. Sound Check (15 minutes/ensemble) at E.J. Thomas Hall 
    • Morning
      9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Invitational Festival and Clinics at E.J.
      10:45 - 11:30 a.m. Festival Choir Rehearsal in GRH 
      11:30 - 12:15 p.m. S-A-T-B Sectional Rehearsals (possible Large Sectional)  
      11:30 - 12:15 p.m. Directors Session I, Location TBD
    • Noon 
      12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch, Location TBD 
      Directors Roundtable, Location TBD
    • Afternoon 
      2:00 - 2:30 p.m. UA Admissions Presentation & Rhythm & Roos in GRH 
      2:30 - 3:15 p.m .SA & TB Large Section Rehearsal, Location TBD 
      2:30 - 3:15 p.m. DIRECTORS SESSION II, Location TBD 
      3:15 - 4:30 p.m. Festival Choir Rehearsal/Choir Run-through at E.J. 
      5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Final Concert Featuring the Mass Choirs, Invited Choirs, & UA Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, at E.J.
      Free & Open to the public
  • Sessions for Choral Directors - FREE - Clinician Dr. T.J. Harper
    • Session I – Contemporary Choral Music from Southeast Asia
      Explore the vibrant choral traditions of Southeast Asia through accessible works by composers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This session offers practical ideas for teaching cultural authenticity, language, and style—equipping educators with fresh repertoire and renewed inspiration to connect students with the global choral community.
    • Roundtable Discussion: What’s Working and What’s Not Working
      Engage in an open discussion with fellow educators on current challenges, successes, and best practices in today’s choral classroom. Share ideas, explore solutions, and identify what’s truly working—and what’s not—in building vibrant, engaged choral programs. Lunch is free for directors.
    • Session II – Reading Session 
      Experience a hands-on reading session featuring contemporary choral works from Southeast Asia and beyond. Designed for high school and community ensemble conductors, this session highlights accessible repertoire and practical teaching ideas to help singers connect with diverse musical voices and cultures.
  • Festival Choir selections, Cikala le Pong Pong by Ken Steven and Rosas Pandan by George G. Hernandez.
  • For more information, contact: Dr. Laurie Lashbrook lashbro@uakron.edu or Dr. T.J. Harper tharper@uakron.edu