UW Music Department Hosts Choral Festivals March 2

To promote male and female singing, the University of Wyoming Department of Music will present two choral festivals for young singers Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3.

The UW Singing Statesmen and Bel Canto Women’s Chorus will host 75 students from area elementary schools, middle schools and high schools for MANCAMP and Wyoming Women of Song. Students will participate in workshops that focus on areas such as vocal technique and sound production, musicianship skills and performance techniques. Additionally, they will take part in mentorship and team-building activities with members of the collegiate choirs.

The festivals will culminate with a free concert Saturday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall. The concert will feature the UW Singing Statesmen, the UW Happy Jacks, Bel Canto and the festival participants.

MANCAMP is designed to improve the skills and confidence of young male singers in grades 4-12. The UW Singing Statesmen, the Happy Jacks and Nicole Lamartine, a UW associate professor of music and director of choral activities, will explore singing techniques with the participants while they rehearse together for the final performance. Friday evening will wrap up with a “campfire” that will include guest speakers, skits and singing.

Bel Canto and Holly Dalrymple, a UW assistant professor of music, will host Wyoming Women of Song for girls in grades 7-12. Students will learn about choral techniques by rehearsing repertoire with Bel Canto, examine leadership styles and participate in activities designed to build confidence and a healthy concept of self.

To view a schedule or to register, go to www.uwyo.edu/faoutreach/man-camp-wyoming-women-of-song/.

For more information, call Lamartine at (307) 288-0042 or email choir@uwyo.edu.