UW Department of Music to Host Vocal Festivals Oct. 25

The University of Wyoming Department of Music will offer two vocal festivals to promote male and female singing Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26.

The UW Singing Statesmen and Bel Canto Women’s Chorus will host 130 students from area middle schools and high schools for MANCAMP and Wyoming Women of Song. The festivals focus on mentorship of younger singers by the collegiate singers, leadership and musical skill.

The festivals will culminate with a free concert Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. in the UW Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall. The concert will feature the UW Singing Statesmen, the Happy Jacks, Bel Canto Women’s Chorus and the festival participants.

MANCAMP is designed to bolster the skills and confidence of young male singers in grades 7-12. The UW Singing Statesmen, the Happy Jacks and Nicole Lamartine, UW 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 Women’s Chorus and Holly Dalrymple, a UW associate professor of choral music education, will host Wyoming Women of Song for female singers in grades 7-12. Participants will explore leadership styles, music and teamwork, with a goal to empower women.

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