Dordt University will welcome 625 students from 14 Christian high schools across the country to participate in the biannual Christian High School Music Festival on Friday, April 17.
On Friday, April 17, Dordt University will welcome 625 students from 14 Christian high schools across the country to participate in the biannual Christian High School Music Festival.
According to Director of Choral Activities Dr. Ryan Smit, “This festival serves as an opportunity for Christian high school choirs to come together to share their passion for singing and their love for Christ and His kingdom.”
During their time on campus, students from California, Colorado, Michigan, and five other states will take part in four integrated choral experiences: a massed choir performance with 625 high school singers and 150 Dordt Chorale and Concert Choir members; a large-group clinic where each choir performs and receives feedback from clinicians; a solo and ensemble clinic; and the Future Music Educators program, where nominated students are recognized, participate in additional activities, and may receive a guaranteed music education scholarship to Dordt.
The events of the festival will begin at 9 a.m., culminating with a concert in the B.J. Haan Auditorium at 7 p.m. The massed choir performance will take place in the Vernon Arena following the first portion.
“This festival serves as an opportunity for Christian high school choirs to come together to share their passion for singing and their love for Christ and His kingdom.”
Additionally, Dordt will welcome Craig Courtney, an internationally recognized choral composer and church musician, to serve alongside Smit as a clinician for the festival. Courtney has also been commissioned by Dordt to compose a new piece specifically for this festival. The massed choir will perform the world premiere at the concluding concert in the Vernon Arena.
“We hope that students come away from this experience inspired by a strong singing experience, spiritually enriched by the texts of the songs and the faith focus in our rehearsals, and encouraged to continue to use their gift of music in service of God and His kingdom,” says Smit.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
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