The Dorian Vocal Festival, held annually in January at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, is recognized as one of the largest choral gatherings in the United States.
On January 11th and 12th, more than 900 juniors and seniors from over 200 high schools across six states came together to form an immense choir, and produce a magnificent blend of sound.
Students selected for this event prepare their music in advance and then engage in two days of rehearsals with college directors, culminating in an extraordinary performance. This year's participants included seniors Kyleigh Anderson, Gianna Bartovics, Kate Holthe, and Raegon Stanek. The concert, featuring five selected student soloists, the top Luther Choir, and the Festival Choir, can still be viewed on the school's music YouTube channel: Dorian Vocal Festival Grand Concert.
In addition, the select students recently attended the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association (WCDA) All-State Choir. This event showcases the state's finest young vocalists.
Directors nominate students based on musicianship, intrinsic motivation, trustworthiness, reliability, and rehearsal focus. Selected students, approximately 150 per choir, are grouped by age and vocal range. Middle school students join a SATB choir, while high school students participate in either a treble or bass clef choir. After a full day of rehearsals on Friday, January 16th, students attended performances by the HS vocal jazz, HS a cappella, and College all-state choirs. Rehearsals continued early the next day, culminating in performances at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire.
We commend the following students for their exceptional performances:
Middle Level Choir: Sophia Chavarria Deyarmin, Violet Hinze, Iris O’Hair
Bass Clef Choir: Gable Pooley
Treble Choir: Kyleigh Anderson, Halle Hora, Jaylee Larson