February 16-19, 2012
On the campus of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas
and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas
- The week of music concludes with A Night at the Meyerson on Sunday, Feb. 19.
About the Festival
The Department of Music at Southwestern Adventist University is committed to providing an enriching and inspiring music festival every year. Festival week is filled with rehearsals, auditions, scholarship concerts, worship services, faculty recitals and a final concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas, one of the top performance venues in the world.
If you are interested in applying, auditioning or seeking more information about the festival, please email jwall[at]swau.edu. All applications and audition material must be completed and submitted by November 1, 2011.
For ticket sales and information, please call the Office of University Advancement at 817-202-6231.
A Night at the Meyerson will be broadcast live here.
Festival Symphonic Band
The Invitational Festival Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Rudy Dennis, is comprised of 90 auditioned instrumentalists from around the country. The group will perform pieces ranging from the classics to electrifying new wind band literature, several in collaboration with the magnificent C. B. Fisk op. 100 Pipe Organ.
To obtain further festival information as well as complete audition requirements, email Dr. Rudy Dennis, the director of instrumental studies at Southwestern, at rdennis[at]swau.edu.
Festival Choir
The Festival Choir is made up of 250-300 singers representing high schools and academies from all over the country. These singers will have the privilege of performing a wondrous array of music that every year ranges from choral masterworks and traditional favorites to new and exciting compositions.
The featured piece this year is John Rutter's Gloria, with brass, percussion and organ. The Festival Choir is directed by Jonathan Wall, director of choral and vocal studies at Southwestern Adventist University. Choral ensembles that have not attended before and would like more information on how their choir can participate must email jwall[at]swau.edu and request a choral application. All choirs, returning and auditioning, must submit a choral application.
String Chamber Ensemble
This year we are featuring an elite string chamber ensemble. This small ensemble will feature students that have auditioned on the violin, viola, cello and stringed bass. They will have the opportunity to perform exciting repertoire, collaborate with other musicians from across the country and, of course, be featured at the beautiful Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Sunday evening.
Those interested in being a part of this exciting new group please contact jwall[at]swau.edu for audition materials and requirements.
Festival Music Scholarships
Each year, the Department of Music at Southwestern gives away thousands of dollars in scholarship money to elite musicians. Music Festival Scholarships are awarded to talented juniors and seniors that are selected by Southwestern's music faculty. The faculty will select a number of students as scholarship finalists, which would include an invitation to perform at Southwestern's Showcase Concert on February 15, 2012, in Wharton Auditorium.
The Department of Music will provide travel, food and lodging for all the scholarship finalists. In addition to the music scholarships and the performance at the Showcase Concert, all finalists have a chance to be selected to perform during Sunday evening's final concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.
