Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
HONOR MUSIC FESTIVALS
FOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIANS
Registration opens August 2023
The RitterSing Festival is designed to bring together tenor and bass singers from across the region to jump-start and motivate the bass clef singers in high school choral programs early in the year. The festival offers two choirs: the Squire’s Festival Chorus (7th grade through 10thgrade chorus) and the Knight’s Festival Chorus (9th grade-adult chorus). Choir directors can choose whichever choir works best for their students. Dr. Lee Nelson, director of choral activities, conducts the Knight’s Festival Chorus. Nationally recognized guest directors conduct the Squire’s Festival Chorus and a guest ensemble performs with and for the RitterSing participants.
RitterSing Festival
Registration open from Friday, August 25 through Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
For more information contact: Sarah J. Bouska, Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
(319)-352-8743 | sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
Guest Conductor/Composer: Craig Hella Johnson
Sunday-Monday, Jan. 21-22, 2024
Registration opens November 2023
The Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival is designed to bring together the finest singers from high schools across the region to collaborate with world-class artists and perform their music with the highest level of artistry. We are pleased to invite high school choir directors to nominate their top high school singers for the Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival, featuring guest artists and ensembles. In addition to interacting with our special guests, the honor choir participants will have the opportunity to visit with Dr. Lee Nelson, Dr. Nicki Toliver, and Wartburg students to learn more about possible music opportunities after high school.
Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
For more information contact: Sarah J. Bouska, Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
(319)-352-8743 | sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024
The Wartburg Meistersinger Honor Orchestra Festival is designed to bring together the finest high school string players from across the region to collaborate with world class artists. The one-day event will focus on chamber and mass rehearsals, sectionals, and mentorship from Grammy-nominated and internationally renowned ensemble Neave Trio. Uniquely designed, the festival will focus on chamber music, enriching students with valuable feedback on their solo and ensemble pieces before performing at contest in late winter/early spring. Directors are welcomed and encouraged to attend, with additional professional development opportunities and lunch provided.
Meistersinger Honor Orchestra Masterclass
Directors and students are invited to participate in a special masterclass session at Wartburg College Saturday, Jan. 27, with the nationally renowned Neave Trio! Formed in 2010, Neave Trio-violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov, and pianist Eri Nakamura-were recently nominated for a Grammy and have received prestigious accolades for their “engaging and cutting-edge performances.” Educators/private teachers are invited to come with their students for the morning/afternoon session. Click the invitation below for details.
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 2024
Registration opens Nov. 2023
The Wartburg Music Department hosts an annual weekend band festival of the area’s most talented instrumental musicians. The Meistersinger Honor Band is hosted by the Wartburg director of bands and associate professor of music. The weekend culminates with a concert featuring the honor bands, as well the Wartburg College Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Call 319-352-8296 for additional information.
Meistersinger Honor Band Festival
Each director nominating students should start by filling out the Submitting Director Form. Then continue on to the nomination forms for Winds/Brass Students and Percussion. Each director may nominate up to 20 students total.
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
Wartburg Trumpet Festival
Spring 2024
The Wartburg Trumpet Festival is a one-day festival that brings high school trumpet students to the Wartburg campus to work with international trumpet performers and educators. The festival includes a mass trumpet choir, masterclasses, and clinics given by the guest clinicians and Wartburg Trumpet Professor Dr. Scott Muntefering.