Performance Highlights
During the spring of 2005, the Castle Singers provided musical entertainment on a Caribbean Cruise ship and visited Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. The Castle Singers performed in Australia during May Term tours in 2003, 1998, and 1994. In 1990, they spent a month performing and hosting vocal jazz workshops in Rumania, Bulgaria, and Greece. In 1987, they toured the British Isles, including stops in Ireland, Scotland, and England. The group's U.S. tours have included performances at Disney World in Florida and on the Mississippi Queen riverboat. The group has traveled to Greece and the former U.S.S.R. in its earlier history.

History
The group was founded by Dr. E. Arne Hovdesven, renown composer and arranger, in 1950 as the Chapel Choir. Dr. Hovdesven was an associate of the Royal College of Organists of London and a fellow of the Canadian College of Organists. Before coming to Wartburg, he was the choirmaster and organ recitalist at Mercersberg Gothic Chapel in Pennsylvania and served as organist-in-residence at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio.

Dr. James Fritschel, also a nationally recognized composer and arranger, was director from 1959-1971. During this time, the group's name changed to Wartburg Castle Singers and the focus of the group became music and drama. Franklin Williams became director from 1971-1978. During his tenure the group traveled abroad to the former U.S.S.R.

For the next decade there was a great deal of director transition that occurred. During this time Kristi Becker (1978-1980), Eugene T. Wilson, Jr. (1980-1981), Franklin Williams (1981-1984), and Gayle Hartwig (1984-1987) conducted the Castle Singers.

In 1987, Dr. Paul Torkelson helped give the group stability and built on its traditions and performance experiences. During his tenure the group made several trips abroad including Western Europe and Australia.

Since 2001 Dr. Jane Andrews has taken the group to new levels of jazz excellence. Her initiative started the annual Wartburg Vocal Jazz Festival. During her time at Wartburg, the group has appeared at numerous regional, state, and local events.