HONOR MUSIC FESTIVALS

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 (7^th  grade through 10^thgrade chorus) and the Knight’s Festival Chorus (9^th 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.

The Wartburg Pre-All State Orchestra Festivalis designed to provide students with an opportunity to prepare for All-State auditions through masterclass sessions, lessons, and large ensemble rehearsals. This will include individualized support on the All-State orchestra audition process, masterclass instruction and lessons on music excerpts, and rehearsal of the Iowa All State orchestra music with the Wartburg Kammerstreicher and the Wartburg Community Symphony. Piano students are welcome to register as part of this collaborative day with the Neave Trio. There will be opportunities for piano students to receive private and group instruction in master class sessions. The day will conclude with a concert featuring music with the Neave Trio, Wartburg ensembles, and festival participants.

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.