Wartburg Music Festivals
Attending at Wartburg music festival is a great way for students to improve their musical skills, have fun, and meet others who love music just as much as they do. It’s a chance to work with awesome college professors and guest directors who can help you grow as a musician.
You’ll get to perform in a large group, learn new music, and see what it’s like to be part of a college music program. Whether you’re thinking about studying music in the future or just want a fun and inspiring experience, these festivals are a great place to start.
Festivals Contact
Sarah Bouska
Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
100 Wartburg Blvd
PO Box 1003
Waverly, IA 50677-0903
sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
Office: 319-352-8743
Cell: 641-420-8140
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 (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.
Registration Information
Opens Aug. 21, 2025
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
Concert Details
Festival Details
For more information:
Sarah J. Bouska
Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
(319)-352-8743
sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
The Wartburg All-State Orchestra Festival is designed to provide students with an opportunity to prepare for Iowa 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.
Contact Dr. Rebecca Nederhiser at rebecca.nederhiser@wartburg.edu for more information.
Registration Information
Opens Aug. 1, 2025
Festival Details
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.
Nomination Process
Opens Sept. 1, 2025
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.
- Submitting Director Form (Required)
- Wind & Brass Student Nomination Form
- Percussion Student Nomination Form
Festival Details
Concert Details
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
For more information:
Sarah J. Bouska
Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
(319)-352-8743
sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
2026 Guest Conductor/Composer: Dan Forrest
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.
Registration Information
Opens Oct. 31, 2025
- Register with Credit Card (closed)
- Register: Request an Invoice
Festival Details
- Invitation Letter (PDF)
- Director Nomination Form
- Festival Schedule (PDF)
- Festival Music (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Concert Details
Students whose schools are not nominating students for the festival may request an individual application form.
For more information:
Sarah J. Bouska
Music Tour, Camp, and Promotion Manager
(319)-352-8743
sarah.bouska@wartburg.edu
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