Choir Day at John M. Long School of Music | High School Students

Troy University’s Choir Day Inspires Next Generation of Musicians

A vibrant showcase of musical talent and education unfolded at troy University on Thursday, October 23, as the John M. Long School of Music hosted its annual Choir Day, welcoming over 200 students from eight Alabama high schools.The event provided a unique prospect for aspiring vocalists to hone their skills and experience the collegiate music environment firsthand.

A Day of Workshops and Performance

The day’s curriculum centered around intensive workshops lead by esteemed faculty members. Dr. Michael Mills, Assistant Professor of Music/Choral Music Education, Dr. Scott Sexton, Assistant Director of the John M.Long School of Music and Assistant Professor of Music Education, and Dr. Sara Wee, Associate Professor of Voice, guided students through a variety of vocal techniques and choral arrangements.

Beyond the workshops, attendees were treated to captivating performances by the Troy University concert Chorale and frequencyTROY’s vocal jazz ensemble. According to one high school junior from Wetumpka high School, “The choirs were both really good and you could tell that they love what they do.†The performances proved to be a highlight for many participants, offering a glimpse into the high caliber of musical artistry fostered at Troy University.

Did you know?-Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music offers Bachelor of Music Education degrees with concentrations in choral and instrumental music, preparing students for careers as music teachers.

Cultivating Future Music Educators

Dr. Sexton emphasized the broader impact of the event, stating, “It’s always wonderful to have high school singers visit us on campus.†He highlighted the special atmosphere created by the collective voices in Long Hall and expressed particular pride in the contributions of Troy University’s Choral Music Education students. These students gained invaluable practical experience by assisting with the event and serving as ambassadors for the university’s choral programs.

“Our TROY students helped the day run very smoothly and served as great ambassadors as we shared with our guests what we love about our university and its choral offerings,†Dr. Sexton added. This collaborative environment underscores Troy University’s commitment to not only nurturing talented performers but also developing the next generation of music educators.

Pro tip:-Vocal warm-ups are crucial before singing. Simple exercises like lip trills and humming can improve breath control and vocal range.

Collaborative Performance and Artistic Expression

The culmination of the day involved a collaborative performance of “Let Everything that Hath Breath,†composed by Dr.Jeffrey L. Ames and directed by Dr.Michael Mills. This joint effort showcased the students’ collective talent and the power of harmonious collaboration. Another student from Wetumpka High School shared,“My favorite thing was the kind faculty and choral members and their passion for their craft.â€

The annual Choir Day at Troy University continues to be a resounding success,fostering a love for music and providing a valuable learning experience for aspiring musicians across Alabama.

Reader question:-What aspects of collegiate choral programs are most surprising to students transitioning from high school ensembles?

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