ACS summer choral institute
The Asheville Choral Society is proud to present our first Summer Choral Institute. Join ACS as we explore a complex choral work with a Guest Clinician, Dr. Zebulon Highben, and explore topics in choral singing with three interest sessions. ACS members and all area singers will build skills and community during this special singing event in the mountains.
In our rehearsals with Dr. Highben, we will learn the following pieces together:
- A Feast of Praise, Randall Thompson
- Sorida (A Zimbabwe Greeting), Rosephanye Powell
- Abendlich schon rauscht der Wald, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
- On Wings of Song, Gwyneth Walker
The registration fees include sheet music. Perusal PDFs will be distributed electronically in advance, and physical sheet music will be distributed at on-site registration.
Learn. Sing. Connect.
ACS's Summer Choral Institute will encourage singers across Western North Carolina hone vocal and music theory skills, explore challenging new choral works, and learn about creating an incredible group sound.
Join ACS, our Guest Clinician, and Expert Presenters as we learn together:
- Zebulon Highben will serve as our Guest Clinician, leading rehearsals with singers as we learn a challenging new work together. Dr. Highben serves as Director of Chapel Music at Duke University, and brings a wealth of experience as a choral conductor, educator, and composer. Learn more about Dr. Highben on his website here.
- Presenters will share research and practical tools in sessions on music theory and reading music; maintaining vocal health; and exploring underrepresented and emerging composers.
- Social opportunities and a special optional yoga session will help us connect and have fun together!
- ACS is working with local hotels and restaurants to secure discounted rates. Local discounts will be found online here. We look forward to sharing more of Asheville with visiting singers!
June 7-8, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
40 Church Street, Asheville
Registration Details
Registration includes cost of music, performance fees, coffee and pastries on Saturday morning, and a special optional yoga session designed for singers.
$90 Registration for Singers
$75 Registration for ACS Members
Partial and full scholarships are available for interested singers for whom the registration fee is a barrier. Contact ACS's executive director, Laurel Ahrnsbrak to secure a scholarship at laurel@ashevillechoralsociety.org.
Schedule of Events
Times Subject to Change
Friday, June 7, 2024
6:00-7:00 | Drop-In Registration
7:00-8:30 | Rehearsal with Dr. Highben
8:30-9:30 | Social Hour at Terra Nova
Saturday, June 8, 2024
7:00-8:00 | Yoga for Singers
9:30-10:30 | Rehearsal with Dr. Highben
10:45-11:45 | Looking, Listening, Knowing: Tips for Sight Reading and Musicianship
11:45-1:00 | Lunch on Your Own OR Board-Led Dine-Arounds
1:00-2:30 | Rehearsal with Dr. Highben
2:45-3:30 | Healthy Singing for a Lifetime
3:45-5:00 { Rehearsal with Dr. Highben
5:00-6:30 | Dinner On Your Own
6:30 | Singer Call for Community Performance; Doors Open for Friends and Family
7:00 | Community Performance for Friends and Family