Every year, occurring in late Sept., students from all over Illinois venture to Millikin University to attend Vocal Fest, a two-day experience where various directors from Millikin’s music department direct high school students.

This year, Millikin Vocal Fest occurred on Sept. 21 and 22. On the first day, the singers were introduced to the faculty of Millikin’s music department. After meeting the faculty, the singers were then instructed by the various directors. They worked many times throughout the day, practicing the music that they would perform the next day. After several hours of practice, the students were then invited to watch a variety of Millikin’s choirs, including, Millikin Women, Millikin Men, University Choir, and the vocal jazz ensemble, One Voice.

The next day, again after several hours of practice, the attendees performed the music that they had learned over the past two days. This year, the attendees performed “The Battle of Jericho,” “I will Sing,” “I am not Yours” and “The Music of Living.”

Although for some Millikin Vocal Fest is just a fun time to sing, many high school students come here to learn what it is like to be instructed on a collegiate level. They are able to experience working on challenging choral arrangements on a minimal time schedule, creating a sense of what it is truly like to practice and perform in a college setting. On top of the time limit, the attendees also get a sense of the vast differences of working with instructors on a collegiate level.

When asked what were his reasons for attending the two-day festival, Isaac Schumacher from Monticello, Ill. stated that he wished to work with Millikin’s instructors as “the excellent directors help us build our music skills and reach our full potential. The event also allows us to meet other musically inclined people.”

The attendees’ instructors also wish for their students to achieve a higher choral experience. Choir director Tricia Shaw, when asked what she hopes her students accomplish by taking part in the festival, said “I hope my students gain two things: one, a renewed passion for singing that they can pass on to others when they return to school, and two, a desire to sing at a collegiate level.”