“A Cappella Fest!” addresses the need for enhanced music education opportunities, college readiness, and community engagement for students in middle school through high school in Delaware. The project provides a unique choral education experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings.

Enhanced Music Education

Participants will benefit from workshops, masterclasses, and rehearsals with collegiate a cappella groups and professionals. These activities will improve their skills in areas such as pitch, tone, rhythm, and intonation necessary for singing a cappella music.

College Readiness

Participants will learn from college students about the college application process, academic program evaluation, and student life on campus. They will gain insights into how music can be a part of their college experience, even if they pursue non-musical career paths.

Community Engagement

A Cappella Fest! seeks to engage the community by offering an evening performance open to the public. This concert will showcase the talents of the participating groups and build a sense of community around music.

Masterclasses

Participants will engage in a masterclass with collegiate a cappella groups and professionals. This class will involve practical training, feedback, and skill improvement.

Rehearsals

Students will have the opportunity to rehearse their sets in the performance hall and receive constructive feedback. There will also be group sectionals and rehearsals for a combined finale.

College Workshops

Participants will attend workshops where they can interact with college students and learn about their college journeys. Topics will include college applications, academic program selection, and student life.

Group Meals

The event will include communal meal times, fostering interactions among students, community groups, and college participants.

Evening Performance

A Cappella Fest! will culminate in an evening performance open to the public, featuring sets by participating groups, collegiate a cappella groups, and a combined group finale.

Saturday, April 13, 2024*

• 8:30 AM Breakfast
• 9:00 AM Welcome
• 9:15 AM Community Sing
• 10:00 AM Break
• 10:15 AM Sectionals
• 11:00 AM Combined Piece Rehearsal
• 11:15 AM Lunch
• 12:30 PM Masterclass
• 2:45 PM Break
• 3:00 PM Guest Group Sound Check / College Workshops
• 5:30 PM Dinner
• 6:30 PM Choir School of Delaware Sound Check
• 7:30 PM Concert

*Times subject to change

Vocal Point of the University of Delaware was started in 1998 with an 80’s music focus. Today, Vocal Point has branched out a great deal from its 80’s origins, singing songs by Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Lawrence, Christina Aguilera, and many others! They continue today as a fun-loving group of college students with a passion for singing.

Vocal Point has competed in the International Championships of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs) for the past 10 years and has been lucky enough to move on to Semifinals 7 times and Finals once! This past ICCA season, Vocal Point placed 2nd at Quarterfinals and won a special award for Best Arrangement! Vocal Point has released an album, Momentum, and 3 EP’s, Fragile, Phoenix, and Dream. This year, VP will be working on another recording project! Recording is one of Vocal Point’s favorite activities!

Under A Rest, founded in 2014, is a gender-inclusive a cappella group from West Chester University. They perform contemporary a cappella music throughout campus and the West Chester community and annually compete in the ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella).

The Choir School of Delaware provides a lifeline for local students and their families. More than an exceptional intergenerational choir, we serve as a “community center that sings!” The Choir School is affordable to all, regardless of income. We provide superior music education, year-round academic support, opportunities for personal development, and access to community resources, creating a more equitable Wilmington. Our award-winning after-school program fosters a sense of belonging among our choristers and addresses the underlying causes of generational poverty.