CLU Summer Vocal Institute returns
Youth can sign up for solo, choral program
Master Teacher Angela Rasmussen Hicks.
Master Teacher Angela Rasmussen Hicks.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA. - The California Lutheran University Summer Vocal Institute is now accepting registrations for its two-week program in July.

The program for 12- to 19-year-old aspiring singers begins on Sunday, July 10, with orientation and coaching sessions. It will continue from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through July 22.

The institute covers vocal technique, solo repertoire and performance. Students will explore their voice and artistry through one-on-one coaching, daily master classes and course work in technique, sight singing, performance etiquette, interpretation, movement, and classical and musical theater repertoire.

Both weeks will include a mix of choral and solo singing. Wyant Morton, who chairs the music department and conducts the chorale ensembles at CLU, will lead an intense week and a half of ensemble singing that will culminate in a concert. Master teachers Angela Rasmussen Hicks, a mezzo-soprano, and Heidi Valencia Vas, a classically trained soprano, will focus on solo singing with students. Both Hicks and Vas are CLU faculty members.

The program features opportunities to attend and perform in concerts. There will be three performances that will be open to the public. Hicks and Vas will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13. The Choral Concert will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, and the Solo Vocal Works Concert will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22. All concerts will be held in CLU’s Samuelson Chapel.

The institute is open to youths of all levels, whether they just started singing in a choir or have been studying voice for several years. Enrollment is limited to preserve the individualized nature of the program.

Tuition is $865. To register or for more information, go to http://www.callutheran.edu/music/svi or call (805) 405-0148 or (818) 605-3944.