A vocal workshop at Bethany College attracted over 400 area high school students.
According to Bethany, last week’s “Real Men Sing” vocal seminar brought over 400 young men, grades 5-12, from 34 schools across Kansas.
Participants spent the day working with music professionals in one of three groups. The High School Choir, directed by Paul Neal, an associate professor of music at Berry College, performed “Leave Her Johnny,” arranged by Daniel Lynch, and “Tuba,” arranged by Michael Marrett. The Changing Voices Choir, directed by Buhler High School vocal music teacher Greg Bontrager and McPherson High School voice teacher Nicholas Griggs, performed “Vive L’Amour” arranged by Bobby Siltman and “Wade in the Water” arranged by Dan Davidson. The Unchanged Voice Choir, directed by Hays High School choir teacher Alex Underwood, performed Mary Lynn Lightfoot’s “Pie Jesu” and Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” arranged by Robert T. Gibson. The final performance was “God Bless America” performed by all choirs combined.
Mark Lucas, associate professor of music, co-hosted the annual event with Bontrager, Neal, Griggs and Underwood. The accompanists were Daniel Masterson, Professor of Music, and Tyler Boehmer, Visiting Associate Professor of Music, Brenda Finch and Glenna Balsick.
Students from the following schools attended:
- Bennington High School in Bennington, KS
- Buhler High School in Buhler, KS
- Campus High School in Wichita, KS
- Hoisington High School and Middle School in Hoisington, KS
- Inman High School in Inman, KS
- Ottawa High School in Ottawa, KS
- Rose Hill High School in Rose Hills, KS
- Royal Valley High School and Middle School in Mayetta, KS
- Salina Central High School and Lakewood Middle School in Salina, KS
- Smoky Valley High School and Middle School in Lindsborg, KS
- Marion High School in Marion, KS
- Mission Valley High Schools in Mission Valley, KS
- Caney Valley Junior and Senior High School in Caney, KS
- Chaparral Junior & Senior High School in Anthony, KS
- Ness City Junior and Senior High Schools in Ness City, KS
- Republic County Junior & Senior High School in Belleville, KS
- Sacred Heart Junior and Senior High School in Salina, KS
- Uniontown Junior & Senior High School in Uniontown, KS
- USD 107 Rock Hill Junior and Senior High School in Mankato, KS
- USD 392 Osborne Junior and Senior High School in Osborne, KS
- USD 419 Canton Galva Junior and Senior High School in Canton, KS
- Chanute Elementary, High School and Royster Middle School in Chanute, KS
- Derby Middle School in Derby, KS
- Kansas City Christian School PreK-12 in Prairie Village, KS
- USD 112 Central Plains Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools in Holyrood and Claflin, KS
- Hays Middle School in Hays, KS
- Haysville & Haysville West Middle School in Haysville, KS
- Prairie Hills Middle School in Hutchinson, KS
- Washington Elementary School in McPherson, KS
- Frank V. Bergman Elementary School in Manhattan, KS
“Real Men Sing is an empowering day for the youth in my vocal program,” says Sonya Battin, Chaparral Jr/Sr High School Vocal Music Director.
“This event is such an important part of our young men’s journey through life. Show how a group of kids can get together, not to compete but just to sing! Kids who come for the social portion of the day or for great food at Bethany’s cafeteria come home excited to be able to partake in something that made them feel good about themselves. Here’s what it is!!” explains Bontrager
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