Providence, RI-- What do you get when you mix 65 talented high school students from throughout Southern New England with skilled musical instructors and a lively program of contemporary a cappella, opera, musical theater, jazz and traditional choir music?  It's the Providence College Summer Vocal Institute, offered on campus this summer for the fourth consecutive year - and filling the Slavin Center with virtually non-stop music and singing.

Operating from July 20-26, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. each weekday, the summer vocal institute is a week-long, overnight program featuring six days of intensive vocal instruction and performance, under the direction of Dr. Michele Holt, director of choral activities at Providence College.  According to Dr. Holt, who conducted auditions for the program, this year's class is filled with exceptionally talented and enthusiastic vocal students.
Students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons, focusing on topics designed to improve their vocal skills through solo and group instruction and practice.  All students attend a Master Class where guest soloists from the region perform and lecture on vocal technique.  Other classes-jazz choir, music theater, opera scenes and chamber choir-are open to students based on their audition results.  Students also may select classes in piano, music theory, aural skills and applied voice lessons.

The evenings are filled with recitals and concerts featuring students, faculty and members of Providence College's three a cappella groups. The vocal institute concludes with a culminating performance on Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. in Slavin Center '64 Hall on the Providence College Campus.  This event features performances by the Chamber Choir and the Institute Chorale, which is comprised of all program participants.  The public is invited to attend this free event.

At the end of the program, the students have strengthened basic vocal skills, experimented with new styles and techniques, and gained renewed confidence in their talents - an immeasurable benefit to the high schools, churches and community groups where they sing.