Providence , RI-- Eighty talented high school students from throughout Southern New England, New York and Pennsylvania will attend Providence College ’s Summer Vocal Institute for high school students, offered on campus from July 25-31, 2004 . Under the direction of skilled musical instructors, they will study a lively program of contemporary a cappella , opera, musical theater, jazz and traditional choir music, filling Slavin Center with virtually non-stop music and singing.

Operating for the fifth consecutive year, from 9 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. , the summer vocal institute is a week-long, overnight program featuring intensive vocal instruction and performance. The program is under the direction of Dr. Michele Holt, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities/music education at Providence College .

Students attend classes throughout the day, focusing on topics designed to improve their vocal skills through solo and group instruction and practice. All students participate in the Institute Chorale and 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.

Evenings are filled with recitals and concerts featuring students, faculty, and members of Providence College' s student a cappella groups. By the end of the program, participants 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 choral groups where they sing.

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