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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (Sept. 5, 2014) – The music departments of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Milligan College are collaborating to present “Men in Song,” a free, two-day festival and concert to celebrate male singers from throughout the region. The festival starts Saturday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. and culminates with a public concert on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City.
The concert will feature performances by Milligan’s Heard Mentality, ETSU’s BucsWorth Men’s Choir, Appalachian Men’s Express, Appalachian Men’s Ensemble (AMEn) and MECCA Men (Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy).
Male singers of all ages are invited to join a mass choir that will rehearse five songs together and perform the public concert on the second day of the festival.
“The goal for this festival is to inspire men of all ages—from students to retirees—to sing together,” said Dr. Alan Stevens, associate director of choral activities at ETSU. “We want men in the region to be aware of the outstanding singing opportunities available in the Tri-Cities.”
The mass choir will be led by four different conductors: Dr. Thomas Jenrette, ETSU professor emeritus; Noah DeLong, Milligan assistant professor of music; Dr. Matthew Potterton, ETSU director of choral activities; and Stevens.
The combined chorus will perform “The Last Words of David,” by Randall Thompson; “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” arranged by Fenno Heath; “Loch Lomond,” arranged by Jonathan Quick; “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit,” arranged by Moses Hogan and James Rodde; and “America the Beautiful,” arranged by Kevin Memley.
“Milligan is excited to partner with the ETSU Music Department to create this celebration of male singers from around our region,” said DeLong. “It’s a great experience for our participating singers to perform with such a large group of men and to work with a number of talented conductors. We hope to continue this festival for years to come.”
For a complete schedule and to register for this free event, visit www.etsu.edu/meninsong. For more information, contact Stevens at stevensae2@etsu.edu or 423.439.4725.