Vocal Summit - Details
Dates & Location
Sunday-Monday, October 4-5; Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
Registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 18
Festival Registration Fees
The UNI Vocal Summit is $25 per person and includes t-shirt, all rehearsals, performances, the Vocal Arts/Choral Ensemble Showcase, pizza dinner the evening of the performance and the Grand Finale Concert. Students selected for private voice lessons do not incur additional costs. Fees for music materials not included.
Chaperones have the option to join us for pizza dinner for a $5 charge.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Refunds will be given if written notice is postmarked by September 18, 2026. There will be a $25 processing fee for all refunds. Please note that the submission of the registration form is a commitment to pay the festival fee, regardless of weather conditions. No-shows will be invoiced and subject to collection for the full amount if written notice is not postmarked by September 18, 2026. Refunds will not be given after September 18, 2026.
Festival Parking
Buses may drop students off at the Gallagher Bluedorn and park in the North Dome R lot off of 27th Street. For other vehicles, parking permits are required if parking on campus. Please use your application form to indicate the number of parking permits needed. A map of appropriate parking lots will be sent with your permit(s) and confirmation.
Lodging Information
Holiday Inn and Suites
7400 Hudson Rd
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-260-2600
Room rate is $129 + tax. Each room reserved will receive up to TWO breakfast vouchers for the hotel (additional breakfast vouchers can be purchased at check-in for $10.70 each). Call or visit the link above before September 20th to reserve under this block.
Additional information
For more information about the Festival and/or Symposium activities, contact:
Dr. John Len Wiles
Phone: (319) 273-7142
E-mail: john.wiles@uni.edu
For information concerning registration, contact:
Heather Hamilton
Phone: (319) 273-2142
E-mail: heather.hamilton@uni.edu
Repertoire
Vocal Faculty
Learn more about the UNI School of Music Voice Faculty here.
Voice Lessons
Private voice lessons with UNI Vocal Faculty are available to Seniors and Juniors on Monday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Superior students may be invited to sing a solo at the Grand Finale Concert.
Students may use their 15-minute voice lesson in one of three ways:
* Prepare an art song or aria.
* Bring challenging passages from the Iowa All-State music for work focused on vocal technique rather than notes and rhythms.
* Request a technique lesson centered on vocalization and healthy voice production.
Prepared songs may be sung with or without music. However, students who wish to be considered by the UNI Voice Faculty for a featured performance on the closing concert must perform their selection from memory. UNI will provide pianists at no charge.
Lessons will offer students positive, encouraging feedback and practical suggestions from the UNI Voice Faculty. After all singers have been heard, the faculty may invite selected students to a callback audition before choosing performers for the closing concert.