SFYCA: Activities

Classes and Seminars

Your days at the SFYCA will be full, with an average of 8 hours a day of classes, rehearsals, and specialized sessions under the guidance of expert faculty. Sessions take place on the University of Oregon campus and at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene.

Vocal Technique

These classes start off the day at SFYCA. Through different warm-ups and exercises your vocal instrument is best prepared for the intensive full days of singing.

Musicianship

Classes help participants more fully understand music theory, history and choral conducting technique. What you learn will help you make informed decisions about your music-making, and help form knowledgeable attitudes and perspectives concerning the choral art.

Movement

Choral music is a full-body art form. Breathing/relaxation exercises, stretching and full-range movement helps you and your choir-mates be more comfortable moving, and to engage your body fully to sing better while rehearsing and performing.

Rehearsals

Dr. Armstrong, Helmuth Rilling (OBF artistic director), and Cole Blume (SFYCA Conductor Assistant) guide you through 60 hours of rehearsal in 12 days, taking you and the choir from sight reading new material to full-length, high-caliber concerts.

Attend Concerts

As part of the SFYCA experience, you’ll attend major concerts of the Oregon Bach Festival, featuring some of the world’s best choral singers, orchestra players, vocal soloists, and guest artists. Tickets are included with your fee.

The Dorm

At the SFYCA you’ll share good times with your new friends while you get a taste of college living and dining in Barnhart Hall, a University of Oregon dorm. Men and women reside on different floors, with staff activity directors on each floor.

The food is great and the dorm is comfortable. When you’re accepted into the SFYCA you’ll get full details of what you need to bring (and leave behind).