Vox Lucia
Vocal Festival for Leadership & SingingMonday, March 17, 2025
Lift your voice. Lead with purpose.
The Vox Lucia Vocal Festival for Leadership & Singing at Gustavus Adolphus College is a special one-day event that will provide high school sopranos and altos the opportunity to learn exceptional choral music written by and for women and hone their leadership skills through interactive sessions led by nationally recognized experts. Music will be provided throughout the day by the Lucia Singers (Gustavus’ soprano-alto choir), Kaleidoscope (our soprano-alto pop acapella ensemble), and the Gustavus Choir (our flagship mixed ensemble).
This year, we welcome nationally renowned conductor Jennaya Robison as our artist–in-residence. Jennaya is the Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir and a highly accomplished conductor, educator, and vocalist. In demand as a clinician and guest speaker, Jennaya frequently appears at regional and national choral conferences and seminars, regularly leads All-State and honor choirs, and has taught courses in choral singing and global connection in the United States, Namibia, South Africa, Germany, and Italy. Working alongside Jocelyn will be one of Gustavus’ very own, Dr. Kathi Tunheim. Kathi is the Vice-President for Mission, Strategy and Innovation at Gustavus, where she founded three distinguished organizations: Gustavus Mentoring Program, the Gustie Entrepreneur Cup and Gustavus Women in Leadership. Kathi is a sought-after speaker and consultant in the areas of organizational behavior, leadership development, and strategy.
This vocal festival is open to all high school sopranos and altos, regardless of their musical ability or gender expression. Our dedicated team of educators and special guests will help all participants consider new ways to lift their voices, lead with purpose, and share their stories.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at bdean@gustavus.edu.
Brandon Dean, Festival Coordinator
9:00 a.m. -- Arrival and seating of the choir
9:30 a.m. -- Massed choir rehearsal
10:30 a.m. -- Special interest session led by Jennaya Robison
11:30 a.m. -- Lunch (provided) & small group learning activities led by Kaleidoscope
1:15 p.m. -- Special interest session led by Jennaya Robison
2:00 p.m. -- Efterrätt (Swedish for dessert) social with music provided by Kaleidoscope
2:45 p.m. -- The Leadership Mindset with Dr. Kathi Tunheim
4:00 p.m. -- Massed choir rehearsal in Christ Chapel
5:00 p.m. -- Dinner (on your own)
6:30 p.m. -- Seating of the choir, doors open to the public
7:00 p.m. -- Concert featuring the festival choir, Lucia Singers, and Gustavus Choir
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the vocal festival take place?
The festival will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, on the beautiful campus of Gustavus Adolphus College. Gustavus is located in St. Peter, Minnesota, which is about 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities.
Who can participate?
This festival is open to any student in grades 9-12 who sings soprano or alto, regardless of their musical background or gender expression.
Is there a limit to how many singers from one high school can participate?
Nope! Each high school is welcome to send as many students as they wish. If a school is planning to send more than a few students, it may be easier for the director to collect the information requested in the registration form, organize it into a spreadsheet for their school participants, and email the spreadsheet directly to Brandon Dean at bdean@gustavus.edu.
What will be happening?
Our priority is to provide each student with a high-impact educational experience. We will divide our time between learning a few pieces of music and participating in large- and small-group sessions designed to build leadership skills. Students will also have a few opportunities to socialize with each other and make new friendships.
What should I bring?
You won’t need much! Music will be provided at the event. A water bottle would be helpful as we will be singing throughout the day. $10 cash for your participation fee. A bit more cash or a credit/debit card to purchase dinner on or off campus. That’s it!
How do meals work?
Lunch is provided by Gustavus. For dinner, students can eat in the award-winning Gustavus Market Place or head down the hill for various local options. Dinner is not provided, so students will need to bring money to pay for their evening meal.
What is the cost of the festival?
The cost is $10 per student. Payment will be collected on the day of the festival during the check-in process.
What should I wear?
The dress for the vocal festival is casual. Jeans are a great option, especially if the weather is cool, as we will move around the campus a bit. Students are highly encouraged to wear “spirit wear” or other apparel that reflects which high school they attend.
I have more questions! Who do I contact?
Please reach out to Brandon Dean (bdean@gustavus.edu), who serves as the festival coordinator.