Online Music Weeks

In light of the pandemic, the Luther College Music Department has been unable to host its annual Dorian Vocal, Orchestra, and Band Festivals. In order to continue to provide musical learning opportunities to high school music students and their teachers, Luther is offering Online Vocal Week, Orchestra Week, and Band Week; held in January, February and March, respectively. Most sessions will be available to the public on the Luther College Music Department YouTube channel, while other sessions will take place over Zoom.

In a typical year the Dorian Festivals introduce high school students, who have been nominated by their high school directors, to the Luther music program. “Every January, February, and March, we invite hundreds of teachers along with 1,000 singers, 150 orchestra students, and 500 band students to participate in the Dorian Festivals,” said Kayla Scholl, director of music marketing and Dorian programs. “We decided in early fall that we would host Online Music Weeks to feature each area of our music program instead.”

During these online music weeks, a different video will be posted daily at 7 p.m. on the Luther College Music Department YouTube Channel. Some of these videos take a deep dive into a different aspect of the program, others offer virtual recitals, and others offer chances to hear from our alumni. In addition to the videos, there are many chances for live, virtual interactions with members of the Luther College music faculty. These interactions include virtual scholarship auditions, one-on-one virtual faculty meetings, teacher workshops, and technique classes for both students and teachers.

Luther’s Online Vocal Week, held Jan. 10-16, features 11 talented high school students who were selected by audition for a virtual recital. In addition, 16 high school choirs are participating in virtual workshops with members of the Luther College choral faculty. Other special events include a faculty voice recital and a virtual directors’ session. The Luther Music Department is also giving away choir music to 25 area high schools.