Harmonizing the Future: How Rollins College and the Bach Festival Society Are Inspiring Young Vocalists
At 9:00 a.m. on the campus of Rollins College, five dedicated educators and several graduating seniors gathered under the direction of Dr. John Sinclair to prepare for a day of transformative music-making. While the day’s educational offerings required distinct approaches, they were all driven by a shared mission: expanding artistic access, building community, and elevating vocal excellence.
At the center of the day’s activities was The Lowdown, a specialized Tenor and Bass Choral Festival held at the John M. Tiedtke Concert Hall.
Over fifty high school singers gathered from across Central Florida—representing Winter Park, West Orange, The Villages, and Seminole High Schools. The morning opened with a sense of quiet anticipation as students stepped into the space, unsure of what the day would hold.
“Our goal is to increase the number of male Tenor and Bass voices, as well as female voices within this range,” explained Dr. Sinclair. “We are building the core of the Rollins music department’s students, as well as Bach Festival Society singers. We are demonstrating the high caliber of educational standards that most high school chorale students cannot get, nor can college-level students.”
World-Class Mentorship in Action
Assisting Dr. Sinclair throughout the festival were four esteemed guest artist-educators and professional singers: Dr. John Grau, Dr. Brad Diamond, Stephen Mumbert, and Joseph Trumbo. Just the evening before, these artists had performed in Fables, Feathers, and Fins alongside the Bach Vocal Artists, featuring Gian Carlo Menotti’s satirical madrigal fable The Unicorn, the Gorgon, and the Manticore.
For the Rollins students in attendance, watching their mentors perform at such a high level the previous evening added an extra layer of inspiration to the workshop. Few private liberal arts institutions offer a music program that combines rigorous academic standards with the experiential learning of singing alongside a world-class ensemble like the Bach Festival Society.
A Journey of Growth and Community
As the day unfolded, the high school participants split into smaller sectional groups, working directly with the educators to refine their technique on a rich four-part repertoire, including:
Vive L’Amour
Down in the Valley
If You Loved Me
What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?
Somebody’s Calling My Name
By 4:00 p.m., when the students reassembled on stage for the final showcase performance, their vocal transformation and newfound confidence were unmistakable.
Beyond the technical skills gained, the festival highlighted the unique power of choral music to bridge generations and build lasting connections. As graduating Rollins student Enrique noted:
“Classical, secular music is being made accessible to the public. This exposure to the medium, rather than treating classical music as a monolith of culture, provides a curious and engaging sense of community building through music, bringing different age groups together, which helps reduce isolation.”
A Win for Students, A Win for the Community
Events like The Lowdown serve as a vital link between high school music programs, collegiate studies, and professional artistry. Students leave equipped with professional-level skills, while the broader community benefits from rich, engaging arts programming led by exceptional Bach performers and Rollins educators.
Bravo to everyone involved for delivering a truly extraordinary day of music, mentorship, and community engagement!