NOMINATION
Avila’s choirs and Dr. Amity Bryson were nominated by her peers in the music community based on the quality and growth of Avila’s choral program. After being nominated, Dr. Bryson submitted recordings of Avila’s choirs for review by the Festival. This is an honor to be able to interact and sing with choirs from around the world.

PREPERATION
Once Avila was selected, students from all four of Avila choral ensembles were invited to audition for the Rome Festival Ensemble; 28 singers were chosen for the ensemble. These singers have rehearsed throughout the 2008-2009 academic year in preparation for this tour. Some have even taken italian-speaking classes.

FESTIVAL CORALE INTERNAZIONALE DI ROMA
A music festival experience in Italy is a return to the roots of Western Civilization. Italy presents a glorious feast of all the senses - sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. Regardless of one’s musical tastes - classical, church, ballad, opera, chant, symphonic, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Romantic, Baroque - these roots are all found in Italy. Our musical heritage certainly was born in Italy. Italians, with help from the French, invented the system of musical notation used today.

We are excited about the musical stimulation the Rome International Choral Festival will undoubtedly provide - just the kind of experiences that raises the level of musicianship and dedication to the performing arts for all participants!

This mass festival of American and Italian choirs will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and Rome’s famed S. Maria Sopra Minerva. The Festival is for SATB singers only and choirs will be accepted through an audition and/or recommended process.