MANSFIELD, PA—The Young Men’s Choral Festival (YMCF), hosted by the Mansfield University student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), will be held on Friday, October 26th, 2018. YMCF, now in its 19th year, gives young men in grades 7, 8, & 9 the chance to sing in a massed choir with peers who also enjoy singing, ina comfortable and collaborative setting. The festival will feature a choir of over 130 young men from sixteen area school districts, and the Mansfield University Steadmen. The festival will conclude with a final concert in Steadman Theatre at 4:00pm.
This year’s guest conductor for the YMCF Choir is Mrs. Donna Knott, Director of the York County Junior Honors Choir. Mrs. Knott has an extensive background in the development of young voices. She has been the director of the York County Junior Honors Choir for sixteen years and is in her tenth season artistically directing the York County Elementary Choral Festival. Mrs. Knott is a graduate of West Chester University (B.S Music Education) and Penn State University (Master of Education) where she focused on the development of the male voice. Her passion for music and upbeat personality has guided her career through an incredible musical journey.
The 4:00 pm finale concert will also include the Mansfield University Steadmen, under the direction of Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, Director of Choral Activities at Mansfield University. Their program will present great choral standards for men’s voices, humorous selections, and a finale for combined choirs.
The YMCF Gala concert, which is supported in part by Student Activity fees, is free and open to the public.