The Singing Quakers, in a sponsored event by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita Eagle, performed a newly composed work by Meredith Wilson (of The Music Man fame) and Frank Allen Hubbell: The Kansas Story. The work shared the history of Kansas and the musical composition mimicked classic..Read More
The City of Wichita was presented with an “All-American City” award, an award given annually to 11 cities on the basis of citizen participation and achievements. Look Magazine and the National Municipal League were co-sponsors of the award. Friends University’s Singing Quakers provided music at City Hall when the “All-America..Read More
In its sixty-fifth year, the university launched plans for a new Fine Arts Building. President Roberts justified the project saying, “The Music Department has made its headquarters for years in an antiquated frame structure which has serious space and heating deficiencies.” The new 460-seat auditorium, complete with classrooms and practice..Read More
Cecil J. Riney was promoted to the head of the music department upon receiving his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
On May 31, the university broke ground on the new fine arts facility, following the Baccalaureate Service.
In June of 1965, the Singing Quakers sang at the New York World’s Fair. The fair’s theme that year was “Peace Through Understanding.” It featured exhibitions designed by NASA, the debut of Walt Disney’s ‘It’s a Small World’ ride, and even the world’s largest cheese. The ensemble recorded a color..Read More
The Whittier Fine Arts Center was completed during the summer, dedicated on October 17, and was viewed by visitors at Homecoming on October 23. It’s formal opening on November 7 debuted two musical concerts that featured the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Quakers.
In preparation for an international tour, the choir performed a benefit concert at the Wichita Consistory Auditorium and a televised concert with the KAKE Television Station.
The Singing Quakers took on a European concert tour in July, making them the first choir from Wichita to ever tour abroad. The 43-member ensemble, plus a faculty vocal quartet participated in the International Music Eisteddfod (festival) in Wales and continued concerts in London, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and France.
The Singing Quakers were invited to appear at the White House Christmas Pageant of Peace. The ceremony included Christmas selections by the U.S. Marine Band, a performance by the Singing Quakers and an address by President Nixon. The pageant was broadcasted live by all major radio and television networks within..Read More