In the early 1970s, folding chairs were added to Alexander Auditorium to increase seating capacity. People were seated in the aisles, orchestra pit and stage apron, which of course, violated fire codes. So, by 1979, the Singing Quakers were presenting eight performances of Symphony of Spring to accommodate for the..Read More
Symphony of Spring was performed at the Century II Concert Hall, in 1986. 6000 people were in attendance over three concert nights. Contributions from the Union National Bank of Wichita made the grand performance possible.
The first Candlelight Christmas Concert took place as an effort to raise money for a 1988 European tour. It was meant to be a family event. University graduate, and professional singer, Earnest Alexander, performed a collection of his favorite Christmas songs. His performances were considered a highlight for audiences. Dr…Read More
In 1993, Symphony of Spring concert was a showcase of musical theatre compositions. The Singing Quakers performed selections from notable musicals such as My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast and Secret Garden.
The Singing Quakers performed Handel’s “Messiah” alongside the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.
In 1994, the Singing Quakers celebrated their seventieth anniversary. To celebrate, Dr. Riney invited vocal alumni to perform the opening song, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” at a final performance of Symphony of Spring.
Carl and Dixie Sebits gave the university $3 million to expand the science, jazz and ballet programs. A one-story addition to the north and west of William Penn Science building added 12,000 square feet for laboratories, classrooms, offices, storage areas and a workroom. A one-story addition to the east side..Read More
Friends University celebrated it’s 100 anniversary! The Singing Quakers performed at the Centennial Kick-Off event on September 21, 1998. The event was attended by students, faculty, staff, past presidents and local political leaders. The Singing Quakers performed the “Friends University Hymn” at the event. The vocal ensemble then joined the..Read More
In the summer of 2000, the Singing Quakers toured throughout Australia. They performed in the Sydney Opera House and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef.
Dr. Riney served as a guest conductor at Florida State University’s fourth annual High School Choral Festival, invited by two former students, Andre J. Thomas (’73) and Kevin Fenton (’84). Thomas presented Riney with “Walk the Streets of Gold,” a choral piece that Thomas wrote about Riney and the Singing..Read More