Dr. Cecil Riney announced his retirement after 45 years as a faculty member at Friends University. Dr. Mark Bartel assumed the role of director of the Singing Quakers. He held degrees from Canadian Mennonite University and the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Music and Master of Sacred Music from..Read More

The 68 member Singing Quakers ensemble toured Germany. In addition to hosting performances in historical churches throughout the country, the students stayed in the homes of local communities, served with the International Boys and Girls Scouts camp and volunteered at a local rehabilitation center.

Southern California native, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore assumed the role of Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quaker Conductor in August 2020. He holds a B.A. in Choral Music from the University of Southern California; a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor..Read More

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, rehearsals were shortened, hosted in outdoor tents to limit the spread of the virus.

From December 23-25, Friends University’s Singing Quakers, bands, orchestra and student dancers hosted the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert off campus. The performance was televised on Kansas Public Television.

In April 2022, Dr. Carey announced phase two of the RISE Up Capital Campaign: Our Next Act. This phase would seek to renovate and expand the Riney Fine Arts Center. The $7 Million project kicked off with a generous $2 Million donation toward a new chapel.

The Singing Quakers performed at the 84th Annual Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) In-Service Workshop in February. Hosted at Century II, speakers, performer and vendors came together to showcase Kansas’ best music programs.

From April 28-30 of 2023, the Singing Quakers performed their 70th annual Symphony of Spring, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing.” Singing Quaker alumni were invited to Wichita to participate in the performance.

In May of 2023, the Singing Quakers toured Spain and Portugal in May for nearly two weeks. The ensemble visited the beaches of Barcelona; the striking World Heritage Site and concert venue, Palau de la Música Catalana; the 16th century defense tower, Belém Tower; and performing throughout Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca..Read More