Following a Baccalaureate Service, the university held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fine Arts building on May 31, 1964. following the Baccalaureate Service. The Whittier Fine Arts Center was completed during the summer of 1965, dedicated on October 17, viewed by visitors at Homecoming on October 23 and had..Read More
Roy Campbell, new head of the Friends University Music Department, combined the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, following a national trend among universities during the 1920s. Instead of performing popular music, Campbell took cues from university a cappella choirs, leading the Singing Quakers to perform sacred music for memory in..Read More
Conductor and alum Noble Cain sent a composition to the university, dedicated to Fred Mayer and the Singing Quakers. The piece, entitled, “Second Crucifixion” was programmed for tour and home concerts.
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
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 sang at the New York World’s Fair in June. 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.
Roy Campbell planned a spring tour for the entire music department and a final “Home Concert” in Alumni Auditorium following the tour.
Following a tour through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the choir began rehearsing for a spring Appreciation Night concert named “Symphony of Spring.” It featured show tunes performed by the choir, ensembles and soloists. The unique performance showcased the choir’s versatility. Proceeds from the concert provided scholarships for voice students and..Read More
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
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.