History of Singing Quakers

Singing Quakers

2007
2007

Germany Tour

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.

2009
2009

KMEA Performances

The ensemble had the opportunity to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop five times under Dr. Bartel’s leadership (2009, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2019).

2011
2011

Canada Choir Tour

The Singing Quakers toured Canada, singing in Dr. Bartel’s home church, just a few miles shy of Niagara Falls. The ensemble also performed at the US Consulate Office.

2019
2019

Italy and Austria Tour

Italy and Austria Tour

The ensemble took their music abroad to Italy and Austria, performing in churches and cathedrals with an orchestra. During their trip, they toured the Mauthausen Concentration Camp and sites from the Sound of Music.

2020
2020

Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore Announced as New Singing Quakers Director

Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore Announced as New Singing Quakers Director

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

2020

Covid-19 Pandemic

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

2021
2021

Televised Candlelight Concert

Televised Candlelight Concert

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.

2022
2022

84th KMEA Workshop

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.

2022

RISE Up Capital Campaign Announced

RISE Up Capital Campaign Announced

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.

2023
2023

70th Annual Symphony of Spring

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.

2023

Spain and Portugal Tour

Spain and Portugal Tour

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

2023

Riney Fine Arts Center Ground Breaking Ceremony

Riney Fine Arts Center Ground Breaking Ceremony

A groundbreaking ceremony on June 29 celebrated the beginning of construction on the Riney Fine Arts Center.

2024
2024

Wichita Grand Opera

In March 2024, the Singing quakers were the featured chorus and soloist with the Wichita Grand Opera, directed by guest conductor Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore in a performance of Fauré Requiem.

2024

Riney Fine Arts Center Ribbon Cutting

Riney Fine Arts Center Ribbon Cutting

On September 19, the university celebrated the grand unveiling of the new Riney Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hundreds were in attendance for the special program. The $7.8-million-dollar renovation, led by Shelden Architecture, Simpson Construction, and Hein Landscaping, included an expanded entrance, spacious art gallery, chapel addition, expanded black box..Read More