Join Allen Hightower for an awe-inspiring performance of Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass (Missa in Angustiis Hob. XXII:11). The festival chorus will perform with the New York City Chamber Orchestra and soloists as part of MCP’s Masterwork Series. Singers will represent a variety of ensembles from across the country.
EXCITING Itinerary BREAKDOWN
Friday, March 28: Welcome to the Big Apple!
Arrive in vibrant New York City.
Check into your hotel and settle in for an exciting stay.
Saturday, March 29: Discover and Perform
Morning: Kick off with an energizing rehearsal.
Afternoon: Explore NYC’s iconic sights at your leisure.
Evening: Experience the magic of Broadway with a must-see show!
Sunday, March 30: More Adventures Await
Morning: Continue your NYC exploration—there’s so much to see!
Afternoon: Gather for another dynamic rehearsal session.
Evening: Enjoy more free time—perfect for sightseeing or sampling NYC’s famous cuisine.
Monday, March 31: The Big Day!
Morning: Last chance to tour the city.
Afternoon: Final touches with a brush-up rehearsal, then a sound check at the legendary Carnegie Hall alongside the New York City Chamber Orchestra.
Evening: Shine on stage during your concert performance, followed by a celebratory post-concert buffet reception.
Tuesday, April 1: Farewell NYC
Depart from New York City, taking home memories that will last a lifetime!
Masterwork Series PAckages
A Not-to-Be-Missed Opportunity for Directors Who Demand Excellence!
Festival Chorus Performance: Collaborate with a nationally-recognized guest conductor, alongside professional soloists and the esteemed New York City Chamber Orchestra.
Iconic Venue: Perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium—where the world’s greatest have stood.
Exclusive Extras:
Delight in a post-concert buffet reception—a perfect end to your grand performance.
Utilize professional mp3 part learning tracks for impeccable preparation.
Receive a video archival recording of your unforgettable performance.
Cherish a commemorative framed mini marquee poster, celebrating your ensemble’s achievement.
Honor each performer with a certificate of participation.
Luxurious Accommodations:
Enjoy a four-night stay in the heart of New York City at a prestigious Midtown Manhattan hotel like the Westin Times Square, Hilton New York, or Sheraton New York.
New York City Experiences:
Navigate the city like a local with an MTA Transit pass, including two one-way subway or bus rides.
Experience Broadway magic with group tickets to a hit show.
Take in breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Personalized Support:
Benefit from the dedicated attention of an MCP operations associate to tailor your package details.
Flight coordination support is available through our in-house airline coordinator.
Receive a complimentary one-year membership to the online learning platform, Forward Motion, for the ensemble director.
This is your ensemble's chance to shine on one of the world's most prestigious stages and enjoy an all-encompassing New York City experience. Don't let this opportunity slip away—make your mark in the city that never sleeps!
Elevate your ensemble's experience with a tailor-made event package, perfect for directors coordinating through a tour operator or arranging their own accommodations and activities. This exclusive package features:
Festival Chorus Performance: Take center stage in an exhilarating performance at the iconic Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium, under the baton of a nationally-renowned guest conductor, alongside professional soloists and the esteemed New York City Chamber Orchestra.
Rehearsal and Sound Check: Prepare for your Carnegie Hall debut with a professional sound check and performance, ensuring a flawless presentation.
Preparation Tools: Enhance your readiness with mp3 part learning tracks designed to fine-tune your performance.
Professional Recordings: Receive a video archival recording of your performance, capturing the magic of your Carnegie Hall moment.
Commemorative Poster: Cherish your experience forever with a custom-framed mini marquee poster of your ensemble.
Certificates of Achievement: Each performer will receive a certificate of participation, commemorating their involvement in this prestigious event.
Exclusive Membership: The ensemble director will benefit from a one-year membership to the Forward Motion online learning platform, offering additional resources and educational opportunities.
Transform your musical journey into an unforgettable adventure with our Event Package, where prestigious venues, professional guidance, and exclusive perks come together to create an unmatched artistic experience.
Not currently singing with an ensemble? This event will open to individuals later this fall!
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Since arriving at UNT in 2016, the A Cappella Choir has received invitations to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association in 2020, the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in 2021, and the Southwestern Division of ACDA in 2022. Vox Aquilae and the UNT Baroque Orchestra were featured at the 2022 virtual conference of the National Collegiate Choral Organization.
As a teacher and conductor, Dr. Hightower has visited 30 states, Asia, and Europe. His students hold positions of leadership as choral conductors in public schools, colleges and universities, and churches and community choirs throughout the United States.
Prior to his appointment at UNT, he held the Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he served as conductor of the renowned Nordic Choir and artistic director of Christmas at Luther. As Luther’s Director of Choral Activities, he gave leadership to a choral program that included four conductors, six choirs, and over 530 singers. Under Hightower’s direction, the Nordic Choir performed at the 2014 North Central Division of ACDA, recorded six compact discs, made annual concert tours throughout the United States, and toured Europe on two occasions.
From 2000-2010, Hightower served as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Sam Houston State University. During his tenure, the SHSU Chorale toured Europe, performed for the 2007 National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association, 2010 Southwestern Division of ACDA, and 2003, 2006, and 2010 conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association. His high school teaching career included tenures at Klein High School in Spring, Texas and at Odessa Permian High School in Odessa, where he led the PHS Kantorei and Satin Strings in performance at the 1996 TMEA convention.
Outside of his work in academia, Allen has served as the Artistic Director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra, leading an annual concert series of choral-orchestral masterworks. As a deeply committed church musician, he has served Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches in Texas, California, and Minnesota. He currently serves on the music staff of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, and has served as the Church Music Vice-President of the Texas Choral Directors Association. He was as Adjunct Professor of Conducting at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
As a conducting student of the Texas choral legend Bev Henson, Allen earned his undergraduate degree in music education and piano from Sam Houston State University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in choral conducting from the Eastman School of Music where he was a student of Baroque scholar Alfred Mann, and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Baylor University, where he served as assistant conductor to Stephen Heyde and accompanist to Donald Bailey and the Baylor Chamber Singers. Allen earned his doctorate in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he served as assistant conductor to Donald Neuen. Hightower pursued additional orchestral conducting studies with Jung-Ho Pak at the University of Southern California, choral conducting studies with Joseph Flummerfelt at Westminster Choir College and choral-orchestral conducting with Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival. After winning first prize in the graduate division of the American Choral Directors Association’s Conducting Competition in 1997, Allen served as assistant to Paul Salamunovich, conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale.