Celebrating 10 Years of Clark's Choral Festival
Founding director April Duvic returns as adjudicator for the music department’s 10th annual choral festival
Pictured: Joel Thoreson directs the Vancouver School of Arts & Academics choir
Gaiser Hall was alive with the sound of music on Nov. 14, as the Clark College Music Department hosted the 10th Annual Fall Choral Festival.
Eighteen local middle and high school chambers and concert choirs from 13 schools took the stage. Clark College’s treble ensemble and concert choir also performed under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk, with Dr. Jeongmi Yoon accompanying on piano.
This year’s adjudicators included Clark Choral Director emeritus April Duvic, who launched the festival in 2012 and retired from Clark in 2016. She was joined by Wallace Long, Emeritus professor from Willamette University; Chris Maunu, Grammy-nominated teacher and Artistic Director of the Pacific Youth Choir; and Mike Scott, Director of Choral Activities at Columbia Basin College.
Pictured: Clark College director emeritus April Duvic clinics the Arts & Communication Magnet Academy choir with director Kendra Symonds
While the festival is not a competition—performances are not scored—the clinicians offered written feedback, giving students the chance to learn from seasoned professionals. Each choir also participated in a mini-clinic onstage, allowing other visiting choirs to see how different groups learn, refine, and grow.
April, who regularly adjudicates competitive choral festivals in the spring, said she is often surprised by how many choirs tell her this is their first festival of the year.
“Practicing to perform is so important for students,” she said. “Students need to hear other choirs and to hear an adjudicator offer helpful suggestions for improvement and helpful compliments that bolster their skills and confidence.”
As an adjudicator, April pays close attention to how singers respond to their director, noting their physical energy, alignment, and ability to communicate the text, story, and emotion of each piece. She listens for the collective tone quality—is it healthy, balanced, and appropriate to the various songs being performed? She also considers musicianship across elements such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics, diction, and ensemble togetherness.
The festival offers valuable insight for the directors as well. They receive feedback on their chosen repertoire and have time to connect with their colleagues—sharing how the year is going and encouraging one another.
“My number one hope is that all of the students and directors realize they are important and what they are doing is important,” April said. “Music, especially choral music, is a powerful force for good. There are multiple studies confirming the value, intrinsic and extrinsic, of singing in choirs. Today’s students are faced with so much disconnection in their lives. Singing in choir is all about connecting. Connecting to the music and connecting to each other. I firmly believe that lifelong choral singing needs to start in our youth and continue for our entire life.”
This connection is what the festival was built on more than a decade ago, and it was evident in this year's performances. Since stepping into the role, Dr. Funk has continued expanding April’s mission, bringing together skilled clinicians and encouraging choirs to take artistic risks in a supportive environment.
“Dr. Funk has put his own stamp of excellence on this festival, and it was an absolute pleasure to participate this year,” April said.
Attend an Upcoming Music Event
12/6, 7:30 pm, First United Methodist Church: Clark’s Concert Choir Fall Concert, under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk
12/7, 3 pm, Skyview HS: Clark’s Concert Band Fall Concert, under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris
1/29/26 - 1/31/26, 7:30 pm, GHL 150: 62nd Annual Jazz Festival, directed by Doug Harris
Visit the Clark College Music Events page for complete information about concerts, including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs.
Learn More About Clark's Music Program
Clark College’s Music program offers a dynamic curriculum in theory, performance, appreciation, and history. Designed for both music majors preparing for advanced study and non-majors seeking a deeper cultural connection, the program blends academic rigor with hands-on performance opportunities. Faculty bring professional experience to guide students in building skills and confidence for future careers in the arts. Students can explore pursuits in concert band, jazz ensemble, orchestra, and choir.
Learn more about Clark’s Music program.
Photos: Clark College/Jacob Funk & Ethan Knerr
Story by Shelly Williams, Fine Arts Department Program Coordinator