The Fine Arts Building at UTM is alive with the sound of music. Two hundred forty students from across West Tennessee and West Kentucky recently gathered to participate in the annual UTM High School Honor Choir Festival, which was held on the UTM campus.

The Department of Music at UTM invited area high school choir directors to bring their top performers to work with UTM’s music faculty. The high school students formed two choirs, one an all women’s chorus and the other a mixed choir. Dr. Fred Spano directed the women’s chorus while Dr. Mark Simmons directed the mixed choir. The festival is a two-day event beginning with practice and a just-for-fun talent show. The festival closed on Saturday night with an exceptional performance by each choir.

Dr. Kevin Lambert, Chairman of the Department of Music at UTM, said, “It is a big effort, but we have great facilities and great support from the university.” Dr. Lambert said that this has been a tradition for more than 20 years. He also said that most participating high schools return each year.

The high schools that showcased their talent this year include: Graves County High School, Huntingdon High School, Kenwood High School, Lewis County High School, Lexington High School, Madison Academic Magnet High School, McNairy Central High School, Munford High School, Northside High School, Ripley High School, Southside High School, Covington High School, Craigmont High School, Crockett County High School, Dresden High School and Dyersburg High School.

“The Department of Music very much appreciates the support from area high school choir directors. It is a wonderful chance for UTM to promote our exceptional music department,” said Dr. Lambert.