During the fall 2024 semester, Meredith’s arts programs held special events designed to bring prospective performing arts students to campus. The Music Department hosted TrebleFest in October, and in November, the Dance Program held their High School Day of Dance.

Students from 11 area high schools came to Meredith on October 2 for a day of music-making in Meredith’s historic and resonant performance spaces. In addition to working with Dr. Lindsey Bruner Woodcock, director of choral activities, high school students could elect to take a voice lesson with voice faculty members Dr. Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas and Rachel Stenbuck. 

Amid the rehearsals, lessons, and games, a highlight of the day was the afternoon “Recital Chat” provided by Meredith College music students. Several music majors performed solo works for the high school students, followed by a world premiere performance of a piece composed by student Hannah Bomar, ’26. Meredith Chorale members then shared their experiences with the high school singers and answered questions about life as a music major, balancing athletics and music in college, finding a path in the arts, and more.

The 2024 TrebleFest choir, the largest treble-clef chorus in the Triangle, finished the day with a performance in Jones Auditorium, where they shared the stage with Encore! and Meredith Chorale.

High School Day of Dance

The Meredith Dance Program welcomed hundreds of local dancers to campus for its annual High School Day of Dance on November 8, 2024. With 475 students from 26 area schools, this was the largest High School Day of Dance yet.

Assistant Professor of Dance Courtney White helps to organize this event, which allows participants to share, learn, and celebrate dance. “Our motto is ‘We Dance Here.’ In Meredith’s dance program students are a part of a collaborative environment where they explore artistic, technical, and creative expression,” White said. “High School Day of Dance is an extension of our mission.”

High school students took classes from faculty, alumnae, and community members during the event. Class options included musical theater, jazz, improvisation, yoga, contemporary ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance. Meredith students performed a tap piece choreographed by alumna Sydney Potter, ’22, one of the high school teachers in attendance. In addition, 16 schools brought dances to perform during the event’s informal showing.

Another special option was a community class by the prestigious American Dance Festival (ADF). Students attending this class had the option to audition for scholarships to ADF’s Pre-Professional Summer Dance Intensive.

Current Meredith dance students are essential to the success of High School Day of Dance. They assist with planning and support visiting students during the event.

High School Day of Dance also supports recruitment at Meredith. “Many of our current students attended High School Day of Dance,” White said. “This year, an admissions staff member spoke to the students about attending Meredith and set up a special admissions table for prospective students to visit.”