Music Festival Timelines
The Kentucky-Tennessee (KYTN) Conference Music Festival began in 1961 under the leadership of Superintendent of Education, Elder F. Wayne Foster. Having come from the Florida Conference, where a music festival was already active, Elder Foster took the initiative to start one for the KYTN Conference.
In its early years, the festival was held in May on the campus of Highland Academy in a large tent later used for the KYTN camp meeting. Students from KYTN elementary schools and junior academies were invited to participate. The girls stayed in camp meeting cabins, while the boys stayed in tents. Elder Foster’s wife accompanied the choirs on piano during performances.
Initially, each school or small groups from the schools took turns performing. The festival would then culminate with a mass choir or band performance. Some of the featured songs included God of Our Fathers and O God, Our Help in Ages Past.
April 28–29, 1961
Event: 3rd Annual Southern Union Music Festival
Location: Highland Academy
Participants: 8 academies, 174 students
Southern Union Director of Education: H.S. Hanson
Source: Southern Tidings, May 24, 1961
May 5–6, 1961
Event: First KYTN Annual Elementary School Music Festival
Location: Highland Academy
Participants: 200 students
Participating Schools:
Tennessee: Bon Aqua, Cross Plains, Dyersburg, Highland, Madison College, Madison Boulevard, and Woodbury
Kentucky: Bowling Green, Henderson, Lexington, London, and Louisville
Junior Academies: Louisville, Memphis, and Nashville
Superintendent of Education: F. Wayne Foster
Quotes:
“Elder Foster was dynamite!” – Phylis Labrenz
“Music festival was the highlight of the year!” – Jenny Jewitt
Source: Southern Tidings, June 7, 1961
May 1962
Event: Second Annual Music Festival
Note: No additional information available.
May 10–11, 1963
Event: Third Annual Elementary-Intermediate Music Festival
Participants: ~250 students
Highlights:
Concluding number: “America, Our Heritage”
Memorable performance: “Wagon Wheels” by 8th grader Steve Rose
Location: Held in a big tent
Quote: “It was a highlight of the year to participate.”
Superintendent of Education: F. Wayne Foster
Source: Southern Tidings, July 17, 1963
May 8–9, 1964
Event: Fourth Annual Elementary-Intermediate Music Festival (Grades 7–10)
Participating Schools:
Cave Springs, Covington (Taylor Mill), Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Elementary, Memphis, Greater Nashville, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, and Woodbury
Superintendent of Education: F. Wayne Foster
Program: 1964 Program
1965
Event: No music festival held.
May 6–7, 1966
Event: Fifth Annual Elementary-Intermediate Music Festival (Grades 7–10)
Participating Schools:
Cave Springs, Covington (Taylor Mill), Highland Elementary, Louisville, Madison Elementary, Memphis, Greater Nashville, Pewee Valley, and Ridgetop
Superintendent of Education: F. Wayne Foster
Program: 1966 Program
April 7–8, 1967
Event: Ninth Annual Southern Union Academy Music Festival
Location: Highland Academy Auditorium
Theme: “Let All My Life Be Music”
Participating Schools:
Bass Memorial, Collegedale, Fletcher, Forest Lake, Georgia-Cumberland, Greater Miami, Highland, Little Creek, Madison, Mount Pisgah, and Oakwood Academy
Guest Clinicians: Jimmie Howard Reynolds and Scott S. Withrow
Principal of Highland Academy: John T. Durichek
Program: 1967 SU Program
May 12–13, 1967
Event: Sixth KYTN Elementary-Intermediate Music Festival (Grades 7–10)
Participating Schools:
Covington (Taylor Mill), Highland Elementary, Louisville, Madison, Memphis, Nashville, Oneida, and Pewee Valley
Guest Choral Director: Professor Marvin Robertson
Superintendent of Education: F. Wayne Foster
Quote: “My first memory of KYTN is in 1967 when I attended Madison Campus Elementary School. I recall auditioning, but as the teacher couldn’t hear me, I wasn’t selected to attend.” – Elaine Will
Program: 1967 Program
May 10–11, 1968
Event: Seventh KYTN Elementary-Intermediate Music Festival (Grades 7–10)
Participating Schools:
Highland Elementary, Louisville, Madison, Memphis, Nashville, Oneida, Pewee Valley, and Woodbury
Guest Choral Director: Mrs. Dorothy Ackerman
Superintendent of Schools: Lyle Anderson
Program: 1968 Program
1969–1982
Note: No records available.
March 16–19, 1983
Event: 25th Annual Southern Union Conference Music Festival
Location: Highland Academy
Participating Schools:
Bass Memorial, Berean, Collegedale, Fletcher, Forest Lake, Georgia-Cumberland, Greater Miami, Highland, Little Creek, Madison, Mount Pisgah, and Oakwood Academy
Clinicians: Phil Binkley, Harold Lickey, Orlo Gilbert, and Shirley Beary
Festival Chair: David Fuller
SU Director of Education: D.K. Griffith
Program: 1983 SU Program
April 8–9, 1983
Event: KYTN Conference Elementary Music Festival
Participating Schools: Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, and Highland Academy
Clinicians: Eugene Brewer and Stewart Crook
Superintendent of Education: Lyle C. Anderson
Associate Superintendent: Laraine Paulk
Program: 1983 Program, Schedule
Source: Southern Tidings June 1983 p. 9
April 13–14, 1984
Event: KYTN Conference Elementary Music Festival
Participating Schools: Asher Memorial, Greater Nashville, Harbert Hills, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial, Lawrenceburg, Lela Wharton, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Owensboro, and Pewee Valley
Clinicians: Dr. Jack McClarty and Dr. Marvin Robertson
Superintendent: Lyle C. Anderson
Associate Superintendent: Laraine Paulk
Program: 1984 Program
1985–1990
Event: No records available.
April 18–20, 1991
Event: 30th Annual Elementary Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Grove, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Pulaski, and Woodbury
Clinicians: Bob Schimp and Judy Dubose
Superintendent of Education: DeVern Biloff
Program: 1991 Program
1992–1993
Event: No records available.
April 14–17, 1994
Event: Festival featuring choir, band, and handbells
Choirs: Grades 5–6 and Grades 7–12
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Bill Egly, Columbia, Dyersburg Memorial, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial, Lexington, Madison Campus, Manchester, Martin Memorial, Memphis, Greater Nashville, Lela Wharton (Ridgetop), Paducah, Pewee Valley, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Glen Hawkins, Judy Dubose, Sandra Moutray, Veronica McGee, and Luane Logan
Accompanists: Elaine Will and Susi Owen
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Additional Note: Students charged $5 to attend.
Program: 1994 Program
April 13–15, 1995
Event: Annual Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Columbia, Dyersburg, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Greater Nashville, Ridgetop, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Professor Robert Anderson, Veronica McGee, Dr. William Chunestudy, Jeremy Francisco, and Professor Gilbert Orlo
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Additional Note: Elaine Will joined the festival committee.
Program: 1995 Program
April 18–20, 1996
Event: Annual Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Columbia (KY), Greater Nashville, Greenville Adventist Academy, Highland Academy, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial (Jackson), Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Lela Whorton (Ridgetop), Lexington, Louisville, Madison Academy, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Pewee Valley, Spalding Elementary, and Woodbury
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Schedule and Photos: 1996 Schedule, 1996 Photos
April 17–19, 1997
Theme: American Kaleidoscope
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Greater Nashville, Heritage Academy, Highland Academy, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Academy, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Ridgetop, and Woodbury
Clinicians: Leonard Cann, Helen Brown, Jeremy Francisco, Sharon Forman, and Ellen Francisco
Superintendent of Education: Miriam Kittrell
Associate Superintendent and Festival Chair: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 1997 Program, 1997 Schedule
April 16–18, 1998
Theme: Praise & Pageantry
Participating Schools:
Ashland, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, and Spalding String Ensemble
String Ensemble: Added for the first time.
Ellen Francisco began teaching strings at Highland Elementary and Ridgetop schools.
Superintendent of Education: Miriam Kittrell
Associate Superintendent and Festival Chair: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 1998 Program, 1998 Schedule
April 15–17, 1999
Theme: Sounds of Hope
Participating Schools:
Ashland, Centerville, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Brandon Beck, Mark Becker, Veronica McGee, Bill Chunestudy, and Ben Gish
Superintendent of Education: Ann Steiner
Committee Chair: Elaine Will
Additional Note: The festival scaled back to include band, Grades 5–8 choir, and Grades 9–12 choir.
Program and Schedule: 1999 Program, 1999 Daily Schedule
April 13–15, 2000
Theme: Let the Earth Resound
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Alan Mitchell, Marvin Robertson, and Stephen Zork
Superintendent of Education: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 2000 Program, 2000 Schedule
Here is the continuation with clear formatting using bullet points, bold headers, and structured presentation:
1985–1990
Event: No records available.
April 18–20, 1991
Event: 30th Annual Elementary Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Grove, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Pulaski, and Woodbury
Clinicians: Bob Schimp and Judy Dubose
Superintendent of Education: DeVern Biloff
Program: 1991 Program
1992–1993
Event: No records available.
April 14–17, 1994
Event: Festival featuring choir, band, and handbells
Choirs: Grades 5–6 and Grades 7–12
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Bill Egly, Columbia, Dyersburg Memorial, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial, Lexington, Madison Campus, Manchester, Martin Memorial, Memphis, Greater Nashville, Lela Wharton (Ridgetop), Paducah, Pewee Valley, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Glen Hawkins, Judy Dubose, Sandra Moutray, Veronica McGee, and Luane Logan
Accompanists: Elaine Will and Susi Owen
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Additional Note: Students charged $5 to attend.
Program: 1994 Program
April 13–15, 1995
Event: Annual Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Columbia, Dyersburg, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Greater Nashville, Ridgetop, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Professor Robert Anderson, Veronica McGee, Dr. William Chunestudy, Jeremy Francisco, and Professor Gilbert Orlo
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Additional Note: Elaine Will joined the festival committee.
Program: 1995 Program
April 18–20, 1996
Event: Annual Music Festival
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Columbia (KY), Greater Nashville, Greenville Adventist Academy, Highland Academy, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial (Jackson), Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Lela Whorton (Ridgetop), Lexington, Louisville, Madison Academy, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Pewee Valley, Spalding Elementary, and Woodbury
Superintendent and Festival Chair: DeVern Biloff
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Schedule and Photos: 1996 Schedule, 1996 Photos
April 17–19, 1997
Theme: American Kaleidoscope
Participating Schools:
Bowling Green, Greater Nashville, Heritage Academy, Highland Academy, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Academy, Madison Campus, Manchester, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Ridgetop, and Woodbury
Clinicians: Leonard Cann, Helen Brown, Jeremy Francisco, Sharon Forman, and Ellen Francisco
Superintendent of Education: Miriam Kittrell
Associate Superintendent and Festival Chair: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 1997 Program, 1997 Schedule
April 16–18, 1998
Theme: Praise & Pageantry
Participating Schools:
Ashland, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, and Spalding String Ensemble
String Ensemble: Added for the first time.
Ellen Francisco began teaching strings at Highland Elementary and Ridgetop schools.
Superintendent of Education: Miriam Kittrell
Associate Superintendent and Festival Chair: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 1998 Program, 1998 Schedule
April 15–17, 1999
Theme: Sounds of Hope
Participating Schools:
Ashland, Centerville, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Brandon Beck, Mark Becker, Veronica McGee, Bill Chunestudy, and Ben Gish
Superintendent of Education: Ann Steiner
Committee Chair: Elaine Will
Additional Note: The festival scaled back to include band, Grades 5–8 choir, and Grades 9–12 choir.
Program and Schedule: 1999 Program, 1999 Daily Schedule
April 13–15, 2000
Theme: Let the Earth Resound
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Alan Mitchell, Marvin Robertson, and Stephen Zork
Superintendent of Education: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 2000 Program, 2000 Schedule
April 12–14, 2001
Theme: Festival of Freedom
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Jackson, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Murfreesboro, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Ken Parson, Veronica McGee, and Waldemar Wensell
Superintendent of Education: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Program: 2001 Program
April 11–13, 2002
Theme: Hope in Eternal Harmony
Participating Schools:
Greater Nashville, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial (Jackson), Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Lexington, Louisville, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, and Madison Academy
Clinicians: Gale Murphy, Mark Becker, Alan Mitchell
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Ann Steiner
Program and Schedule: 2002 Program, 2002 Schedule
April 10–12, 2003
Theme: Our Song Shall Rise
Participating Schools:
Centerville, Covington (Taylor Mill), Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial (Jackson), Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Home School students, and Nashville Christian Advancement Academy
Notes: String ensemble returned, though only one choir performed.
Clinicians: Carlyle Manous, Veronica McGee, Laurie Minner
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2003 Program, 2003 Schedule
April 10–12, 2004
Theme: Festival of Celebration
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly (Lawrenceburg), Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial (Jackson), Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Nashville Christian Advancement Academy, and Home School students
Features: Band, string ensemble, Grades 5–8 choir, Grades 9–12 choir
Clinicians: Beth Davis, Benjamin Gish, Alicia Jones, and Bruce Wilson
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2004 Program, 2004 Schedule
March 17–19, 2005
Theme: Festival of Freedom
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Nashville Christian Advancement Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Ken Parsons, Veronica McGee, Ellen Francisco, and John Neumann
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2005 Program, 2005 Schedule
March 16–18, 2006
Theme: Hooked on Classics
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial (Centerville), Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Beth Davis, Robert “Chip” Everts, Alan Mitchell, and Bruce Rasmussen
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2006 Program, 2006 Schedule
March 15–17, 2007
Theme: Celebrate with Song
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly, Dickson, Highland Elementary, Leach, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial (Centerville), Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Veronica McGee, Stephen Zork, Bruce Wilson, and Robert “Chip” Everts
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2007 Program, 2007 Schedule
March 13–15, 2008
Theme: United We Stand
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Dickson, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial (Centerville), Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Spring Valley Academy, Walla Walla Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Bob Schimp, John Neumann, Leonard Cann, and Benjamin Gish
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2008 Program, 2008 Schedule
March 19–21, 2009
Theme: At the Name of Jesus
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Dickson, Highland Elementary, Hines Memorial, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial (Centerville), Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Corinth SDA School (MS), Greeneville Adventist Academy, Spring Valley Academy, Terre Haute Adventist School (IN), and Home School students
Clinicians: Nathan Davis, Stephen Zork, Robert “Chip” Everts, and Bob Schimp
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2009 Program, 2009 Schedule
March 18–20, 2010
Theme: A Gift to the World
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Dickson, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial (Centerville), Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Heritage Academy, Spring Valley Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Nathan Davis, Gale Jones Murphy, Rhonda Burnham, and Jonathan Wall
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2010 Program, 2010 Schedule
March 17–19, 2011
Theme: Instrument of Peace
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Heritage Academy, Spring Valley Academy, and Home School/public school students
Clinicians: Joshua Davis, Beth Davis, Lucy Lewis, and Mark Becker
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2011 Program, 2011 Schedule
March 15–17, 2012
Theme: Heaven’s Praise
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Martin Memorial, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Spring Valley Academy, and Home School students
Clinicians: Bryon Graves, Douglas Knecht, Richard Hickam, and Mark Becker
Superintendent: Larry Boughman
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2012 Program, 2012 Schedule
March 14–16, 2013
Theme: Rejoice, Lead On
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, David Lipscomb Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Murphy Adventist Christian (NC), Spring Valley Academy, Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL), and Home School students
Clinicians: Bethany Davis, Paul Plant, Robert “Chip” Everts, and Bob Schimp
Superintendent: Chris Juhl
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2013 Program, 2013 Schedule
March 13–15, 2014
Theme: All the Glory
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL), and Home School students
Clinicians: Byron Graves, Waldemar Wensell, Ben Gish, and Robert Malin
Superintendent: Chris Juhl
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2014 Program, 2014 Schedule
March 19–21, 2015
Theme: Let There Be Peace
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Pewee Valley, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Collegedale Adventist Middle, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL), and Home School students
Clinicians: Ivan Flores, Robert Malin, Ester Aviles, and Holly Greer
Superintendent: Chris Juhl
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Special Note: First time featuring a Thursday night activity at Holder’s Family Fun Center.
Program and Schedule: 2015 Program, 2015 Schedule
March 17–19, 2016
Theme: With the Voice of Singing
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Richmond Academy (VA), Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL), and Home School students
Clinicians: Veronica McGee, Brenda Mohr, Craig Mohr, and Kelly Wiedermann
Superintendent: Stephen Bralley
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Special Note: Grade 5 was dropped from the choir due to stamina concerns. Smaller schools were allowed to include fifth graders if teachers were already attending.
Program and Schedule: 2016 Program, 2016 Schedule
March 16–18, 2017
Theme: When You Believe
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Ridgetop, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL)
Clinicians: Veronica McGee, Brenda Mohr, Craig Mohr, and Kelly Wiedermann
Superintendent: Stephen Bralley
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Program and Schedule: 2017 Program, 2017 Schedule
March 15–17, 2018
Theme: His Instruments of Peace
Participating Schools:
Appalachian Christian, Bill Egly, Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Oaks SDA, Thompsonville Christian Academy (IL), and Home School students
Clinicians: Shelley Miller, Ellen Francisco, Beth Davis, John Neumann, and Wes Bradford
Superintendent: Stephen Bralley
Associate Superintendent: Pam Williams
Special Note: Handbells returned to the festival program.
Program and Schedule: 2018 Program, 2018 Schedule
March 14–16, 2019
Theme: Sing Alleluia!
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly, Gurnee Christian (IL), Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, Oaks SDA, and Home School students
Clinicians: John Neumann, Jeremy Francisco, Wes Bradford, Ellen Francisco, and Shelley Miller
Superintendent: Stephen Bralley
Associate Superintendent: Pegi Flynt
Program and Schedule: 2019 Program, 2019 Schedule
March 5–7, 2020
Theme: Walk in a Manner Worthy of the Calling
Participating Schools:
Bill Egly, Gurnee Christian (IL), Highland Elementary, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Ridgetop, Taylor Mill, Tullahoma, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, and Spring Valley Academy
Clinicians: William Chunestudy, Don Huff, Dustin Gold, Kelly Wiedemann, and Shelley Miller
Superintendent: Pegi Flynt
Program and Schedule: 2020 Program, 2020 Schedule
2021–2022
Event: No music festival due to COVID-19.
March 2–4, 2023
Theme: Then Sings My Soul
Participating Schools:
Highland Elementary, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Madison Campus, Memphis, Woodbury, Highland Academy, Madison Academy, Greeneville Adventist Academy, and Spring Valley Academy
Clinicians: William Chunestudy, Mark Becker, Don Huff, Kelly Wiedemann, and Shelley Miller
Superintendent: Pegi Flynt
Associate Superintendent: Matt Pacer
Special Note: Festivals resumed, continuing with handbell ensemble, string ensemble, band, Grades 6–8 choir, and Grades 9–12 choir.
Program and Schedule: 2023 Program, 2023 Schedule
Here is the next section formatted with bolded headers, clear bullet points, and structured presentation for clarity and readability:
February 29–March 2, 2024
Theme: Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Participating Schools: Pending
Clinicians: Craig Mohr, William Chunestudy, Kelly Wiedemann, Shelley Miller, and Joshua Goines
Superintendent: Pegi Flynt
Associate Superintendent: Matt Pacer
Special Note: First time live streaming the festival concerts.
Program and Schedule: 2024 Program, 2024 Schedule
The festival has evolved and changed from year to year, striving to meet the needs of the conference and its various schools. Guest clinicians are always impressed with the conference presence and sponsorship of the festival. In a lot of conferences a music festival is planned by the individual host academy. Conductors are always pleased to see conference personnel on the concert programs. Elaine Will has served the conference as music festival committee chairman for 26 years. This level of continuity has contributed to the steadiness of this program. From Miriam Kittrell to Pegi Flynt, conference superintendent of schools have been supportive of bringing in top level personnel to work with the students of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.