Conductor and professor Dr. Kevin Fenton’s story begins in Kenya, inside a plainly furnished room with linoleum floors and construction raging outside. Standing in a circle with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and the Festival Singers of Florida, Fenton, Nairobi Director, Ken Wakia, and the singers were teary eyed at the conclusion of their performance of the South African hymn, “Ukuthula,” as it united the groups through song.

The performance sparked Fenton’s desire to continue bringing choirs together to inspire kinship and peace through music, leading him to complete a Fulbright Fellowship and create the annual worldwide “Voice for Peace” event.

His passion for connecting ensembles and conducting are at the foundation of the summer master’s program. Fenton advises graduate students in leading and organizing the annual Summer Chorale performance, which will be presented this year in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on Thursday, July 27.

“I’m always in awe of how often music continues to surprise me,” says Fenton. “I believe that play is the most effective way to get people to learn and music itself is incredibly reinforcing. If you give people great performances and you have a positive attitude throughout the process they’re probably going to be continuous singers.”

Growing up in his own affirmative environment, Fenton sang with both his mother and father in their church’s choir. Soon, he joined his school choir, as well as became a drum major in band with dreams of continuing as a conductor. He went on to attend Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he received a degree in vocal and instrumental music education.

Fenton earned his doctorate from Florida State University in choral conducting after pursuing his master’s and interests in how choral settings can build character. Many of his tactics for cultivating a supportive learning environment stems from proactive teaching methods rather than reactive language. For example, in his teaching he’ll use story or metaphors to connect with students, giving them vivid illustrations of how they could embody a certain piece of music instead of chastising an incorrect note.

“I believe the choir has a unique ability to build community,” says Fenton. “No matter how you feel about people, when you’re singing it all goes away. There’s something about singing that’s all encompassing, and I feel they really become one. For a moment it’s all about the music and that makes them feel full and richer.”

Fenton says that tours and events are one ofthe main reasons he joined

choir in the first place. The tours he took in college left a huge impression on his path as an educator, as it proved to be one of the most unifying and inspiring aspects of the choral arts. In addition to his appointment in FSU’s College of Music, Fenton directs FSU University Singers and the Chamber Choir, as well as established the Festival Singers of Florida — all with a focus on touring outside the state and around the world.

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