From June 9 through June 13, Seraphic Fire welcomed 51 talented high school singers from across Miami-Dade County for the 2026 High School Professional Choral Institute (HSPCI), a transformative week of music-making, mentorship, and artistic growth held at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts at Florida International University.
Offered tuition-free, HSPCI provides one of the most unique music education experiences in South Florida, bringing together outstanding young singers to rehearse and perform alongside the professional artists of Seraphic Fire while receiving coaching, mentorship, and guidance from some of the nation's leading choral musicians.
This year's institute also marked an important milestone for the organization. It was the first major educational program led by Dr. James K. Bass following his appointment as Artistic Director of Seraphic Fire on June 1.
For James, who helped establish HSPCI and has long championed music education, the week represented both a continuation of an important tradition and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The institute reflects one of his core beliefs as an educator and conductor: that investing in young musicians is essential to the future of choral music.
Made Possible Through Partnership
Programs like HSPCI do not happen without extraordinary partners, dedicated leadership, and generous philanthropic support.
Seraphic Fire is deeply grateful to the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts at Florida International University for once again hosting the institute and providing students with access to one of South Florida's premier collegiate music facilities.
The organization also extends its appreciation to Director of Education Suzanne Floyd, whose leadership and commitment continue to shape Seraphic Fire's educational impact throughout South Florida. Through programs like HSPCI, Suzanne has helped create meaningful opportunities for young musicians to learn, perform, and discover what is possible through music.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous supporters who help make HSPCI possible each year. Special thanks to The Clinton Family Fund, the Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, the Hutson-Wiley & Echevarria Foundation, Jane Hurt, The Kirk Foundation, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools for investing in the next generation of musicians.
Because of their support, HSPCI remains completely tuition-free for participating students, allowing talented young singers from across South Florida to receive world-class training, mentorship, and performance opportunities regardless of financial circumstances.
Seven Schools, Fifty-One Students, One Shared Passion
Students traveled from seven outstanding Miami-Dade County schools to participate in this year's institute:
Miami Arts Charter School
Coral Reef Senior High School
Doral Academy Preparatory School
Miami Senior High School
John A. Ferguson Senior High School
New World School of the Arts
Miami Arts Studio @ Zelda Glazer
Throughout the week, students immersed themselves in intensive rehearsals, vocal coaching, ensemble training, mock auditions, and musical exploration alongside Seraphic Fire artists. By the end of the week, singers who arrived representing different schools had become a unified ensemble connected by a shared love of music.
Programs like HSPCI help prepare students for collegiate music study while introducing them to the artistic standards and professionalism expected at the highest levels of ensemble singing.
A Concert That Showcased Remarkable Growth
The week culminated in a public performance on June 13 at FIU's Wertheim School of Music, where students performed side by side with Seraphic Fire artists under the direction of Artistic Director James K. Bass and Founder and Artistic Director Laureate Patrick Dupre Quigley.
The program featured a wide range of repertoire spanning centuries and musical styles, including My Spirit Sang All Day by Gerald Finzi, Even When He Is Silent by Kim André Arnesen, Adoramus te, Christe by Orlando di Lasso, The Road Home by Stephen Paulus, and Eric Whitacre's beloved Five Hebrew Love Songs.
The concert also provided a meaningful moment in Seraphic Fire history. It was the first major educational program led by James K. Bass as Artistic Director, while Patrick Dupre Quigley returned to conduct one of the selections. Seeing both leaders share the stage offered a powerful symbol of continuity as Seraphic Fire enters its next chapter.
Most importantly, the concert demonstrated what can happen when talented young singers are challenged, encouraged, and surrounded by artistic excellence. In just five days, students tackled demanding repertoire, refined their musicianship, and performed at a remarkably high level alongside professional artists.
The Importance of Music Education
For many students, HSPCI is much more than a summer music program.
It is often their first opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians, receive advanced musical mentorship, and envision a future in the arts. The experience helps students build confidence, discipline, leadership skills, and lasting friendships while developing their musicianship.
Programs like HSPCI reflect Seraphic Fire's broader commitment to arts education throughout South Florida and are a key reason the organization was recognized as the Miami Herald's 2025 Miami-Dade Favorite Nonprofit. Through workshops, residencies, mentorship opportunities, student concerts, and professional training programs, Seraphic Fire reaches thousands of students each year.
Education remains one of the most important ways Seraphic Fire fulfills its nonprofit mission.
Looking Toward the Future
As Seraphic Fire enters its 24th season, HSPCI serves as a reminder that the future of choral music is bright.
The talent, dedication, and enthusiasm displayed by these 51 students throughout the week offered a glimpse of the next generation of singers, educators, conductors, and arts advocates who will shape the future of music in South Florida and beyond.
We are grateful to the students, teachers, families, Seraphic Fire artists, and educational partners who helped make this year's High School Professional Choral Institute such a success.
Most of all, we are grateful for the young musicians who spent their summer pursuing excellence, embracing challenges, and discovering what is possible when talent meets opportunity.
As a nonprofit organization, Seraphic Fire relies on the generosity of donors and community partners to keep programs like HSPCI free and accessible to students throughout South Florida.
To learn more about Seraphic Fire's education programs, visit seraphicfire.org/education.
