ACAPPELLOOZA SUMMER

June 23-26, 2026
University of Missouri - St. Louis

OVERVIEW

“Acappellooza Summer” is an overnight a cappella music summer camp held at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) for students in grades 9-12 (going into 9th grade and recently graduated seniors). For four days students will be immersed in singing led by some of the world’s most prominent names in a cappella music, including five-time international champion chorus the AMBASSADORS OF HARMONY, and multi-time gold medalists DR. JIM HENRY and DEBBIE CLEVELAND.

Music and learning tracks will be sent to the students in advance so that they can come together to perfect their skills in preparation for a one-of-a-kind a cappella showcase concert on Friday night. The concert will feature all the “Acappellooza Summer” participants who will comprise a Lower Voice Tenor/Bass Chorus, an Upper Voice Soprano/Alto Chorus and the Combined All-Campers Chorus. They will share the stage with Radiant, the Newfangled Four, as well as other from the Harmony STL chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

In addition to the intense and enriching rehearsals there will be many opportunities to relax and have fun with educational classes, games, guest performances, tag singing, evening activities, and MORE.

DIRECTORS

Dr. Henry’s singing experience spans classical music to jazz. He currently sings bass with and arranges for Crossroads, who were recently named the 2009 BHS International Championship Quartet (making Dr. Henry the only man in history to win an International Competition as a singer and as a director in the same year). Crossroads has performed across North American and Europe and have produced one recording. Dr. Henry was previously the bass of the Gas House Gang, also International Quartet Champions. Over the span of 18 years, the Gas House Gang entertained audiences in all fifty states and fifteen countries, and in venues from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall. They were featured on NBC’s “Today Show,” NPR's “At the Creation,” and two PBS specials, “Voices in Harmony” and “The Egg.” The Gas House Gang produced five recordings.

Dr. Henry served as bass section leader for the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus and sang bass with Odyssey, a popular St. Louis-based jazz quartet.As a composer, Dr. Henry has won awards for his songs and piano pieces. He served for three years as composer-in-residence at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School under the aegis of Washington University, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Buder Foundation. He was also a music mentor for the “Music, Words, Opera” educational program sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

Dr. Henry travels the world as a guest conductor, coach, and lecturer. He is also a contributing author for the Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music, published by Routledge Press.

Jim Henry
TTBB Chorus Director

Jim Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition, including a Ph.D. in music composition from Washington University. He is currently the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he conducts the University Singers and Vocal Point and teaches choral methods, choral arranging, and choral conducting. He was recently named the MCDA St. Louis Suburban District Outstanding Director and has been named the 2009 recipient of the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

In addition to his duties at UMSL, Dr. Henry has served as musical and artistic director of the Ambassadors of Harmony, a 160-voice men's a cappella chorus that performs barbershop, jazz, and light classical music - a position he recently retired from in December, 2025. The Ambassadors of Harmony have produced six recordings, and were recently named the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2023 International Champion Chorus - a title they have won five times.

Debbie Cleveland
SSAA Chorus Director

Debbie Cleveland was the choral director at Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida, where she served 165 students each year with a full program that includes three choruses, and SHOWCASE, a pop music ensemble consisting of sixteen singers accompanied by a live ten-piece band.

Under Debbie's leadership, her choirs maintained consistent overall "Superior" ratings at yearly District MPAs for more than 20 years. SHOWCASE 2010 was selected as featured performer at 2010 FMEA state convention, and the Gaither Concert Chorus was selected and performed four times in New York City cathedrals. She was also named the 2018 Music Educator of the Year by the Barbershop Harmony Society and the National Association for Music Education.

Debbie has sung in three gold medal quartets in Sweet Adelines. Most recently as the lead singer of the 2026 International Champion Quartet, Dynasty, and before that as the lead singer of the 1994 champions, Showtime, and the 2005 champions, the BUZZ. She is also a studio singer for Warner Bros. promotional materials for educational choral publications.

Debbie is a much sought after coach, teacher, and performer, with her quartets appearing in the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. She is also a Certified International Faculty member of Sweet Adelines, International, and has been a Guest Clinician for Youth Harmony Festivals in Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia and California.

SPONSOR

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC - SPONSOR A CAMPER

Would you like to make a difference in a young person’s life? It is the goal of Harmony STL and the Acappellooza Summer staff that we will never turn away a camper because of their financial status.

With your support, campers in need will have the opportunity to participate in a life-changing, fun-filled, unforgettable week of music making and social/emotional growth. They will receive specialized choral instruction, the opportunity to learn from positive role models and mentors, and create friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

We have several ways you can contribute. Please consider sharing your gift with dedicated students who strive to improve their knowledge and skills in a cappella music! Sponsorships will be accepted in full or partial amounts. Every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of our amazing campers!

Sponsor a Camper ($545)

Your name will appear in the concert program.

CONTACT US

REGISTRATION & COSTS

Registration Costs:

Early Bird Commuter - $470

Early Bird Overnight - $545

Regular Commuter - $520

Regular Overnight - $595

Note: Early bird pricing is valid through Sunday, 5/17/26 at 11:59pm

Your fee includes ALL of the following:

3 Nights Lodging in Oak Hall (Tue-Fri)
3 Breakfast meals (Wed-Fri)
4 Lunch Meals (Tue-Fri)
4 Dinner Meals (Tue-Fri)
Camp T-Shirt
Drawstring Bag
Sheet Music & Learning Tracks
Unparalleled Education & Instruction
Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Note: Lodging not provided to commuter participants

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION FORM

FOR PAYMENTS, PLEASE CLICK "PAYMENT PORTAL" BELOW

PAYMENT PORTAL

Registration deadline is Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11am. All forms (including camp registration, payment and housing request) must be completed by this date.

Cancellations by June 8 will receive a full refund. Cancellations from June 9 to June 15 will receive at 50% refund. Cancellations after June 15 will receive no refund.

Need some help to make it? Financial Aid is available.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION

TEACHING QUARTETS

The Newfangled Four

Radiant