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High school directors are invited to nominate students to participate in a day of high-level music making with faculty and students on the campus of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University. Students should be musically high achieving, able to prepare music in advance (with the assistance of provided tracks), positive and hardworking.

No audition is necessary. Directors can select students however they wish and in a way that works for their individual choral programs. Directors should confirm availability, interest, and ability to commit with their students prior to nominations. Directors should register up to three balanced SATB quartets. If you have any balance concerns or would like to register more singers, please contact Dr. Matthew Swope (mswope6@kent.edu) for possible accommodations.

The nomination form will be available later this summer. Directors should confirm that all nominated students and their parents are able to commit to the honor choir festival prior to completing this form. The nomination deadline is September 18, 2026.

After students are nominated, we will send out a registration form and payment link. The fee per student is $50, which includes music, t-shirt, and lunch. The registration/payment deadline is September 30, 2026.

8:30-9 a.m.: Check-in and Registration (lobby outside Ludwig Recital Hall, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Dr., Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, OH 44243)

Change into honor choir t-shirt

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Rehearsal and Sectionals (Center for the Performing Arts E112)

Optional Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State School of Music voice audition for seniors

12-1:30 p.m.: Lunch (Eastway Center)

1:30-3:30 p.m.: Rehearsal (Center for the Performing Arts E112)

3:30-4 p.m.: Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Presentation

4-4:30 p.m.: Move to Cartwright Hall (650 Hilltop Drive, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, OH 44243)

4:30-5:15 p.m.: Rehearsal on stage (University Auditorium)

5:30-6 p.m.: Informal Concert (University Auditorium) featuring the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Honor Choir and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Choirs

Concert Details for Family and Friends

Where: Cartwright Hall (650 Hilltop Drive, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, OH 44243)

When: 5:30 pm (doors open at 5:15 pm)

Admission: Free

The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Honor Choir will rehearse and perform several pieces with Dr. Matthew Swope, Director of Choral Activities. Practice tracks and digital copies of the music will be provided to the directors and students in advance, after nominations and payment have been received. Participants should use the practice tracks to be able to confidently sing their voice part upon arrival so that we can engage in higher-level music making.

Directors in attendance can earn professional development hours through opportunities including sessions with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State faculty members and observing rehearsal techniques throughout the day. A specific professional development schedule will be released closer to the festival, and certificates will be emailed after the event.

Each school must have at least one director/chaperone in attendance at all times throughout the honor choir day. This individual should have access to emergency contact information for each participating student from their school. In addition, please follow any other chaperone clearances or protocols as specified by your school district or organization.

Lunch is included in the registration cost. Students will eat at Eastway Center, a dining facility that features various food stations including a salad bar, grill, pizza, wheatless options, desserts and more!

Directors/chaperones are welcome to eat at Eastway Center (cashless, approximately $12.25 per person), pack or coordinate your own lunch off-campus.

Each participating school is responsible for their own transportation to and from Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University, individually or collectively. If a student or director/chaperone requires assistance moving across campus (approx. 10 min. walk), the school should plan to transport the participant between buildings at specific times (viz. lunch, performance).

Students are required to attend the full day of honor choir rehearsals and activities in order to guarantee the safety of all participants and the integrity of the event. As representatives of their school districts and guests of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University, all participants are asked to be on their best behavior throughout the honor choir experience. As a University and School of Music, we strive to provide a welcoming and positive environment for everyone!

All student participants must fill out a permission authorization and release form to participate in the Honor Choir Festival. 

Honor choir t-shirt (provided) and blue jeans (no rips or tears). Students should wear a school-appropriate top. There will be time to change into their honor choir t-shirt later in the day.

   Visitor Information 

Seniors wishing to audition for Fall 2027 enrollment to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Glauser School of Music can audition for voice faculty members during the Honor Choir Festival!

Audition requirements and details are available at /music/undergraduate-audition.

To schedule an audition please email musicadmissions@kent.edu.