Minneapolis, MN

An ecumenical children’s choir festival on April 27, featuring rehearsals, education for musicians, and a hymn festival.

This Twin Cities Children’s Choir Festival is open to children in second through sixth grades from any congregation or community choir, or any child who simply loves to sing. They will learn with world-renowned choir director Phillip Shoultz—the associate artistic director of VocalEssence and cantor for worship, music, and the arts at Westwood Lutheran Church. While the choir is rehearsing, church musicians are invited to participate in two continuing education sessions and attend an open rehearsal with the choir. Katie Houts, sacred music choral editor for Choristers Guild, and Mari Espeland, children’s choir director at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, will be the clinicians for the continuing education sessions.

The registration fee includes lunch for everyone and music, folders, and t-shirts for the child participants. Directors will receive a complimentary one-year membership in Choristers Guild. This event is sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, Choristers Guild, and Thrivent Financial.

Schedule
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Check-In
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM: Director Session #1 – Mari Espeland
Mari Espeland will present an inspirational session on planning and leading effective rehearsals with your children’s choir. Explore how to empower children to be active worship leaders and participants while creating a strong sense of belonging for each singer. Mari is the director of the lower elementary choir at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM: Break
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM: Director Session #2 – Katie Houts
Katie Houts, sacred choral music editor for Choristers Guild, will introduce Start Singing: A Faith-Based Guide for Children’s Choir and Youth Choir Directors. This invaluable resource, written by leading church musicians with decades of experience with young voices, equips you to create and energize choral programs in your local church or community.
12:00 PM – 12:40 PM: Lunch
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM: Director Session #3 – Open Rehearsal with Phillip Shoultz
An opportunity for directors to sit in on an open rehearsal with Phillip Shoultz and the choir.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Hymn Festival
Featuring Phillip Shoultz, festival choir director; Kristine Denton, pianist; Phillip Radtke, organist; Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, reflections