Honor Choir Festival

High school choir directors are invited to nominate students for a day of advanced music-making alongside Kent State University faculty and students on the Kent Campus. Nominees should demonstrate strong musical ability, a positive attitude and a commitment to preparation and participation. Students must be able to prepare music in advance using provided practice tracks.

No audition is required. Directors may select students based on the needs and selection processes of their individual choral programs. Before submitting nominations, directors should confirm each student's availability, interest and ability to participate fully.

Directors may nominate up to three balanced SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) quartets. Directors with questions about vocal balance or requests to nominate additional singers should contact honorchoir@kent.edu to discuss possible accommodations.

The nomination form and additional details will be available in August.

8:30-9 a.m. | Check-in and Registration
Lobby outside Ludwig Recital Hall
Center for the Performing Arts
1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH 44243

Students change into honor choir T-shirts.

9 a.m.-noon | Rehearsal and Sectionals
Center for the Performing Arts, Room E112

Noon-1:30 p.m. | Lunch
Eastway Center

1:30-3:30 p.m. | Rehearsal
Center for the Performing Arts, Room E112

3:30-4 p.m. | Kent State Presentation

4-4:30 p.m. | Transition to Cartwright Hall
650 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH 44243

4:30-5:15 p.m. | Onstage Rehearsal
University Auditorium

5:30-6:15 p.m. | Informal Concert
University Auditorium

Featuring the Kent State Honor Choir and Kent State choirs.

Concert Details for Family and Friends

Location: University Auditorium, Cartwright Hall
650 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH 44243

Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:15 p.m.)

Admission: Free and open to the public.

The 2026 commissioned composer was Jennifer Lucy Cook.

The Kent 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 Kent 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 participating school must have at least one director or chaperone present at all times throughout the honor choir event. This individual must have access to emergency contact information for each participating student from their school. All directors and chaperones must also comply with any additional clearance requirements and supervision protocols established by their school district or organization.

Lunch is included in the registration fee. Students will dine at Eastway Center, a campus dining facility offering a variety of food stations, including a salad bar, grill, pizza, wheat-free options and desserts.

Each participating school is responsible for their own transportation to and from Kent 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 Kent 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!

Honor choir t-shirt (provided) and blue jeans (no rips or tears). Students should wear a school-appropriate top until changing into their honor choir t-shirt.

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