The History
For years I have wished for a quality contest to bring my Concert Choir to. There are many options for Show Choirs, but far fewer for Concert Choirs. We have visited many, often they are linked to theme parks, usually quite expensive, and we would find ourselves competing with perhaps one other High School choir and a couple of random Middle School choirs. It was out of this spirit that the Joliet Choir Contest has begun.
The goal of the Joliet Choir Contest is to provide a place for High School Concert Style groups to compete, not in a cut throat type of way, but rather as an opportunity to have a fun day listening to music and challenging ourselves as musicians.
In 2019, 19 High School groups performed and received masterclasses from our clinicians, Dr. Nathan Windt of St. Ambrose University, Dr. Julia Davids of North Park University, and Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins formerly of Clarke University.. Additionally, the students were entertained by collegiate groups who performed in the common areas while the masterclasses were being taught. The Westmont High School Madrigals repeated as champions and took home bragging rights, a trophy, and the prize package including a gift certificate to JW Pepper and a $1000 travel voucher with Group Travel Planners (special thank you to our sponsors).
Join the Fun
The date for 2020 is Saturday, February 22nd. Choirs begin performing at 9:00 am, and the award ceremony will be held around 5:00 pm. Choirs are encouraged to listen to as many of their peers as possible, but not required to stay for the entire event. Ratings plaques and trophies are given to each group at the award ceremony.
Unlike so many contests, you do not pay by the number of students! The entry fee is $300 per choir. If you would like to bring multiple groups, each additional group's entry fee is only $200.
Want more information? Email Mr. DeBoer. Want to join? Let's get started with this application.
Online payment is now an available option, but does include an online processing fee.
Online payment of balance due is available here.
Past Champions
2019 - Westmont High School Madrigals (Westmont, IL) - Brett Urlaub, Director
2018 - Westmont High School Madrigals (Westmont, IL) - Brett Urlaub, Director
2017 - LaSalle Peru High School Concert Choir (LaSalle, IL) - Aimee Taylor, Director
2016 - Victor J. Andrew High School Chorale (Tinley Park, IL) - Chris Moan, Director
2018 - Westmont High School Madrigals (Westmont, IL) - Brett Urlaub, Director
2017 - LaSalle Peru High School Concert Choir (LaSalle, IL) - Aimee Taylor, Director
2016 - Victor J. Andrew High School Chorale (Tinley Park, IL) - Chris Moan, Director
Contest Advertising Opportunities
The Joliet Choir Contest provides an opportunity for Colleges and Universities to advertise their institution in our program. The 2020 contest is looking to host 20+ choirs and is the perfect venue to reach students and families looking to further their musical interests after high school.
1/4 Page $50
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1/2 Page $75
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Full Page $125
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Apply to submit an advertisement using this application.
Submit the ad copy here.
Payment can be coordinated with Mr. DeBoer or by paying online here. Please note a small online processing fee has been added to the cost.
Submit the ad copy here.
Payment can be coordinated with Mr. DeBoer or by paying online here. Please note a small online processing fee has been added to the cost.