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 2018, 12 High School groups performed and received masterclasses from our clinicians, Dr. Eric Barnum of University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and Dr. Robert Sinclair of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Additionally, the students were entertained by three collegiate groups who performed in the common areas while the masterclasses were being taught. The Westmont High School Madrigals won the contest and took home bragging rights, a trophy, and the prize package including gift certificates to Kidder music and JW Pepper, as well as a $1000 travel voucher with Group Travel Planners (special thank you to our sponsors).
Join the Fun
The date for 2019 is Saturday, February 23rd. Choirs begin performing around 9:30 am, and the award ceremony is held in the late afternoon. 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. If you register by October 31st, you will receive $50 off your final payment.
Want more information? Email Mr. DeBoer. If you'd like to register, click here.
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 2018, 12 High School groups performed and received masterclasses from our clinicians, Dr. Eric Barnum of University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and Dr. Robert Sinclair of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Additionally, the students were entertained by three collegiate groups who performed in the common areas while the masterclasses were being taught. The Westmont High School Madrigals won the contest and took home bragging rights, a trophy, and the prize package including gift certificates to Kidder music and JW Pepper, as well as a $1000 travel voucher with Group Travel Planners (special thank you to our sponsors).
Join the Fun
The date for 2019 is Saturday, February 23rd. Choirs begin performing around 9:30 am, and the award ceremony is held in the late afternoon. 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. If you register by October 31st, you will receive $50 off your final payment.
Want more information? Email Mr. DeBoer. If you'd like to register, click here.
Past Champions
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
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
