All-Virginia Honors Chorus

General Information and Deadlines

This year there are TWO choirs:

The Treble Choir (TC) is for 6th and 7th grade girls and 6th-8th grade boys with unchanged voices
The Mixed Choir (MC) is for 8th grade girls and 6th-8th grade boys with changed voices (tenor or bass)

Deadlines and Schedules:

Exact deadlines TBD.

Auditions are recorded and submitted in January through Mr. Banach. Students should have 2-4 meetings with Mr. Banach to prepare prior to recording the audition.

All-Virginia Middle School Honor Choir Parent and Singer FAQs

What is the All-Virginia Middle School Honor Choir?

The All-Virginia Middle School Honor Choir is a gathering of the best singers from grades 6-8 from the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

How do I apply?

You have to be sponsored by a member of the American Choral Directors Association. This could be your school’s chorus director, church’s music minister, or community choir director. He or she will record you singing three things: a major scale, the first verse of America, and a minute of an approved song. Professional judges will then score that audition and the highest scores will be selected for the event.

Does it cost?

Yes. There is an audition fee, usually around $10-$15. This goes towards paying the judges and the software that hosts all the audition files. If you make it, there is also a $75 registration fee. Your director will instruct you on how to pay. A parent is required to attend as a chaperone and must reserve a hotel room for Thursday and Friday nights of the event.

How competitive is the audition process?

There are two choirs. The Treble Choir is for 6th and 7th grade girls and 6th-8th grade boys with unchanged voices. The SATB Choir is for 8th grade girls and 6th-8th grade boys with changed voices. Over 900 auditions will be submitted and approximately 280 will be chosen.

When is the event?

The 2019  All Virginia Middle School Honor Choir will take place in Richmond Thursday, April 5- through Saturday, April 7. A parent or guardian is required to attend the event as a chaperone for their child.

How do I find out if I made it?

Your sponsor will receive a package in February with a letter addressed to each of his/her participants informing you of whether you were accepted. Some singers will be named alternates and will go in the place of an individual who cannot attend for whatever reason.

Where is the event?

Rehearsals and the performance are usually in Richmond, Blacksburg or Virginia Beach areas. More details will be sent to participants.

What do we do there?

About two months prior to the event you’ll receive a packet of music. Your director will help you learn the notes for these songs but you will also have access to practice tracks you can download or listen to online. When you arrive for the first rehearsal, you’ll meet your guest conductor. It’s their job to get you concert ready with approximately 12 hours of rehearsal!

What if I live far away?

If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a list of local hotels with which we’ve negotiated group rates. The overnight trip is part of the fun of this event!

Do I go alone?

No. Every singer must have a chaperone. Usually, that’s a parent. That generally means s/he will need to take two full days off of work. Sometimes, schools that have multiple students accepted can double up students with chaperones. That’s up to your director.