ChoralFest – 2023
December 2, 2023
5:30 PM
UD’s newest endeavor, providing an honor choir experience for local upper elementary students, middle school students, and high school students to sing under the direction of UD choral faculty.
COME JOIN US ON THE UD CAMPUS FOR AN EVENING OF A MOST AMAZING CHORAL EXPERIENCE
REGISTRATION IS DUE ON NOVEMBER 15TH FOR PRIORITY PLACEMENT
ChoralFest Junior is an honor choir experience for local upper elementary and middle school students (grades 4-8) from the greater Delaware region. Singers will be directed by Dr. Aimee Pearsall, a specialist in choral music education at UD. We are hoping to attract as many as 100 singers for this outstanding choral experience! The evening will conclude with a performance featuring ChoralFest Jr, Choralfest, and three collegiate choirs. Be sure to check out the FAQ section below to learn about rehearsal and performance times (and what to do if you have a conflict with your All-State audition).
The High School ChoralFest is a side-by-side experience with members of UNIVERSITY SINGERS and The UD CHORALE. Students will learn four selections to rehearse and sing with these outstanding choirs under the direction of Prof. Arreon Harley, Dr. Duane Cottrell, and Dr. Paul D. Head. The evening will feature performances by University Singers, Resound (our resident Gospel Choir,) and conclude with a performance by the world-renowned UD CHORALE. Be sure to check out the FAQ section below to learn about rehearsal and performance times (and what to do if you have a conflict with your All-State audition).
Frequently Asked Questions
Outstanding questions? Read below!
CHORALFEST JR. FAQ
CLICK HERE to jump to the FAQ section for HIGH SCHOOL CHORALFEST
How much does it cost to participate in ChoralFest?
Cost is $25 per singer if you’re registering individually. But if there’s a whole group coming from your school (of 6 or more) the cost is $150 for the group – no matter how many students from your choir attend. Bring 30 singers? Still only $150. (Financial aid is available. Just ask!)
I’m in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade. When are the rehearsals and how do I learn the music?
4th-6th Grade Schedule:
- 10-10:30 am Registration & Arrival
- 10:30 Rehearsal Begins
- 12:30 Lunch & Games (Eat a packed lunch that you brought from home)
- 2:00-5:30 Rehearsal
- 5:30-7:00 Concert
We’ll learn the music from the ground up during rehearsal on Saturday. All you need to bring is your voice and a desire to have a great day.
I’m in 7th or 8th grade. When are the rehearsals and how do I learn the music?
7th-8th Grade Schedule:
- 1:30-2:00 pm Registration & Arrival
- 2:00 pm Rehearsal Begins
- 5:30-7:00 pm Concert
Once your application has been accepted and you’ve paid the fees, you will receive links to download the music and recording/part-tracks to the music. We’re hoping you’ll know the music well enough to sing through it when you arrive so we can put the concert together quickly.
What if I’m in 7th or 8th grade and auditioning for All-State Choir that day?
Not to worry. We think most All-State auditions will be completed by 1:00 p.m. in Smyrna so hopefully, you’ll be able to make it to UD by 2:00 pm. But if you’re running late – don’t worry! We’ll hold a spot for you in the choir until you get there.
As a teacher, am I required to attend ChoralFest if I have students coming?
If you’re sending less than 6 students from your school, there’s no requirement for you to attend.
If you’re coming as a group (more than 6 students from your school), you are required to attend for the duration of the day’s events to accompany your students.
*Note: If you can’t arrive on time because of All-State Auditions, just let us know when you register. We’ll make sure we have a surrogate chaperone to stand in for you until you’re able to arrive.
How do I register to participate in ChoralFest 2023?
There are two steps to register:
- Complete the registration form as soon as possible so we can start making plans for you to attend.
- Once we receive your application, we email you to notify you of your acceptance. That email will include a payment link so you can pay the fees online.
Can I invite friends and family to the concert? What will it cost?
Yes! Please invite your friends and family to enjoy the concert. We’re offering a special price of $5.00 per person to attend the concert for anyone related to a singer in the honor choir. To take advantage of this price, immediate family members can select “student” as their ticket type. Buy here or at the door.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
Please wear jeans and close-toed shoes. Additionally, we ask that you wear a solid-color long-sleeve shirt.
CHORALFEST FOR HIGH SCHOOL SINGERS FAQ
How much does it cost?
Cost is $25 per singer if you’re registering individually. But if there’s a whole group coming from your school (of 6 or more) the cost is $150 for the group – no matter how many students from your choir attend. Bring 30 singers? Still only $150. (Financial aid is available. Just ask!)
When are the rehearsals and how do I learn the music?
There is only one rehearsal. Saturday afternoon, December 2nd at 3:00 pm. AND… you’ll be singing side-by-side with the UD Chorale. Once you complete the application form and pay the registration fee, we’ll send you links to the sheet music along with study recordings.
What are the audition/application requirements?
You simply need to complete and submit the application, along with a brief recommendation from your voice teacher or choral director and you’re good to. (Community and church choir directors count too!) Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll reply to you by email to confirm your registration. The email will contain a payment link that can be completed online.
Oh no! I have All-State Auditions on December 2nd. Can I still participate?
Not to worry. We think most All-State auditions will be completed by 1:00 p.m. in Smyrna so hopefully, you’ll be able to make it to UD by 3:00 p.m. But if you’re running late – not to worry! We’ll hold a spot for you in the choir until you get there.
What if I’m coming with a group from my school but my teacher can’t be there due to All-State auditions?
If you let us know when you register, we’ll make sure we have a surrogate chaperone to stand in for your teacher until they’re able to arrive.
How do I register to participate in ChoralFest 2023?
There are two steps to register:
- Complete the registration form as soon as possible so we can start making plans for you to attend.
- Once we receive your application, we email you to notify you of your acceptance. That email will include a payment link so you can pay the fees online.
Can I invite friends and family to the concert? What will it cost?
Yes! Please invite your friends and family to enjoy the concert. We’re offering a special price of $5.00 per person for anyone related to a singer in the honor choir. To take advantage of this price, immediate family members can select “student” as their ticket type. Buy here or at the door.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
Please wear all black. Any combination of a black dress, skirt, long pants, and shirt works for us. Please aim to wear black shoes if you have them.
Meet the ChoralFest Directors
Dr. Paul D. Head
Director and conductor
Dr. Paul D. Head is the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Delaware, director of the UD Chorale, and Schola Cantorum.
Dr. Aimee Pearsall
ChoralFEST Junior conductor
Dr. Aimee Pearsall serves as Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Delaware, and is the conductor of UD’s Concert Choir.
Dr. Duane Cottrell
Associate Conductor
Dr. Duane Cottrell serves as Associate Professor of Music Education, and is the director of the University of Delaware select treble choir, University Singers.
Prof. Arreon Harley-Emerson
Associate Conductor
Professor Arreon Harley-Emerson serves as adjunct choral faculty at the University of Delaware, and directs UD’s newest choral ensemble Resound.