Participate in the nation’s most inspiring festival for youth choir groups with captivating performances, engaging workshops and a one-of-a-kind finale celebration
The choral extravaganza of the year returns to the Chicago Southland on May 5-6 with exciting events including a Massed-Choir Finale Celebration unlike anything around. This year, America Sings! is welcoming both youth choir and adult groups of all ages to join in the high-energy experience and it’s not too late to sign up.
The Heart of America Sings!
In 1988, John Jacobson, a philanthropist, composer and educator had an epiphany: an outdoor event to showcase amateur singing groups in a non-competitive and supportive environment. A celebration of music and the performing arts that would also give back to communities and promote charitable services. The ongoing event would become known as America Sings! and garner a reputation as a leading nonprofit organization for inspiring young singers to get involved in public service.
America Sings! continues to encourage youth choral groups worldwide with singing opportunities and provides education and philanthropic services through fascinating events. An essential element of these engagements is the chance to give back to others in need, focusing on disadvantaged children. The America Sings! tours raise donations for food banks, homeless shelters, and for sick and hospitalized children within the community they are performing. John’s vision was clear. He wanted to encourage young people to utilize their time and their talents to help inspire and help others. For decades, John has succeeded in doing just that with the help of groups of precocious singers filled with ambition, drive and empathy.
What’s Happening in 2023?
America Sings! returns to the Chicago Southland in May with youth choir performances at the impressive Fox Pointe Amphitheater in Lansing. Choral groups from around the world participate in the noncompetitive event, offering them 15 minutes of fame to sing their hearts out as individual chorus groups.
Kicking off the two-day event is the Friday Night Celebration at the Historic Ford Hangar featuring a number of exciting activities hosted by John and his industry-leading friends. This includes informative optional “Singposium” workshops led by fellow top brass bringing an exciting opportunity to learn from the best. The Massed-Choir Finale rehearsal with all registered singers is led by John and will be the focus of Friday. Special guests will also be there to provide unique entertainment to participants.
Saturday is “A Windy City America Sings!” extravaganza full of extraordinary performances by school and church choir groups taking center stage. Listen to the melodious renditions and tap your feet to the beats during the individual showcases at Fox Pointe. Groups can also participate in the community service project and join the parade to meet new friends and create connections.
The Massed-Choir Finale Celebration ends the concert on a high note, with hundreds of singers coming together to perform four learned songs with the accompanying choreographed dances. Choral group participants receive T-shirts, a plaque to commemorate their involvement and choreography videos to learn the moves beforehand. Clinics led by industry educators are also offered and choir directors receive special gifts for their engagement.
America Sings! proudly advocates for stimulating curiosity and interest in choral music and the performing arts while generating attention to charitable services. Choral music and humanitarian efforts are the cornerstones of the organization.
How Can I Register My Choir Group?
Each group will get a chance to learn the four Massed-Choir Finale songs along with the choreography taught by John via video. Choral directors are responsible for acquiring the sheet music and will receive a choreography tape for their class to learn prior to the festival. Participants also must wear the t-shirts given with dark jeans (no rips or tears) for the Massed-Choir Finale Celebration.
Individual youth choir and other choral groups can register on the America Sings! website at www.americasings.org/chicago2023/ with a cost of $25 per participant. Educators and chaperones must pay to participate in the organization’s events.
Groups can apply for a performance slot with a $200 non-refundable deposit which will be deducted from the final registration cost. The deadline for complete registration is February 17, 2023, and can be completed on their website.
It’s important to note that the individual choral performance slots are limited and fill up on a first-come basis, so it’s crucial to register today.
Hotel and Travel Information
For room block assistance, incentives offered for blocks through the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau (some restrictions may apply) and destination information/questions, please contact Tobie Fitzpatrick – Tour & Travel Market Manager (708-895-8200). You may also request information via the form below.
By Heather Dale
