High School Choir competition

The Los Angeles Master Chorale’s commitment to education and community outreach is an integral part of its overall mission. A vibrant and comprehensive education and community outreach program includes an annual High School Choir Festival. LAMC’s education programs engage over 6, 000 students and their families each year, and have served over 230, 000 children since 1989.

According to a recent Education Week report, the Los Angeles Unified School District has the second worst high school graduation rate in the country. LAMC’s High School Choir Festival, one of the largest high school choir festivals in the nation, began in 1989 and evolved, in part, to engage high school students throughout the school year and to encourage them to remain in school.

The program offers high school students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of choral art and to work collaboratively with peers from across geographic and cultural lines. This comprehensive year-long in-school program culminates with a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall conducted by LAMC Artistic Director Grant Gershon.

The Festival Day begins with a morning dress rehearsal with Grant Gershon, followed by a demonstration of the mighty Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ. One of the highlights of Festival Day is a special presentation by a16-voice LA Master Chorale Chamber Ensemble – an exciting showcase that offers inspiration to all the choir students. After a lunch break, the Festival continues with the enormous chorus of 900 high school students singing at Disney Hall in a grand-scale concert that is free to the public.