The High Plains Chamber Choir Festival is a premier regional event dedicated to the art of small ensemble choral singing. Designed for high school ensembles of 5–32 voices, the festival celebrates the power of individual voices coming together in a unified, expressive sound while bridging the gap between spirited competition and artistic collaboration. Each participating ensemble performs a prepared set of three pieces.
Immediately following your stage performance, choirs will have the opportunity to have a private masterclass clinic with a well-known conductor in the choral industry. This ensures that every student leaves not just with a rating, but with tangible growth and professional insight.
End the day with an exceptional performance by our invited Honor choir followed by a high-energy and positive awards ceremony to celebrate!
We invite you to be part of a meaningful musical experience where every voice is heard, and every singer plays an essential role. Registration opens on August 15th, 2027.
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Secure Your Ensemble’s Place
Registration is completed online at:
www.highplainschoralsociety.org
$200 non-refundable ensemble fee
$15 per student
Registration Opens on August 15, 2026
Deadline: March 1, 2027
Space is limited and ensembles will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Ensembles participating in the 2027 festival will lock in their registration rate for the next three years—our way of recognizing and rewarding founding participants.
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Awards chosen will be Best in Festival, 1st and 2nd Runners-Up as well as the judges’ Excellence in Performance awards. Festival winners will be named the featured Honor Choir at next year’s festival! Honor Choirs will be given a performance slot to open our Awards Ceremony. Join us for the Invited Honor Choir Performance at 5:15 pm followed by exciting awards ceremony.
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Registration is now open! Click here to fill out the registration form.
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High Plains Chamber Choir Festival
Rules & Regulations
1. Eligibility
Participation is open to high school chamber or small choirs.
Ensembles must consist of 5–32 singers.
All participants must be currently enrolled students in their school’s choir program.
Each ensemble must be registered by the school’s choir director or authorized sponsor.
Schools may enter one ensemble of each voicing–mixed, treble, tenor-bass.
2. Performance Requirements
Each ensemble will perform three selections.
Total performance time may not exceed 20 minutes, including stage entrance and exit.
Music performed a cappella is highly encouraged, but accompaniment is permitted.
Directors must provide three original scores for each selection for the adjudicators (one copy of each song for each judge).
Photocopied music must include proof of purchase or permission in accordance with copyright law.
If an ensemble includes more than 32 singers, up to six (6) members may rotate between selections.
Ensembles needing accompaniment should bring their own accompanist. Please note that the piano must remain stationary and cannot be moved from it’s original placement.
Choirs will be responsible for providing additional equipment that is needed (percussion or other needed instruments, etc.).
3. Repertoire Guidelines
There is no required list of music. It is requested that at least one selection is suitable for UIL contest performance.
Repertoire should reflect the chamber choir tradition, though a variety of musical styles is encouraged. Pieces can be accompanied or a cappella.
Memorization is not required but highly encouraged.
Music should be appropriate for a school performance setting.
Performance Logistics
Warm-Up
Each ensemble will be assigned a designated warm-up time and space prior to their performance.
Warm-up time is 30 minutes, including entrance and exit time. Note: there are not risers in the warm-up room.
Ensembles should arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled performance.
Stage Setup
Basic stage setup may include risers, piano, and conductor stand, depending on venue availability. The piano will be in a designated spot and cannot be moved.
Additional equipment or special staging requests must be communicated in advance. We will have a few extra chairs and stands available if needed.
Clinic
Directly following the stage performance, choirs will be guided to a separate room for a 30-minute clinic with a well-known and highly qualified clinician.
Directors may choose to opt out of the clinic and use the clinic room to just reflect on their performance.
Awards Ceremony
There will be an Honor Choir performance at the end of the festival. This first year will feature an invited choir of distinction. Subsequent years, the Honor Choir will be the winning ensemble from the previous year’s festival. Winning ensembles must be conducted by the same director as when competing. In the event of a director change or the inability to attend the following year, the honor will then move to the next runner up.
Immediately following the Honor Choir performance, groups will receive trophies for the ratings earned, as well as the announcement of the First place winner, 1st and 2nd runners up, and Excellence in Performance awards.
Adjudication
Ensembles will be evaluated by experienced choral adjudicators using the following criteria:
Category
Description
Tone Quality
Healthy vocal production and resonance
Intonation
Accuracy of pitch and tuning
Blend & Balance
Ensemble unity and sectional balance
Musical Interpretation
Expression, phrasing, dynamics, style
Diction & Precision
Clarity of text and rhythmic accuracy
Stage Presence
Professionalism and performance engagement
Feedback
Each ensemble will receive:
Written adjudicator comments
Performance ratings of 1 (Superior), 2 (Excellent), or 3(Good)
Ranking and chance to be named Festival Winners, 1st and 2nd runners up, and Excellence in Performance awards.
Performance Etiquette
To maintain a respectful festival environment:
All performers must remain quiet and attentive during other ensembles’ performances.
Ensembles should enter and exit the stage quickly and professionally.
Students should follow directions from festival staff and venue personnel.
Attire
Ensembles should perform in formal concert attire, choir uniforms, or madrigal costumes.
Costumes must be school appropriate and allow for safe movement.
Registration
Registration must be completed by the choir director by the posted deadline.
Entries are made online and will be verified after they are received.
Festival entry fees must be submitted prior to the event.
Inaugural Participant Pricing: Ensembles participating in the 2027 festival will lock in their registration rate for the next three years—our way of recognizing and rewarding founding participants. This is not transferable to other campuses or directors.
Recording & Photography
To support documentation and celebration of the event:
Festival organizers may record or photograph performances for archival and promotional purposes.
These materials may be used in future promotional materials, social media, or educational documentation.
Directors should ensure that their school’s media permission policies allow students to appear in festival media.
Audience members are encouraged to:
Silence devices during performances
Refrain from flash photography during performances
Conduct & Responsibility
Choir directors are responsible for supervision and conduct of their students.
Participants are expected to demonstrate respect, professionalism, and collegiality throughout the event.
Behavior that disrupts the festival environment may result in removal from the event.
Festival Philosophy
The High Plains Madrigal Festival exists to:
Celebrate excellence in small ensemble choral singing
Provide meaningful musical feedback
Encourage collaboration and musical growth among high school choirs
The festival is intended to be educational, supportive, and inspiring for all participants.
