About

The Northwest Festival Choir is open to volunteer singers from Anabaptist- identifying groups or churches located primarily, though not exclusively, in the West and Northwest region of the United States and Western Canada. The choir assembles for several days usually on a weekend in late January and rehearses a program of sacred music that is then shared in two concerts to the public. This retreat-style event is an opportunity to gather for a focused time of singing, learning, and connecting in a choral setting with others who have the same interest. The music spans a range of hymns, gospel songs, spirituals, and choral pieces. Our aim is to have a repertoire that is both fun and challenging to sing and inspirational for our audience. The ultimate goal of the Northwest Festival Choir is to bring honor to God. Beyond that, it is to encourage people to sing with each other in their home communities and to treasure this form of corporate worship.

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
  • This event is for adults and teenagers. Teenagers under the age of sixteen need to be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. They should also understand that, if they commit to singing in the choir, it will require work and fortitude. We want to encourage singing at every age and, for this reason, have kept this event open to young teenagers. However, we are aware that this event could be too much for some teens. As parents, you know your teens best, and we trust you to be wise with them.
  • We respectfully ask that there would be no young children along who are not singing. This is so our short rehearsal time can be used to the fullest without distractions.
  • Each person wanting to attend must apply by filling out and submitting the application form on this website. The applications will be processed in the order they are received and an email with registration status (accepted or wait-list) will be sent in return.
  • Registration opens October 15 and closes November 30, or when the event is full, whichever comes first.
  • If full capacity* is reached before November 30, you are still welcome to apply. Additional applicants will go on a waiting list. After November 30, you can contact us on the website or via email to check availability. *Full capacity is 120 singers with about 70% reserved for repeat applicants and 30% for new applicants. These numbers are based on what has been the natural rate and it seems to work well.
  • Sheet music will be sent to those whose applications are accepted. Further practice instructions and notes will be included with the music.
  • There is a $100.00 fee per adult (18 and older). For current schoolteachers and students (ages 13-17) the fee is $50.00. The fees are used to pay for the venue, food, music, and other miscellaneous costs and is payable at the event.
  • The local church, Spring Valley Mennonite, helps to host this event but is a small community and does not have the resources to offer lodging or child care services. If you are traveling to participate, we can recommend The Eagles Nest in Priest River, Idaho.
  • All meals on the schedule are provided.
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