Children and Youth Choral Festival
On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, children and youth in grades 5–12 joined together in a dynamic day of music-making during our first ever Children & Youth Choral Festival!
Our special guest conductor was Maria Ellis, owner of Girl Conductor LLC and Artistic Director of The Sheldon's All-Star Chorus and UMSL's Voices of Jubilation.
This joyful and collaborative festival celebrates creativity, connection, and the next generation of musical leaders. We can’t wait for next year!
About our Guest Clinician, Maria Ellis
Maria Ellis, a highly engaging music educator and conductor, is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, which specializes in diverse music education resources. Maria serves as the Artistic Director of The Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Voices of Jubilation Ensemble. Maria is a highly sought after clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. Maria is the host of the Award-Winning Radio Show "Bach and Beyoncé" and "American Gospel with Maria A. Ellis" on Classic 107.3, The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis. Maria has been the recipient of awards by several St. Louis organizations for her innovation in teaching. Maria is an active member and/or serves in leadership roles in the following professional groups: the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, and she is a member of the Chorus America Board.
Maria shares a wealth of resources for singers and educators over on her website GirlConductor.com, including some fantastic videos to get students singing and learning!