Children and Youth Choral Festival

Saturday, October 11th, 2025
9AM-3PM
Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina

$25 Registration Fee

Children and youth in grades 5–9 and their educators are invited to a dynamic day of music-making and youth-initiated leadership. All children, regardless of church or school affiliation, are encouraged to join us. Special guest conductor Maria Ellis, owner of Girl Conductor LLC and Artistic Director of The Sheldon's All-Star Chorus and UMSL's Voices of Jubilation, brings her passion for diverse, engaging music education.

This joyful and collaborative festival celebrates creativity, connection, and the next generation of musical leaders.

Registration closes October 1st, 2025

About the Festival

During this day of music-making, students and educators will have an opportunity to learn together from clinician Maria Ellis, as well as participate in breakout sessions led by Maria Ellis, Dr. Jennaya Robison, and Erin Gaffaney.

Participants will be learning Jeffrey Ames’ setting of “Tshotsholoza,” Rollo Dilworth’s “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” Robert T. Gibson’s “Dance,” and a surprise tune from Maria.

Students and educators will be provided with a lunch and a festival t-shirt. 

Sessions for Students

  • Lift Up Your Voice and Lead: Singing and Playing Psalms in Worship

  • Rhythm Nation: Building Your Musical Toolbox

Sessions for Educators

  • Affirming and Supporting the Adolescent Voice

  • Bach and Beyoncé: Bridging Centuries Through Sound

Registration Information

All individual student registrations must be made by parents. Educators will register themselves, though if they bring a group of students, they can register as a group. Teachers or directors do not need to be present for their students to participate in this festival. All individuals must a Media Release and Permission form upon registering. All children, youth and educators regardless of school or church affiliation are encouraged to join us.

Registration closes October 1st.

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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!