Since 1997, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale has proudly served Central Illinois through annual Festival Choir Programs for young singers representing grades 4-9.

Annually, approximately 180 student singers participating in this program have consistently expressed joy at the opportunity to work with a guest conductor, sing with an advanced choir with other impassioned young singers, receive an official Festival Choir Program Performance T-shirt, and perform in the professional atmosphere of the Caterpillar Performing Arts Auditorium at Five Points Washington. The two day musical experience begins on Thursday of performance week with a combined rehearsal that begins at 3:00 PM. Following the combined rehearsal, student singers enjoy a pizza dinner together before moving to the concert stage for a dress rehearsal. On the very next evening (Friday), student singers return to the auditorium and perform for a large audience as guests of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. There is a fee of $10 per student that is required in order to participate. 

Junior High Festival Chorus – December
The Junior High School Festival Choir Program, for talented singers in grades
7-9, takes place in December. Home music teachers send student singer nominations to
the PACC office through November 10. An SAB Choir is constructed from
these nominations, a guest conductor is secured for the event, and music is sent to school
music educators four weeks in advance of the Festival so students can engage in home
and school preparation to ensure a successful music festival experience. Music educators may nominate students through this online nomination form or paper forms through November 10, 2023.

Children’s Festival Chorus – May
The Children’s Festival Choir, for talented student singers in grades 4-6, takes place in May and follows a similar format to the Junior High School Festival Choir Program as described directly above. To nominate students for the Children’s Festival Choir, please have your school’s music educator complete the online application form no later than April 3, 2024. Paper copies are also available through pacchorale@gmail.com.

For more information please call the PACC office at (309) 693-6725 or email pacchorale@gmail.com.