Person playing a saxophone on stage

School of Music

2026 UM All-Star Honor Choir Information

NEW THIS YEAR! — 

We are retitling the classic SATB All-Star Ensemble and introducing an Advanced Treble Ensemble! Students can be nominated for one of the following ensembles. 

  • All-Star Concert Choir (open to all experience levels, SATB)
  • All-Star Chamber Singers (by competitive selection only, SSAA)
    • Those not selected for Chamber will be placed in Concert Choir. 
    • Ensemble assignments (one per student) will be included as part of the Notification of Acceptance
    • Selection for Chamber Singers will be based on a combination of the following factors:
      • Director's Ratings of student musicianship
      • Director's Recommendation for consideration
      • Student's Grade Level

2027 UM All-Star Honor Choir Banner; Shows photos of both directors, Dr. Stevie J. Hirner and Dr. Elizabeth Shauer. "University of Montana All-Star Honor Choir, February 26-28, 2027; The Classic All-Star Concert Choir (open to all experience levels, SATB), directed by Dr. Elizabeth Shauer; The Inaugural All-Star Chamber Singers (by competitive selection only, SSAA); Director nominations due by December 4th; Jan 15 - Registration Deadline; Dec 11 - notification of acceptance

This Year's Clinician — Dr. Elizabeth Schauer

Elizabeth Schauer (she/her) is a conductor, author and award-winning educator recognized for her innovation and inclusiveness in programming and curriculum. She is in demand as a presenter, clinician, and conductor throughout the United States, including for performances at Carnegie Hall and with all-state and honor choirs. Choirs under her direction have been invited and accepted to perform for national, regional and state conferences and for radio broadcast. Recent honors include performances for the National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference, and the National Leadership Symposium of GALA Choruses. Repertoire embraces choral and choral-orchestral works from the Middle Ages through today, notably including music by women and other historically excluded populations. Former students hold positions in public and private schools, children’s and community choirs, churches, colleges and universities throughout the world. Dr. Schauer recently retired as Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music from the University of Arizona.

2027 Schedule — February 26-28, 2027

Check-in at UM: Friday, February 27, 2027 — 12:00PM
Rehearsals, Workshops, and More: Friday - Sunday
Concert in the Dennison Theatre: Friday, February 28, 2027 — 12:00PM

Nominations & Registration

Student Information Needed to Complete Nomination:

  1. Name
  2. Pronouns
  3. Grade
  4. Email
  5. Years of Choir Experience
  6. Leadership Positions
  7. How many years of UM All-Star participation
  8. Rate the student's Music Reading
  9. Rate the student's Vocal Development
  10. Rate the student's Vocal Independence
  11. Recommendation for Chamber Singers consideration
  12. Interested in applying to UM (juniors/seniors)
  13. Primary Voice Part
  14. Secondary Voice Part (if applicable)
  15. Parent/Guardian Name
  16. Parent/Guardian Pronouns
  17. Parent/Guardian Email

Payment Information

$135 per participant

  1. Pay by SCHOOL CHECK. For an invoice email mario.puccinelli@umontana.edu
    • Address checks to 'UM School of Music' and mail to 32 Campus Dr, Music Building 101, Missoula, MT 59812
  2. Pay online with credit/debit card (Link emailed along with Notification of Acceptance)

Payment due by Friday, January 15. If there is a need for financial assistance, contact Mario Puccinelli (email above) and Dr. Hirner (stevie.hirner@umt.edu) if you would like to be considered.

Additional Details

  • Concert Choir Clinician: Dr. Elizabeth Schauer
  • Chamber Singers Clinician: Dr. Stevie J. Hirner
  • Location: University of Montana, Missoula
  • Meals: two dinners and two lunches provided
  • Lodging and Transportation: self-arranged (special room block pricing provided at local hotels)
  • Assigned voice parts, sheet music, & part tracks will be provided shortly following the Registration Deadline along with their assigned voice parts. 
  • Directors are responsible for printing the music for their students to practice prior to arriving. All music must be TWO-SIDED, BOOKLET STAPLED, & 3-HOLE PUNCHED so that it can be placed in the provided All-Star folder upon arrival. 
  • PLEASE make sure that your student prepares their ASSIGNED part. In the past, we have had students prepare a part that was not assigned to them and a lot of adjustments to balancing and seating charts had to be made day-of. Thanks for understanding!
  • Voice Lessons with UM Faculty: When registering, Juniors and Seniors may request a voice lesson with one of the UM Voice Faculty during the All-Star weekend. Slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
     

All-Star Testimonials

“I cannot express my appreciation enough for this event. Not only did my students have a wonderful, positive experience but I, too, found it educational and inspiring."

– Director

“This event changed my life as a singer and inspired me to continue pursuing my love of music!”

– past All-Star Choir participant

“Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I am so blessed to have been given a chance to accomplish something I am so very proud and excited about!”

– past All-Star Choir participant