About the Elementary Choir Festival
About the Elementary Choir Festival
Each year the San Juan Music Educators Association brings elementary students together from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island counties. Participating teachers prepare their students by rehearsing 5 two-part or unison pieces plus the Star-Spangled Banner. Then on one Saturday each spring, those students unite to form the San Juan Region Elementary Honor Choir while working with an inspiring guest conductor. We love the sound of so many young voices working together!
In 2025-26, we plan to run two short sessions of the same festival - morning or afternoon. When registration opens, directors will indicate which session they prefer. The coordinator will do her best to balance the sessions based on director preference, the variety of districts represented, and overall numbers.
2025-26 Guest Conductor: Ali Sandweiss Hodges, Interim Director of Choral Activities at WWU
Accompanist: Emilie Buhl
General Logistics
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Morning Session: 9:00 - 12:00 (check in 8:30 - 8:45 AM with 11:30 AM concert)
Afternoon Session: 1:00 - 4:00 (check in 12:30 - 12:45 PM with 3:30 PM concert)
Where: CTK Community Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham
Coordinator: Laurie Bianco, Skyline Elementary, Ferndale SD, [email protected]
Host: Denice Saxman, Central Elementary, Ferndale SD, [email protected]
Repertoire 2025-26
The Star Spangled Banner – Arr. Moses Hogan (in A-Flat)
When I Grow Up from Matilda the Musical, Tim Minchin/arr. Emerson, Two-Part, 00287203
Peace Like a River arr. Victor C Johnson, Two-Part, Alfred Music Publishing, 51597
Canto de Pilon arr. Cristian Grases, Pavane Publishing, Two-Part
Seasons by Ola Gjeilo, Two-Part, Walton Music, WW1881
Ikan Kekek arr. Yu Hang Tan, SSA, Walton Music, WJMS1205
Registration Info/Entry Fee
Registration window: January 12 – January 23, 2026
Notification of Morning/Afternoon Session Assignment: by January 28, 2026
Entry fee: $10 per student (includes tax)
Clock hours will be available, and all SJMEA teachers are invited with or without their students. Elementary teachers should watch their email for registration information.
We look forward to hearing our students all together at this great event!
Each year the San Juan Music Educators Association brings elementary students together from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island counties. Participating teachers prepare their students by rehearsing 5 two-part or unison pieces plus the Star-Spangled Banner. Then on one Saturday each spring, those students unite to form the San Juan Region Elementary Honor Choir while working with an inspiring guest conductor. We love the sound of so many young voices working together!
In 2025-26, we plan to run two short sessions of the same festival - morning or afternoon. When registration opens, directors will indicate which session they prefer. The coordinator will do her best to balance the sessions based on director preference, the variety of districts represented, and overall numbers.
2025-26 Guest Conductor: Ali Sandweiss Hodges, Interim Director of Choral Activities at WWU
Accompanist: Emilie Buhl
General Logistics
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Morning Session: 9:00 - 12:00 (check in 8:30 - 8:45 AM with 11:30 AM concert)
Afternoon Session: 1:00 - 4:00 (check in 12:30 - 12:45 PM with 3:30 PM concert)
Where: CTK Community Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham
Coordinator: Laurie Bianco, Skyline Elementary, Ferndale SD, [email protected]
Host: Denice Saxman, Central Elementary, Ferndale SD, [email protected]
Repertoire 2025-26
The Star Spangled Banner – Arr. Moses Hogan (in A-Flat)
When I Grow Up from Matilda the Musical, Tim Minchin/arr. Emerson, Two-Part, 00287203
Peace Like a River arr. Victor C Johnson, Two-Part, Alfred Music Publishing, 51597
Canto de Pilon arr. Cristian Grases, Pavane Publishing, Two-Part
Seasons by Ola Gjeilo, Two-Part, Walton Music, WW1881
Ikan Kekek arr. Yu Hang Tan, SSA, Walton Music, WJMS1205
Registration Info/Entry Fee
Registration window: January 12 – January 23, 2026
Notification of Morning/Afternoon Session Assignment: by January 28, 2026
Entry fee: $10 per student (includes tax)
Clock hours will be available, and all SJMEA teachers are invited with or without their students. Elementary teachers should watch their email for registration information.
We look forward to hearing our students all together at this great event!