“Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.”
Children’s Choir
The National Conference Children’s Choir is an upper elementary choir of unchanged voices chosen on the basis of choral experience. This group will sing for several services throughout the WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts held at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.
Previous conference recordings
Medieval Gloria
Children of the Heavenly Father
No longer accepting applications
What is the National Conference Children’s Choir?
The National Conference Children’s Choir is an upper elementary choir of unchanged voices chosen on the basis of choral experience. This group will sing for several services throughout the WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts held at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.
Can I join?
You are eligible to be a member of the choir if you are presently a student in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 with an unchanged voice. It is understood that all applicants are members of WELS or ELS. Choir participants are required to have an adult guardian from their family or congregation attending the conference as a full on-campus participant.
What will I do if I am a member of this choir?
If you are selected, you will be involved in the entire conference, from July 30–August 2. Besides rehearsing each day, you will be able to attend all the conference worship services—and these services are very impressive! You will have an opportunity to attend recitals and concerts presented by professional musicians who are WELS members. You’ll also enjoy fun recreational activities with other Lutherans your age from the children’s choir.
How much will it cost me?
You are required to include a $175 fee with your application. If you are selected, the National Worship Conference will cover the costs of lodging, meals, snacks, recreation, and transportation while you are at the conference. You will be traveling to and from the conference with your adult guardian. The registration fee will be returned to you if you are not selected for the choir.
What kind of music will I be singing?
Music in a variety of styles will be selected in early 2024. The selections will be accompanied by an orchestra, keyboard, or solo instruments. Some will be a cappella.
How do I audition?
Detailed information about the application process is posted under the “How to Apply” button.
When will I find out if I am accepted?
For the sake of those applying early and wanting to solidify summer plans, there is a two-stage notification process. The first group of singers will be notified by late March or early April. A second group will be notified by May 2.
Why a children’s choir?
The 2017 conference featured a highly appreciated 75-voice children’s choir. The 2024 choir could be even larger, up to 80 voices. By modeling excellence in children’s singing, it will serve as an inspiration for both children and other attendees.
Conductor—Sarah Henrich
Sarah Henrich (nee Zietlow) has directed adult and youth choirs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Colorado. She worked at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM) in Milwaukee, where she held positions as Vocal Department Chair and Associate Director of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir. At WCM, Sarah organized and started The Art Song Festival, an international festival for student and professional singers. As an educator, she organized and led numerous music camps and worked to bring music education to several schools in the greater Milwaukee area through WCM’s Connections Program. During this time, she also worked as a choir director for her church and as a clinician for adult and children’s choirs in Wisconsin, including WELS National Choral Fest (2017); WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts (2014); and Junior Choir Festival (2014, 2018).
Sarah moved to Knoxville in 2018 and became involved at her church as a worship coordinator, choir director, and pianist. Seeing a need for more early childhood music classes in Knoxville, she also started a program called Music Makers, music for teaching infants through preschoolers and their families. In 2019, she was a keynote speaker for Hearts and Hands, a workshop for artists and creatives.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College and a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from The University of Iowa.
What is the role of the adult chaperone?
Adult chaperones are expected to be fully registered and paid conference participants. They are agreeing to be the contact person on campus in the unforeseen event that the choir member becomes ill or injured. The younger participants appreciate having a familiar face nearby at those times. There will be choir chaperones to supervise the children in the dorms and during conference events. Please remember that conference events such as meals, presentations, and lodging, are for paid attendees only.
What if I have more questions?
Please use the WELS contact form to submit any questions you have about the WELS Worship Conference.
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WELS Commission on Worship |
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WELS Congregational Services exists to encourage and equip congregations for faithful and fruitful gospel ministry.
