“O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things.”
Honor Choir
The conference features a 120 voice choir of WELS high school students from throughout the country, drawn from WELS high schools, public high schools, and home schooled students. This choir, accompanied by full orchestra, sings at the Festival Service on Friday, August 2.
Previous conference recordings
By Faith
Freedom Trilogy
Currently accepting applications
What is the National Conference Honor Choir?
The National Conference Honor Choir is a high school choir of mixed voices chosen on the basis of advanced choral training and experience and director recommendation. It will sing for one service at the WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts held at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis.
Can I join?
You are eligible to be a member of the choir if you are presently a sophomore, junior, or senior in high school. A limited number of capable freshmen will be considered, especially male voices, to balance sections of the choir. It is understood that all applicants are members of WELS or ELS.
When will the choir sing?
The National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts in Kenosha begins Tues., July 30. The Honor Choir will sing for a congregation of 1,500 people at the closing Hymn Festival on Fri., Aug. 2, tentatively scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
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 Tuesday to Friday. Besides rehearsing each day for the Hymn Festival, you will be able to attend all the conference worship services—and these services are very impressive! You will have an opportunity to attend several high–quality workshops about music and worship as well as experience recitals presented by professional musicians who are WELS members. You’ll also enjoy fun and relaxation with many other Lutherans your age who enjoy excellent music as much as you do.
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. If you must fly to the conference and travel cost is a problem, please contact us. We have funds that may reimburse you up to 70% of airfare between $100 and $300. (You pay the first $100.) 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 apply?
Detailed instructions about the application process are available through the “How to Apply” button. Please apply by March 15, 2024, if possible.
Conductor—Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith is a doctoral candidate in conducting at the University of Oklahoma. He holds a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University, Wis., and studied graduate choral conducting at Oakland University, Rochester, Mich. As an undergraduate student, he studied at Martin Luther College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in music. Adrian has served as a called worker in WELS for more than 20 years in various ministry positions as a classroom teacher, school and church music director, and Minister of Music.
Adrian has presented and has served as clinician at various choral, organ, and handbell workshops; regional and national handbell festivals; as well as elementary and secondary choral festivals. He is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education and served on the Psalmody Committee for the WELS Hymnal Project.
Adrian currently serves as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Martin Luther College, where he conducts the College Choir and Männerchor and teaches courses in choral conducting, music fundamentals, and Lutheran worship.
Quotes from past participants
“. . . an opportunity for all these WELS musicians to gather to give glory to God for their talents—and to learn more.”
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For a stellar example of Honor Choir skill from the past, watch THAXTED, arr. Dale Witte.
What if I have more questions?
Please use the WELS contact form to submit any questions you have about the WELS Worship Conference.
| Mailing Address
WELS Commission on Worship |
Availability
Hours: Monday-Friday |
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WELS Congregational Services exists to encourage and equip congregations for faithful and fruitful gospel ministry.
