The Choral program: Upcoming events
Special events
2026 ASU High School Vocal Connection
The 2026 ASU High School Vocal Connection will be held at the ASU School of Music, Dance, and Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Colleagues from the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre will engage students in choral rehearsal, choir games, leadership training and other embodied choral experiences that will aid in building momentum and engagement for high school vocal programs.
Separate sessions are planned for teachers with an emphasis on practical skills, programming ideas and repertoire facilitated by our choral faculty.
This year's Vocal Connection will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. (please see schedule).
There is no charge to high school vocal teachers, students or participating school for this event.
Please register at 2026 High School Vocal Connection
Registration will be confirmed in early fall. Parking information and arrival procedures will be conveyed with the confirmation.
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Frank Watkins.
ASU High School Vocal Connection 2026 Schedule
8:30-9 a.m. Registration in Music Building Lobby
9-9:35 a.m. Welcome and Warmup in Katzin Concert Hall with Dr. Frank Watkins and Professor Katie Gerrich
9:40 a.m. -12 noon Student Group Sessions in Gammage and Katzin Concert Hall
See below for a SAMPLE SCHEDULE:
| BLUE | RED | GREEN | |
| 9:40-10:20 a.m. | Pathways to Vocal Freedom with Professor Nathan Myers (GGMA301) | Leadership from the Chair with Carlos Rojo (Katzin) | Vocal Improvisation with Brett Taylor (GGMA311) |
| 10:30-11:10 a.m. | Leadership from the Chair with Carlos Rojo (Katzin) | Vocal Improvisation with Brett Taylor (GGMA311) | Pathways to Vocal Freedom with Professor Nathan Myers (GGMA301) |
| 11:20 a.m.-12 noon | Vocal Improvisation with Brett Taylor (GGMA311) | Pathways to Vocal Freedom with Professor Nathan Myers (GGMA301) | Leadership from the Chair with Carlos Rojo (Katzin) |
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ACE Board Meeting in W218
10 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Professional Development for Teachers in Recital Hall
- Choir Power-Ups! Energizing games for the Choir Rehearsal with Katie Gerrich
- Reading Session sponsored by The Musician’s Choice with Frank Watkins
12 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. Lunch on own (Please refer to “Lunch Options" document for places to eat)
12:45 p.m. Return to Katzin Concert Hall - ASU Concert Choir Performance; Q&A and Sharing
1:30 p.m. Closing Thoughts; End of day
Be a Music Major Day
Friday, Oct. 14, 2026 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a free one-day workshop to learn about life as a college music major!
Oct. 14, 2026
Be a Music Major!
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Music building, Tempe campus
Open to high school students and transfer students. Sessions will include, but are not limited to:
- Welcome meeting and recital.
- Music theory and musicology lectures.
- Tour of music facilities.
- Breakout sessions for Music Therapy and Music Learning and Teaching.
- Breakout sessions for orchestra, band, choir and jazz ensembles.
- Question and answer session with faculty and current ASU students.
As one of the nation’s most comprehensive music programs, we are ranked among the top music programs in the country. Discover why the music programs in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre are right for you!
Registration begins on September 1.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
The Middle School Honor Experience will include choir, string orchestra, and band.
Full details will be available in fall 2026.
Junior High/High School Choral Invitational
The Arizona State University Choral Area is pleased to present the 2nd Annual ASU Junior High/High School Choral Invitational at Arizona State University on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2027. The goal of this festival is to provide a meaningful, educational, and high-impact experience for your students while offering a glimpse into collegiate choral music-making at ASU. You are welcome to bring any ensemble—any voicing, any level.
This is a non-rated/adjudicated event, but rather an educational experience designed to provide students with positive, constructive feedback and meaningful interaction with our choral faculty.
During your visit, your choir will have the opportunity to:
- Present a 20-minute performance in Katzin Hall (2–4 selections, any style)
- Receive a 20-minute clinic tailored to your ensemble from ASU choral faculty:
Dr. Frank Watkins, Professor Nathan De'Shon Myers and Professor Katie Gerrich - Observe and support other participating choirs
- Attend a performance by the ASU Concert Choir
- Interact with current ASU music students
- Participate in a Q&A session with choral faculty and students
Tentative Schedule:
- 7:45 a.m.–12 p.m. | Choir Performances
- 12–1:30 p.m. | Lunch Break (on your own)
- 1:30–2 p.m. | ASU Concert Choir Performance and Q&A
- 2–4:30 p.m. | Choir Performances
Registration and Fees:
- Registration Fee: $100 per choir
- Complete the ASU Choral Invitational Registration Form to register your choir(s) for the festival
- Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis
- Registration will open Sept. 14, 2026