High School Choral Festival Part 1 | 4.17.2026 | Dordt University

On Friday, April 17, Dordt University will welcome 625 students from 14 Christian high schools across the country to participate in the biannual Christian High School Music Festival. During their time on campus, students from California, Colorado, Michigan, and five other states will take part in four integrated choral experiences: a massed choir performance with 625 high school singers and 150 Dordt Choral members; a large-group clinic where each choir performs and receives feedback from clinicians; a solo and ensemble clinic; and the Future Music Educators program, where nominated students are recognized, participate in additional activities, and may receive a guaranteed music education scholarship to Dordt. The events of the festival will begin at 9 a.m., culminating with a concert in the B.J. Haan Auditorium at 7 p.m. The massed choir performance will take place in the Vernon Arena following the first portion. Additionally, Dordt will welcome Craig Courtney, an internationally recognized choral composer and church musician, to serve alongside Smit as a clinician for the festival. Courtney has also been commissioned by Dordt to compose a new piece specifically for this festival. The massed choir will perform the world premiere at the concluding concert in the Vernon Arena. Digital Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AKxB... Digital Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AKxB...