MSVMA is proud to feature outstanding ensembles at the Michigan Music Conference for Traditional Choral Hour and Specialized Choral Hour. We are privileged to showcase up to 4 ensembles annually, chosen by a blind panel of vocal music professionals. 

To view Choral Hour participants, visit Michigan Music Conference

Traditional Choral Hour

Traditional Choral Hour is open to Middle or High School choral ensembles. 

• MS Choirs: Two selections must be from the current school year. The third must be from one of the two previous years. At least one of the three selections should be a cappella or a cappella with non-pitched percussion if available.  
• HS Choirs: Two selections must be from the current school year. The third must be from one of the two previous years. At least one of the three selections should be a cappella.

The selected choirs will perform a 20 minutes set at the Michigan Music Conference during the Friday Choral Hour in the JW Marriott Ballroom.

2026-2027 Traditional Choral Hour Listening Panel

Thomas Blue, MSVMA Emeritus, Music Educator, Oakland Christian School

Shirley Lemon, Music Educator, Choral Department Chair, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Randi Simons-Miller, Director of Choirs, Portage Central High School and Portage Central Middle School

Specialized Choral Hour

Open to specialized choral performances including but not limited to Jazz, Pop, A Cappella, Gospel, Show Choir, Musical Theatre, Barbershop, Non-Western traditional and other alternative genres.

• MS Choirs: Two selections must be from the current school year. The third must be from one of the two previous years. At least one of the three selections should be a cappella with non-pitched percussion if available. We understand that this may not be applicable to some styles. 
• HS Choirs: Two selections must be from the current school year. The third must be from one of the two previous years. At least one of the three selections should be a cappella if available. We understand that this may not be applicable to some styles. 

The selected Choir will perform 15 minutes of music at the Michigan Music Conference at the afternoon concert in the JW Marriott Ballroom and will precede the MSVMA All-State Jazz Honors Choir.

For more information regarding Specialized Choral Hour, visit Specialized Choral Hour