Every year, the Colorado All State Choir, composed of talented high school students from across the state, gathers at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center for a unique musical tradition.
This event features these young singers performing from the hotel’s balconies, creating a mesmerizing musical experience.
The anticipation for this annual event builds each year, as the hotel lobby’s excellent acoustics and unique architecture amplify the beauty of their harmonized voices.
The Embassy Suites hotel, with its open lobby and multiple balconies, serves as the perfect venue for the choir’s performance.
The architecture allows the students’ voices to echo and blend, turning the lobby into a grand concert hall.
The sound of their harmonies fills the space, creating an unforgettable auditory experience for the audience gathered below.
The balcony singing is a highlight of the All-State Choir’s Festival, a multi-day event where students and chaperones stay at the hotel.
The festival is a time for these young musicians to not only showcase their talents but also to bond and learn from one another through rehearsals, workshops, and social activities.
The balcony performance is the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
The tradition of balcony singing is a cherished one, with students and spectators alike looking forward to it each year.
The performance is proof of the students’ dedication and passion for music.
High school students from 9th to 12th grades can audition for the choir, facing a rigorous selection process.
Auditions require a classical piece, which accounts for 50% of the score, along with additional scoring for sight-reading abilities.
A minimum combined score of 80 is required for consideration, making the selection highly competitive.
Participants, both past and present, often speak of the fun and enjoyment of the balcony sings.
Many describe it as one of the most memorable experiences of their high school years.
Some exceptionally gifted singers return year after year, while others are new to the festival, bringing fresh voices and perspectives.
In 2024, the Mixed Choir performed “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli under the direction of Dr. René Clause.
The performance was magical, with the students’ voices blending perfectly and resonating throughout the lobby.
A viewer said, “They sounded like angels as they all harmonized together,” capturing the essence of the ethereal performance.
The composer of “Earth Song,” Frank Ticheli, was so moved by the performance that he commented under the video: “Thank you for this fabulous performance of my ‘Earth Song.’ It is sublime and I’m honored beyond words.”
This heartfelt appreciation from the composer himself added an extra layer of significance to the students’ achievement.
One of the participants expressed their joy and gratitude, writing:
“It’s amazing to think that I was up there. Truly one of my childhood dreams coming true, thank you Colorado All State Choir for making it possible!!!”
This comment highlights the personal impact and fulfillment that the festival brings to the young musicians involved.
The Colorado All State Choir’s balcony singing tradition is more than just a performance. It’s a celebration of music, talent, and community.
Each year, it brings together students from different backgrounds, united by their love for music.
The festival not only showcases their skills but also creates lasting memories and inspires future generations of musicians.
The annual event continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and a highlight of the Colorado high school experience.
Check out the full beautiful performance in the video below!
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