LSU High School Choral Festival
September 29, 2025 // 9:00am – 5:00pm
LSU Baton Rouge Campus
Guest Clinician: Dr. McKenna Stennson
Dear Choir Directors and Students,
We're thrilled to invite you to join us for this year's High School Choral Festival–a day of music, inspiration, and connection with singers from across the region! Last year, more than 400 students joined us and we can't wait to see even more choirs lift their voices with us this year.
Throughout the day, students will dive into selected repertoire and collaborate in rehearsals, culminating in a performance at the day's end. In addition, each ensemble will have the option to perform for Dr. Alissa Rowe in a workshop setting. Teacher interest sessions will also be available.
Registration: $25 per student
Deadline: Septemeber 24, 2025 (to allow for finalizing schedules, room assignments, and meals)
Repertoire for the festival is listed below. We ask that all participating students & choirs purchase the music ahad of time and bring it with them to learn while they are here.
We sincerely hope that you'll join us for this unforgettable day of artistry, learning, and community. Can't wait to see you there!
Dr. Alissa Rowe
Galante Chair and Director of Choral Studies
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Repertoire |
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I Sing Because I'm Happy (SATB) |
Arranged by Kenneth Padden; Adapted by Rollo Dilworth |
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Hold Fast to Dreams (SA(T)B) Please note: Do not order the full SATB version |
By Susan LaBarr; Lyricist: Langston Hughes |
Purchase Music Here |
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Sikirileke/Koloi |
By Sabelo Mthembu |
Purchase Music Here |
Please note that registration is set up differently this year as ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER THEMSELVES. If it is necessary that you to pay as a school via check on the day of the event, we are able to accommodate that. All checks should be payable to Louisiana State University.
The registration fee to attend the LSU High School Choral Festival is $25 per student. All students/choirs must be registered by September 24, 2025.
For any questions about the LSU High School Choral Festival, please contact Alissa Rowe at alissarowe@lsu.edu.
McKenna Stenson, PhD
As a conductor, teacher, and vocalist, McKenna Stenson has built a career inspiring singers to perform with confidence and motivating communities to create lasting change through song. Known for her vibrant energy and collaborative spirit, she fosters ensembles rooted in trust, compassion, and resilience.
Currently, Dr. Stenson serves as Assistant Professor of Choral Music at Florida State University, where she conducts Levana (the Women’s Glee Club of FSU), teaches undergraduate conducting, and leads graduate seminars alongside other courses in the choral curriculum. Before joining the faculty at Florida State, she was Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Kansas, directing the KU Glee Club and Oread Singers while teaching choral methods, conducting, and voice.
She is also an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Recent highlights include international teaching with the Cornish-American Song Institute, adjudicating the Canadian Cantando Choral Festivals, directing the KU Glee Club at the Kansas Music Educators Association Conference, and presenting at the 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul.
Nationally recognized as a 2020 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence and a 2023 National Finalist for the American Prize in Conducting and Choral Performance, Stenson holds degrees from the University of North Texas, Michigan State University, and The Ohio State University. She also co-hosts conduct(her), a podcast amplifying women conductors.
Meet The Faculty
Trey Davis
Associate Director, Choral Studies & Barineau Associate Professor, Choral Music