Eric Smead, Co-Director of Carroll Show Choirs from Carroll HS (IN), shared his Heart of America competition experiences and how he pushes the boundaries of what show choir can be. MEET ERIC SMEAD I grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, and have been singing and dancing for as long as I can remember! During my sophomore year of high school,…
HOA Orlando offers convenience, entertainment and a seamless experience you won’t find anywhere else! With everything you need in one place and special perks that make it affordable and memorable, HOA Orlando is genuinely a standout event. Why You'll Love HOA Orlando Beautiful Hotel, Convenient Location We load in all of the state-of-the-art equipment Broadway National Tours and concert tours…
Heart of America events showcase the end product of months of preparation. Pendleton Heights HS (IN) Choral Director Erin Archer shares the dedication and hard work it takes to make it to competition day. The Pendleton Heights HS Show Choir program practices two times a week per varsity group from October through March. We compete seven weekends in a row…
Heart of America holds competitions in multiple cities across North America. Here’s a look at why we chose to spread our events across exciting sites and how it benefits both students and the performing arts community. Three Locations Offer Flexibility, Recognition and Accessibility Scheduling Flexibility: Not every choir competes during the same weekend. Nationwide Celebration: We want to recognize student…
Heart of America is pleased to announce competition dates and locations for its 2026 season. Stay tuned for registration information and venue highlights. Nashville February 28, 2026 Music City provides the perfect backdrop for exhilarating performances. New York City March 14, 2026 HOA returns to NYC in 2026! Take the stage in the city where Broadway legends are born. Orlando…
Heart of America is proud to have Music Travel Consultants as our preferred travel provider. While HOA presents a comprehensive competition experience, Music Travel Consultants eliminates the headaches that can accompany coordinating group travel. Together, we aim to make the competition experience a breeze from registration to celebration. Music Travel Consultants offers: Transportation 24/7 Tour Director Online Payments and Registration…
In 2025, Heart of America will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Special recognition and flashbacks will be presented at all venues with a 10th Anniversary Opening Ceremony planned for Los Angeles. "Celebrating our 10th anniversary, we're doing something new at our newest location. A special opening ceremony, dinner and dance will take place the night before the contest! Students and directors…
Doran Johnson, Choral Director and Performing Arts Department Chair at Westside High School (NE), shared his Heart of America competition experiences and how he empowers students to create excellence. MEET DORAN JOHNSON I have been teaching choral music for the past 36 years. I spent 10 years in a small district in Iowa and the past 26 at a large…
You've spent hours creating the program, rehearsing with your students and reviewing every performance detail. What's the next step? By competing in choir and show choir competitions, your students will experience unparalleled opportunities for personal and musical growth. Here are 10 reasons why your choir needs to compete. 1. Skill Development Choir competitions push students to improve their vocal skills,…