Planning a successful trip to a choir competition takes more than booking a performance slot. Travel details, student supervision and scheduling all play a role in the overall experience. When attending a Heart of America Championship event in Nashville, many directors partner with Music Travel Consultants (MTC), HOA's preferred travel provider, to simplify the process and enhance the trip. Heart…
There are moments at every event when we are reminded why the competitive arts matter. It might be the feeling coming right off the stage after your students had an amazing performance. Maybe it's in a clinic room, when something finally clicks. It might be after our awards ceremony, when students, no matter the result, realize what they just accomplished…
“If you try to please all, you please none.” - Aesop I hear this every year: “It’s not fair.” From students. From parents. And if we’re honest, from everyone. Heck, even I’ve said it! And I get it. This time of year, coming out of March Madness, along with choir festivals and show choir contests, conversations surrounding fairness happen more…
The 2026 season of Heart of America championships continued on March 28 in Orlando, Fla. Twenty-one groups took the stage across six divisions, with five championship groups advancing to finals at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs™ Area. From the first performances of the day to the final awards ceremony, Orlando brought strong vocals, creative storytelling and nonstop…
The 2026 season of Heart of America championships kicked off on February 28 in Nashville, Tenn. Fourteen groups performed in prelims in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, with five groups advancing to finals. The day started early with bright blue skies in the southern town of Nashville. Known for its vibrant live music scene, the groups pulling into…
Heart of America Championships is committed to providing fair, educational and affordable events with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. We believe that students can learn as much off stage as they do on stage. Thus, we strive to provide a safe and friendly space where performers and their entourages can stay, perform, eat, find age-appropriate entertainment and learn…
Last month, we began a conversation about the good, the hard and the honest questions that come with competition. Each month, I’m taking on one concern I hear from directors and staff - not to dismiss it, but to look at it from a place of experience and growth. March brings us to another concern I hear often: “Judging is…
One of the most common concerns I hear about competing is a simple, valid one: “Competitions create unhealthy stress.” I agree - to a point. Stress absolutely exists in competitive environments. Students feel it. Directors feel it. If we’re not careful, it can spill over into places it doesn’t belong. That said, how on earth can we teach students the…
Why compete? Why take your students on the road, put them in front of judges, clinicians and adjudicators, and give up evenings, weekends and personal time with family and friends to do it? Early in my career, I had to answer those questions for myself. Over time, I’ve learned that every music educator answers them differently. That answer can change…
This one is personal. Every year in the classroom, it happened. Sometimes it was during late fall, getting ready for the winter and holiday concerts and activities. Sometimes it was in the spring, in the heat of all those contest rehearsals and solo and ensemble activities. It even happened during those exciting days right before school started. What happened was…