Join us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for a spectacular day of singing, learning, and collaboration at the Valley of the Sun Youth Choir Festival! This exciting event brings together choirs from across Arizona, with the highly regarded Los Angeles Children’s Chorus traveling from out of state to participate.

Singers with treble voices in grades 5-12 are invited to experience this exceptional festival. Under the expert direction of Dr. Joshua Palkki, Associate Professor of Music Learning and Teaching/Choral Conducting at Arizona State University, participants will engage in a full day of musically enriching activities and unite to perform a beautiful and uplifting piece of music.

We will start the morning together to introduce the combined song. Then we will divide everyone by age so they can all get to know each other across the choirs. We will do activities and rotations that may include sectionals, games, team building, audition tips, rhythm lessons, vocal workshop, language, or skits - there are many options. We will likely have the directors lead these, so we will get all your input on what you'd like to teach. 

The festival will take place at Skyline High School from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., concluding with a public performance to showcase the talents and efforts of the day.

Event Highlights:

  • Learning from an expert director, Dr. Joshua Palkki

  • Full day of engaging musical activities

  • Lunch is included for all participants

  • Public performance to close the festival

The cost is just $30 per singer. This is a rare chance to collaborate with fellow young musicians, elevate your skills, and share the joy of music with our vibrant community.

Register now to be part of this extraordinary celebration of choral excellence!

Festival Registration

Quick Festival Facts:

  • Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

  • Location: Skyline High School, 845 S Crismon Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208

  • Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm; Public Performance at 3:00 pm

  • Who: Open to treble singers from 5th - 12th grade

  • Sheet Music and practice materials are included

  • Pizza lunch is included

  • Cost: $30 per singer

  • Public Concert: $5 at the door

About Dr. Joshua Palkki

Joshua Palkki (he/him) is Associate Professor of Music Learning and Teaching/Choral Conducting and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Arizona State University and co-author of Honoring Trans and Gender-Expansive Students in Music Education. At ASU, he leads the Barrett Symphonic Choir and guides students in music education pedagogy, choral pedagogy, music teacher education, and choral conducting. Dr. Palkki is an internationally recognized scholar on topics of equity and justice in (choral) music education, particularly centering on inclusive practices for LGBTQA students and teachers.

Prior to his appointment at ASU, Palkki served on the faculty at California State University, Long Beach where he taught courses in music education, interfaced with the College of Education, and led the University Choir. Under his leadership, that ensemble was selected to perform at the 2019 California Choral Directors Association (CCDA) State Conference.

Palkki earned a Ph.D. in music education (choral conducting cognate) from Michigan State University where he received the MSU Council of Graduate Students Disciplinary Leadership Award. During his tenure at MSU, he studied conducting with Dr. Sandra Snow, Dr. Jonathan Reed, and Dr. David Rayl. Dr. Palkki was a finalist in the graduate division of the 2011 American Choral Directors Association national conducting competition while earning a master’s degree in choral conducting at Northern Arizona University (NAU) with Dr. Edith Copley. In 2011, he was named Outstanding Graduate Student in the NAU School of Music. He is the recipient of the Arizona American Choral Directors Association Director of the Year award for 2024.