On Sunday, June 6, 2027, under the direction of Guest Conductor Matthew Stephens (Founder and Conductor of the South Austin Academy of Vocal Arts), selected singers will perform Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living with the New England Symphonic Ensemble on the historic Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for homeschooled high school singers, and we cannot wait to hear your voice!​​​​​​

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RESIDENCY INFORMATION: The National Homeschool Honor Choir is presented by MidAmerica Productions.  The largest presenter of large scale choral and orchestral concerts in Carnegie Hall.  Choir members will register for the MidAmerica 5 day residency in New York City. ​

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The performers’ residency cost is $1,399. Each singer must be accompanied by an adult who must register as a non-performer at a cost of $599. This does not include transportation or lodging in New York City. Once accepted, you will receive a link to register.  

 

If you are selected for the choir, you will also be required to purchase the complete choral score for $15 (click here) and use the provided vocal tracks to learn your part for all five movements of Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. Beginning in August 2026, weekly assignments will be emailed to you to pace your learning over the nine months leading up to the performance. These will be the exact same assignments followed by the high school host choir — the Academy Singers from South Austin Academy of Vocal Arts. It is up to you to stay on top of your preparation and arrive fully ready.
 

AUDITION INFORMATION: 

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Before you record, first choose your voice part. 

• Soprano (high female voices)

• Alto (lower female voices)

• Tenor (high male voices)

• Bass (low male voices)
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Once you’ve chosen your part, learn your line from the vocal practice track provided on this page (it’s the one labeled for your voice part). Use the PDF sheet music provided on this page as well, so you know the words to sing and read the music if you read music. Practice with the track until you know your part confidently and can sing it beautifully, alone with the performance track, also provided on this webpage.

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• Required Content:

  1. Vocal Warm-up: C major scale 

  2. Solo "Happy Birthday" 

  3. Madrigal Excerpt: Singer's part from "My Friends We Now Must Leave Thee" 
      

Your audition has three simple parts. All three should be recorded in one continuous video (or as separate files if the submission form requires it). We will provide the starting note for the a cappella sections. Record in a quiet space, stand tall with good posture, face the camera, and sing with confidence and beautiful tone.

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Part 1: Vocal Part Identification

Begin your recording by clearly stating: “My name is [First name and last name]. I am singing as a Soprano / Alto / Tenor / Bass.” (Choose the part that feels most comfortable for your voice.)

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Part 2: A Cappella Singing (no accompaniment)

We will give you the starting note for each. The track is labeled: “Carnegie [voice part] Audition. Please sing clearly:

• A major scale (ascending and descending – one octave is perfect)

• “Happy Birthday to You” (the full song). You can use the name of a friend when the song gets to “…dear xxxxx”.

 

Part 3: Prepared Piece with Performance Track

Sing your vocal line for “My Friends I Now Must Leave Thee” using the official performance track provided for your voice part on this page.

 

Tips for a great audition:

• Film vertically (phone held upright if providing video) in good lighting so we can see your face clearly.

• The total video should be 3–4 minutes maximum.

• Show great intonation, musical expression, and joy in your singing!
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Audition Deadline: September 15, 2026 

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The audition portal will be closed once all choir positions have been filled and singers are registered. Please note: Spots will fill up quickly and we recommend you audition late spring/early summer 2026.  Singers will be notified via email, which can take up to four weeks. This opportunity is for high school students. We are looking for talented, passionate and dedicated homeschooled singers from across the country who are excited to represent homeschoolers on the stage of Carnegie Hall.  This is going to be an unforgettable experience!

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Questions? Contact Candace Wicke of MidAmerica Productions at cwicke@midamerica-music.com or call 646-360-0176