The Opus Honor Choir Festival is an exciting and prestigious choral opportunity for students in grades 5–9, sponsored by the Iowa Choral Directors Association. Each year, four choirs of 180 selected singers are chosen from across the state to participate.
To be considered for Opus, you must submit a recorded audition. Your audition will include:
"America" or a Major Scale
Two required audition excerpts, specific to your current grade level
Recordings will be made at school in September with your music teacher. Auditions are very selective, and only the most prepared singers will be accepted.
🔔 Note: If accepted, you’ll perform at the festival held on the third Thursday of November at Iowa State University in Ames. Please confirm your availability before auditioning.
Begin practicing over the summer
Memorize your music early
Practice at home daily – aim for 10–15 minutes every day
Use the rehearsal tracks provided below
Once confident, practice without the rehearsal tracks
All audition recordings must be unaccompanied (no background music)
When school resumes, you’ll also rehearse with your music teacher several times a week. You must sing the same voice part on all audition tracks.
If you have trouble accessing the rehearsal tracks or sheet music, please talk to your music teacher right away.
Auditions recordings must be completed before September 22nd for submission by September 26, 2025.
Three separate recordings must be made: 1. Scale; 2. America; 3. Audition song excerpt. Each recording must be made accapella (without the piano accompaniment.)