2024 National Youth Choir of Distinction

Global Initiative for Talented Students (GIFTS) in collaboration with Perform America – TX, LLC is excited to offer a new educational opportunity for middle and high school band, choir and orchestra programs. Introducing Medal of Distinction, a unique recording submission process designed to celebrate excellence in performance while simultaneously offering practical and exciting opportunities of growth for both students and directors. All participants will have access to a wealth of knowledge from evaluators with a variety of musical backgrounds. The Medal of Distinction program serves as a means to bring together a community of musicians and educators striving to better themselves, their programs and the art of music-making.

Ensemble recordings are evaluated in two rounds by judging panels composed of nationally recognized educators and conductors. After the initial listening in the ‘Premier Performance’ round, the top performing ensembles are advanced to the Encore Circle for an “encore” listening and will be listed as ‘Encore Circle Winners’ ensembles.  The top ensembles in this group will be listed as the ‘Maestro’s Circle National Winners’ and the opportunity to have a Medal of Distinction evaluator make a personal visit to their program for a clinic. This in-person interaction with a master teacher is what makes Medal of Distinction a truly educational experience!

• • Recordings are randomly distributed to the Premier Performance evaluators for both audio and written feedback. These evaluators choose the top 40% to advance to the ‘Encore Circle’ and will be named a Performance of Distinction Winner.
  • Encore Circle ensemble recordings are randomly distributed to the Encore evaluators for both audio and written feedback.  These evaluators choose the top 15% of the Encore Circle to be named National Winners of the ‘Maestro Circle’.  Maestro Circle National Winners will receive the honor of having a clinic from a Medal of Distinction evaluator; a personal visit catered to you and your students’ needs.  (Clinic is based on clinician availability)

All competition participants will have exclusive access to an online forum where both directors and contest evaluators can share discussions about rehearsal procedures, performance considerations, programming, and other questions and topics that arise along the performance preparation and educational journey.

Maestro Award ensemble winners will receive the honor of having a clinic from a Medal of Distinction evaluator; a personal visit catered to you and your students’ needs.  Clinician’s honorarium, travel and accommodations will be covered.  All we ask is that meals/social gathering are taken care of by the Director/Program.  (Clinic is based on clinician availability)

*INTERNATIONAL Ensembles if participating can earn recognition in the Encore Circle or as National Winner of the Maestro Award, but are not eligible for an in person clinic at this time.

National Youth Choir of Distinction

• • Middle School Treble Choir
  • High School Mixed Choir
  • Middle School Open – any type of choral ensemble
  • High School Open – any type of choral ensemble
  • Children’s / Boy’s Choir
  • Community Choir
  • International Ensembles in any of the above categories*

1. Digital performance recordings of two different pieces.
2. One set of scores. (PDFs preferred)

In an effort to keep the contest judging anonymous, please remove any markings that would reveal the identity of the program or director.

• • Recordings must be from the 2023-2024 school year
  • Recordings must be edited to remove any mention of the school’s name to ensure anonymity. Other acceptable edits include eliminating applause, combining tracks of multi-movement works, and shortening excess time between movements. 
  • Refrain from unethical editing practices such as modifying, altering, or splicing the recordings. Please use your best professional judgment.
  • MP3 format is preferred