2026 National Elementary Choir Honors Entry Information & Guidelines
The Foundation for Music Education is a not-for-profit organization committed to the support and advancement of music education.
MARK OF EXCELLENCE
The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievements in performance by high school, middle school, and elementary performing ensembles. The project will gather entries from throughout the United States and provide valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique environment is created which allows groups to compare their performance quality to other outstanding ensembles from across the country.
HOW IT WORKS
Directors upload a video recording of their elementary choir from the current 2025-2026 school year. The adjudicator will view and listen to the performance and provide detailed recorded comments and brief written comments as they listen. All entrants will receive a compilation recording of the National Winner choir performances. Winners will also be recognized in regional and / or national publications and at national and / or regional conventions. It is hoped that the critiques and compilation recordings will prove helpful in improving performances in choral music.
SELECTION PROCESS
1. Upload a video recording of a live performance. Please submit 3 selections. These selections should be folk songs or festival type selections, no pop or broadway songs please. Mail one original score for each piece to the address below.
2. The adjudicator will view and listen to the submissions and record a live critique commentary.
3. The adjudicator will select the top 25% as National Winners and the second 25% as Commended Winners. All winners will receive a plaque.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
June 5, 2026 (Results announced September 15, 2026)
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
• Class A Elementary Choir – includes children up to and including 5th grade. From a K – 5 school.
• Class AA Elementary Choir – includes children up to and including 6th grade. From a K – 6 school
A 6th grade choir from a middle school may not enter. This project is intended for a single elementary school, not a district honor group.
RECORDING/AUDIO GUIDELINES
The video submission should not be engineered or enhanced in any way except for editing to remove applause or announcements – not necessary though.
The order of pieces may be changed. The video may be a maximum of 15 minutes long and should include three selections. An iPhone video will be appropriate.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
After submitting the form online application, print a copy and include with the entry materials.
• Mail one original score for each piece.
• One set of scores with the school name deleted
• $250 application fee (Check payable to The Foundation for Music Education/Mark Of Excellence)
• Postmark Deadline is June 5, 2026
Mail to:
Rick Yancey
Mark of Excellence Registrations 39 Travis Park Dr.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will my scores and materials be returned?
Yes
What type of choir can enter?
Entries may be mixed, boys, or girls. Any grades within the classification. Please call if you have questions!
How will I receive my compilation recording?
You will receive a download code to download the recording from Mark Custom Recording.