The hallways of Bellevue High School will soon be filled with the sound of youthful voices as A Cappella Northwest prepares to host its third annual Bellevue Youth Choral Festival. Set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, this Bellevue community event brings together talented young singers from across the eastern Puget Sound region for a day of musical learning and celebration.
A Cappella Northwest has designed this festival to be completely free for all participating schools and students, removing financial barriers that often limit access to high-quality music education experiences. The event represents a growing tradition in Bellevue’s cultural calendar, offering young vocalists the chance to develop their skills while building connections with peers who share their passion for choral music.
This year’s festival will feature an impressive lineup of musical talent, with world-class clinicians Drew Osterhout and Melissa Pope leading workshops throughout the day. Both educators bring extensive experience in vocal performance and choral direction, providing students with expert guidance on technique, expression, and ensemble work. Their involvement highlights the festival’s commitment to offering young singers access to professional-level instruction regardless of their school’s resources.
For participating choirs from the east side of Puget Sound, the festival represents a unique opportunity to expand their musical horizons beyond their school walls. Throughout the day, students will engage in collaborative rehearsals, specialized workshops, and peer learning experiences that complement their regular music education. The festival creates a supportive environment where young vocalists can challenge themselves artistically while celebrating the joy of choral singing together.
The day-long musical journey will culminate in a free public concert at 5:00 PM, where the community is invited to experience the remarkable talents of these young performers. Each participating choir will have the opportunity to showcase its individual repertoire, demonstrating the unique character and style developed under its school directors. The evening performance promises to highlight the diversity of choral traditions being nurtured across East Puget Sound schools.
The concert will reach its pinnacle when all participating choirs join forces to perform several pieces they’ve rehearsed collectively during the festival day. This powerful combined chorus will demonstrate the unifying potential of music, as students who began the day as strangers come together in harmony. Adding a professional touch to the evening, attendees will also enjoy a special performance by the Argonauts – A Cappella Band, the current Barbershop Harmony Society Evergreen District quartet known for their vibrant vocal arrangements and energetic stage presence.
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