UM All-Star Honor Choir

School of Music

2026 UM All-Star Honor Choir Information

This Year's Clinician — Jason Max Ferdinand

, Professor – Conductor – Composer – Speaker, is an inspirational musician, leader and teaching mentor whose gifts are sought after by choirs and orchestras in the USA and internationally. Since 2022 he has served as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Maryland, having spent the preceding 14 years as professor at Oakwood University, conducting the renowned Aeolians of Oakwood University. He is the founding artistic director of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers which since its inception in 2021 has performed to enraptured sell-out audiences. In 2023 they performed at the ACDA National Conference in Cincinnati which included a surprise appearance from Jacob Collier. This followed their appearance on Saturday Night Live with Coldplay and Jacob Collier. They made their debut at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in 2024. Jason publishes with GIA Publications, including Teaching with Heart: Tools for Addressing Societal Challenges Through Music, and The Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series.

2026 Schedule — March 27-29

Check-in at UM: Friday, March 27, 2026 — 12:00PM
Rehearsals, Workshops, and More: Friday - Sunday
Concert on the UM Campus: March 29, 2026 — 12:00PM

Nominations & Registration

— Due Friday, January 30, 2026
Notification of Acceptance — Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Parent/Student Registration & Payment — Due Friday, February 13, 2026
1. 2026 Registration Fee: $135
2. Registration and payment links will be emailed along with the Notification of Acceptance on February 3rd.
Questions? Email Dr. Stevie Hirner, stevie.hirner@umt.edu.

Payment Information

$135 per participant

Pay by SCHOOL CHECK. For an invoice email alison.rinker@umontana.edu
1. Address checks to 'UM School of Music' and mail to 32 Campus Dr, Music Building 101, Missoula, MT 59812
Pay online with credit/debit card (Link TBA)

Payment due by February 13, 2026. If there is a need for financial assistance, contact Alison Rinker (email above) and Dr. Hirner (stevie.hirner@umt.edu) if you would like to be considered.

Details

Guest Clinician: Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand
Dates: March 27-29, 2026
Cost: $135 per participant
Location: 91��Ԫ, Missoula
Meals: two dinners and two lunches provided
Lodging and Transportation: self-arranged (special block pricing provided at local hotels along with Notification of Acceptance)
Assigned voice parts, sheet music, & part tracks will be provided shortly following the Registration Deadline (February 13) along with their assigned voice part.
Directors are responsible for printing the music for their students to practice prior to arriving. All music must be TWO-SIDED & 3-HOLE PUNCHED so that it can be placed in the provided All-Star folder upon arrival.
PLEASE make sure that your student prepares their ASSIGNED part. In the past, we have had students prepare a part that was not assigned to them and a lot of adjustments to balancing and seating charts had to be made day-of. Thanks for understanding!
Voice Lessons with UM Faculty: When registering, Juniors and Seniors may request a voice lesson with one of the UM Voice Faculty during the All-Star weekend. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

All-Star Testimonials

“I cannot express my appreciation enough for this event. Not only did my students have a wonderful, positive experience but I, too, found it educational and inspiring."

– Director

“This event changed my life as a singer and inspired me to continue pursuing my love of music!”

– past All-Star Choir participant

“Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I am so blessed to have been given a chance to accomplish something I am so very proud and excited about!”