For the first time in 60 years, a St. Louis group performed during the annual Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, with the Sheldon All-Star Chorus earning the honor.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Maria A. Ellis, the chorus performed during the 2026 conference Jan. 29-31 at Tan-Tar-A Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The ensemble is made up of high school students from North St. Louis County, St. Louis and surrounding-area schools who are recommended by their school choral directors and selected through an audition process.
“The All-Stars have been working hard on their program since first semester, meeting only once a week for three hours at The Sheldon, but the work put in by our students outside of that short time is what blessed us with a performance that conveyed power and triumph that cannot be replicated,” Ellis said on the chorus’ Facebook page.
The Sheldon launched the All-Star Chorus in 2018 to provide vocal instruction, mentoring and performance opportunities for talented student singers throughout the academic year.
The tuition-free program offers leadership development, community engagement and weekly rehearsals, with dinner and transportation provided.