High honor: Concert Choir chosen to showcase musical excellence at ’27 OMEA Conference

For the Heidelberg Concert Choir, the invitation arrived as the kind of news that makes all those hours of rehearsal worthwhile. The ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2027 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference.

The conference, set for Jan. 28-30 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, draws music educators from across Ohio and is recognized as the third-largest music education conference in the country. It also hosts the largest music trade show east of the Mississippi River.

While prestigious, the invitation isn’t the first for Heidelberg’s premier ensemble. 2027 will mark the second time in the past decade the Concert Choir has been selected to perform at the state conference. The choir last took the OMEA stage in January 2022.

“Being invited to perform at the OMEA professional development conference is a significant honor for the Concert Choir,” said Director Dr. Greg Ramsdell.

The honor comes after a competitive audition process in which a blind panel of expert adjudicators evaluates ensembles vying for one of the coveted performance spots. Only six choirs statewide — from junior high, high school and collegiate programs — were among the ensembles selected to perform this year.

The recognition reflects more than the choir’s musical ability.

“Our singers earned their place on this prestigious stage through their relentless pursuit of musical excellence and their willingness to tell compelling stories through song,” he said. “I am immensely proud of these exceptional musicians and deeply privileged to represent Heidelberg University as we share our choir’s heart and artistry with educators from across the state.”

Being chosen for the OMEA conference is considered one of the highest honors for musical ensembles in the region, putting Heidelberg’s singers among a select group of performers who will represent the best of music education in Ohio.

Before the Choir heads to Columbus, audiences will have an opportunity to hear the Concert Choir closer to home. Ramsdell will lead the ensemble in performance Nov. 8 at the downtown chapel of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 617 W. Main Cross St., Findlay.