Honor Choir 2026

A day of extraordinary music-making

Middle and high school singers from across Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington gather for a transformative day with internationally recognized clinician Dr. Nathan Payant — culminating in a final performance at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Middle & High School

Reserve Your School's Spots Meet the Clinician

One day. Powerful music. Lasting impact.

Choral Ascend brings together middle and high school singers for an immersive day of music-making under the direction of one of the country's most respected choral educators.

Educators reserve spots for up to 8 singers from their school. Singers spend the day in rehearsal with Dr. Nathan Payant, work alongside professional artists from Choral Arts Ensemble, and perform a culminating concert in the stunning acoustic of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Educators have their own parallel track of free workshops, all eligible for re-licensure hours.

$15 per singer. Cost should never be a barrier to participation. Financial assistance is available for any singer who needs it — just reach out to info@pacificyouthchoir.org.

Singers in rehearsal at Choral Ascend 2025

Final performance at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

2026 Clinician

Dr. Nathan Payant

A conductor, educator, and professional singer dedicated to cultivating lasting connections through the choral arts.

Nathan is Assistant Professor of Practice at Colorado State University, where he directs the Concert Choir and teaches conducting, music education, and vocal music therapy. He is also Director of Music and Arts at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. Choirs under his direction have toured nationally and internationally and performed in venues including Carnegie Hall and St. Peter's Basilica.

A dedicated advocate for choral music education, Nathan is the Artistic Director of Fort Collins-based community choir Laudamus and an active singer with Colorado Bach Ensemble. He holds degrees from Northern State University, Colorado State University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Featuring Choral Arts Ensemble

Professional guest artists join the day for mentorship, demonstration, and a shared moment of music-making during the final performance — elevating the experience for every singer in the room.

Free workshops for educators

Three no-cost clinics run alongside student rehearsals — designed for current and aspiring choral educators.

Sessions cover practical strategies for the rehearsal room, repertoire reading, and director wellness. Re-licensure hours available.

Building Choral Artistry

Practical strategies for precision, musicality, and expression.
Nathan Payant, D.M.A.

Breathwork

Stress relief for directors and singers.
Brenda Winkle, M.Ed.

Third Clinic

Topic and presenter to be announced.

Day at a Glance

Event Schedule

Two parallel tracks run throughout the day — singer rehearsals leading to the final performance, and educator workshops for re-licensure credit.

Singer Track

Honor Choir Schedule

For middle and high school singers

9:30 – 10:00 AMArrival & Registration
10:00 AM – 12:00 PMRehearsal 1
12:00 – 12:45 PMLunch
12:45 – 1:50 PMRehearsal 2
2:00 – 2:15 PMChoral Arts Ensemble: Introduction & Demonstration
2:15 – 3:50 PMRehearsal 3 with CAE Integration
4:00 – 4:40 PMDress Rehearsal
5:00 – 5:45 PMFinal Performance with CAE

Educator Track

Educator Sessions

Free workshops with re-licensure credit

11:00 – 11:50 AMBuilding Choral Artistry: Practical Strategies for Precision, Musicality, and ExpressionNathan Payant, D.M.A.
1:00 – 1:50 PMBreathwork: Stress Relief for Directors and SingersBrenda Winkle, M.Ed.
2:00 – 2:50 PMThird clinic — topic and presenter TBA
5:00 – 5:45 PMFinal Performance at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral