SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of singers claimed the stage in the lilac city this week.
On Saturday, the top students across six states took the stage at the Fox Theater to show off their skills as part of the American Choral Directors Association Convention.
"It changes kids' lives and makes them fall in love with music even more," said Annie Stanger.
Gonzaga grad Stanger's the honor choir chair. She takes more than a year to prepare for the four-day convention.
"Coming to a conference like this and seeing other really incredible conductors do their thing with our students breeds a lot of inspiration and life back into us," Stanger said.
It's not only students taking part, but adults too.
"We're around 400 adults, and then probably another 1000, maybe 1200 singers that have come in as part of the invited choirs," Steve Zielke said.
Zielke's the president of the organization putting on the event. He says the convention's more than just a place to learn about music.
"The community aspect is so much. I mean, we just love each other. And these are people we know. And so for us, it's a reunion to come back together," Zielke said.
Spokane hosted the convention three times. This year, Visit Spokane says the convention could bring an estimated $550000 to the city's economy.
"We're all eating and drinking as much as we can," Zielke said.
Conductor Rollo Dilworth said, "I've been enjoying it a lot."
Dilworth made the trip from Philadelphia. He came to the convention for one specific reason.
"I really love working with middle school students. I think they're very expressive and very creative," Dilworth said.
And for Stanger, she already can't wait to put what she's learned into practice.
"We're ready to go back into class on Monday," Stanger said. "And with a lot of new ideas"
The next convention will take place in early 2026 in Tacoma.
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