Update about the 2021 All-Ohio State FAir Youth Choir and All-Ohio State Fair Band

​Without a doubt the past year has brought significant challenges to our state and, indeed, the world.  In 2020, we had a truly #VirtuallyAmazing experience online with the All-Ohio State Fair Band and the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir.  This year, we have been thrilled to hear from so many of you about your interest in keeping the dream alive with our organizations.  While, at this time, we continue to await guidance from the Ohio State Fair leadership regarding plans for this year, we are discussing all of the opportunities, possibilities and challenges before us.  In a traditional year, we would be in the midst of the recruiting and application process.  Until we receive further guidance, we are happy to invite you to indicate your interest in learning more about our organizations’ plans for 2021 by filling out the form below.  By completing this form, you will be notified by email as soon as definitive plans for the year have been made.  You can also check back on our web sites and social media platforms for further updates.
 
We look forward to working with you to do our part in continuing to make the Ohio State Fair the best fair in the nation!

    Notify Me when the 2021 application is live

Please fill out the form above to be notified when 2021 updates are available

To learn more about a typical year for the AOSFYC, read the information below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please be sure to read all of the details in this section before beginning your application.
What is the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir?
​The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir (AOSFYC) was founded in 1963 by Glenville D. Thomas, who led the Youth Choir in concerts for thousands of visitors at the Ohio State Fair, directed them in a number of European tours and took them to several national parades.  Championed by four-term governor James A. Rhodes, the Choir has sung for several gubernatorial inaugurations and was proclaimed Ohio’s “Singing Ambassadors of Goodwill” by the state legislature.  Most recently, members of last year's AOSFYC performed during the 2019  inaugural festivities for Governor Mike DeWine and at the 2019 Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting.
 
Five days before the opening of the Ohio State Fair, the select, 200-voice Choir meets at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus and launches into a rigorous schedule that includes vocal training; sessions on vocal health; part, sectional and full rehearsals; solo auditions; and marching instruction.  Once the Fair opens, the Youth Choir sings six to eight concerts a day, marching up to eight miles each day to various performance sites around the 360-acre fairgrounds.  In addition to performing, AOSFYC members enjoy activities, headliner concerts and other special events at the Fair, build lifelong friendships in the Choir, and develop leadership skills that many choose to take back to the choirs in their own communities.
Who Can Apply?
Any students currently in 9th-12th grade and residing or attending school in Ohio may apply.  Singers are selected on the basis of their musical ability and experience, their teacher's recommendation, and the consent of their parent or guardian.
What are the dates of the 2021 AOSFYC?
Members of the 2021 Choir will be engaged from July 22 through August 8, 2021.  Rehearsal week takes place July 22-27, and the Ohio State Fair runs from July 28 through August 8.  Only singers available the entire 18 days should apply.
Where do we live during the Ohio State Fair?
​The 200 Choir members live on site at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus and are housed in the Rhodes Center complex. Students are under capable, experienced adult leadership night and day.  Each day, three balanced meals are provided to singers in the Rhodes Center cafeteria at no charge.
How Much does it cost?
Because of the generosity of the Ohio Exposition Commission, our membership fees are significantly lower than any other residential summer arts camp.  2021 Membership Fees are listed below:
  • New Members​ (this includes 3 uniform shirts & 2 uniform shorts; for all members that do not already have the gray shirt/black shorts uniform)
    • ​$175 if paid in full within 2 weeks of acceptance
    • $200 if paid in full by June 1
    • $225 if paid after June 1
  • Returning Members (no uniform included; must still have the uniform in good condition from 2019)
    • ​$95 if paid in full within 2 weeks of acceptance
    • $110 if paid in full by June 1
    • $125 if paid after June 1
Students bring varying amounts of personal spending money each year to use while the Fair is open.  All other costs (including meals, lodging, etc.) are underwritten by the Ohio Expositions Commission.  Similar residential music camps can cost participants upwards of $650+!  Limited financial assistance is available; applications for need-based financial assistance will be made available when acceptance information is sent out.
What information should i have ready before i begin the online application?
The free online appication can be accessed through the link at the bottom of this page.  Before beginning the application process, be sure to have all of your personal contact information, your parent/guardian's phone number and valid e-mail address and your school choral director's phone number and valid e-mail address.  You are also encouraged to meet with your choir director so that (s)he may assist you in determining your vocal range.

The majority of incomplete applications are the result of mistyped/misspelled email addresses for the youth, parent/guardian and/or the music educator reference.  Be sure you have the correct information and type them in correctly!

You can download the 2021 application checklist below:
2021 Application Checklist.pdf
File Size: 131 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
​You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.  All official correspondence related to your application, including invitations to join the 2021 Choir, will be sent to the e-mail address you provide.  Check it regularly!  Be sure that you set your spam filter to accept messages from info@aosfyc.org.

Your school choral director will receive an e-mail at the address you provide in the application.  This e-mail will include a link to the online director recommendation form.  This form must be completed within two weeks of your application.
When is the Application Deadline?
Please check back soon.
When will I be notified of the AOSFYC's decision?
Please check back soon.

Application checklist

Before beginning the online application, be sure that you have:
  • A valid email address that you check regularly
  • Your parent/guardian's email address and phone number
  • Your high school's mailing address
  • You school choir director's email address and phone number
  • Approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the online application

You can download the full 2020 application checklist below:
2021 Application Checklist.pdf
File Size: 131 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Applications are available only online.

Accurate and active e-mail addresses for you, your parent/guardian and your choir director are essential.

Choir members are expected to be at the Fair from July 22-August 8 to fully participate.  We understand that emergencies arise.  We are flexible on the needs of members who may take no more than 24 hours away.  These arrangements and challenges should be mentioned during the application process and upon acceptance.

​Limited financial assistance is available.  Information is available after acceptance notifications are made.

There is a college scholarship available to current 12th graders planning to attend Ohio State.

application timeline

All materials are due no later than March 31:
  • Application for Membership (completed by the applicant)
  • Director Recommendation Form (completed by high school choral director or other music educator) is due within 2 weeks of your application
  • The parent/guardian consent is due within 1 week of your application

In 2021, we will be observing rolling acceptances:
  • Please check back soon.