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.  More recently, members of the AOSFYC performed during the 2019 and 2023 inaugural festivities for Governor Mike DeWine and at all Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting events since 2017.
 
Five days before the opening of the Ohio State Fair, the 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 several 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 2024 AOSFYC?
Members of the 2024 Choir will be engaged from Thursday, July 18-Sunday, August 4.  Rehearsal week takes place July 18-23, and the 2024 Ohio State Fair runs ​July 24-August 4.  Only singers available the entire 18 days should apply.
Where do we live during the Ohio State Fair?
​The 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.

Sleeping arrangements are in barrack-style dormitories.  
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. Fees for 2024:
  • New Members​ will be no more than $225 (this includes 3 uniform shirts & 2 uniform shorts; for all members that do not already have the gray shirt/black shorts uniform).
  • Returning Members $75 (no uniform included; must still have a fitting uniform in good condition from the previous year.)
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 State of Ohio and the Ohio Expositions Commission.  By comparison, similar residential music camps can cost participants upwards of $1,000+!  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 application 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 valid e-mail address.

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 2024 application checklist below:
2024 Application Checklist.pdf
File Size: 136 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 2024 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 [email protected].  Check your junk/spam folder often!​

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?
Applications must be complete (student application) by March 31.  Music educator references and parent/guardian consent forms must be complete before April 10​.....DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15!
When will I be notified of the AOSFYC's decision?
Applicants will be notified of their application status and/or acceptance on or before ​April 20.  Some notification may be earlier for applicants with complete applications early in the process.

Application checklist

Before beginning the online application, be sure that you have readily available all of the information listed on the Application Checklist below:
2024 Application Checklist.pdf
File Size: 136 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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 18- August 4, 2024 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.

application timeline

Applications are due no later than March 31:
EXTENDED TO MAY 15!
  • 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

Applicants will be notified of the AOSFYC's acceptance decision on or before April 20.  Applicants with applications completed significantly earlier may be notified at an earlier date.
Financial assistance for summer 2024 participation is available.  Information is provided after acceptance notifications are made.

​​There is one college scholarship available to current 12th graders planning to attend Ohio State University in fall 2024.