the 2023 online application will open in january
We're excited to welcome you to the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir family! As you wait for the application to open, you can read the information below to learn more about the AOSFYC experience.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsPlease 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 inaugural festivities for Governor Mike DeWine and at the 2021 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 2023 AOSFYC?
Members of the 2023 Choir will be engaged from Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, August 6. Rehearsal week takes place July 20-25, and the 2023 Ohio State Fair runs July 26-August 6. 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. Sleeping arrangements are in barrack-style dormitories. The health and safety of the students entrusted to us is our highest priority. While COVID-19 protocols will necessarily be adjusted as the pandemic progresses (and hopefully improves), we will be limiting the size of the Choir in 2022 to allow for distancing within the dorms. Masking is welcome. Updated COVID-19 protocols will be shared upon acceptance and will continuously be reviewed. 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. 2023 Membership Fees are listed below:
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 2022 application checklist below: 
You must have a valid e-mail address to apply. All official correspondence related to your application, including invitations to join the 2022 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. 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, 2023. Music educator references and parent/guardian consent forms must be complete before April 14, 2023. 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, 2023. Some notification may be earlier for applicants with complete applications early in the process. covid-related questions
NOTE: The answers below reflect the current policies as of writing. Many policies are still under development in consultation with the Ohio State Fair. COVID-19-related policies will be under constant review with relevant changes/updates being shared at the time of acceptance and thereafter. Is a vaccine required for participation? While the vaccination is highly recommended by public health officials, COVID-19 vaccination is not required to participate in the Choir. Likewise, vaccines are not required of anyone attending the Ohio State Fair. What is the masking policy for participants? While masking is highly recommended by public health officials, masks are not required to participate in the Choir. Any student wishing to wear a mask at any time (in the dorm, during a performance, etc.) is encouraged to do so. Any guidelines for masks chosen to be worn during performances will be shared upon acceptance. What about social distancing? Social distancing is certainly encouraged at all times during the Fair. The AOSFYC is limiting the number of participants in 2022 to aid in distancing while in the dorms and on the risers during performances. Will proof of vaccination or a negative test be required at registration on July 21? The AOSFYC is currently working with the Ohio State Fair to develop COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of our students while abiding by state guidelines. Testing policies before and during the Fair will be announced upon acceptance. COVID-19-related policies will be under constant review with relevant changes/updates being shared at the time of acceptance and thereafter. Anything else? We continue to closely monitor the status of the pandemic. At the time of acceptance we will release updated protocols and processes to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the students while abiding by State of Ohio and Ohio State Fair policies at that time. We are looking forward to resuming most of our traditional AOSFYC activities this summer with health protocols in place. | ||
Application checklistBefore beginning the online application, be sure that you have readily available all of the information listed on the 2023 Application Checklist below:
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 20 - August 6 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 timelineApplications are due no later than March 31:
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 2023 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 this fall.
There is one college scholarship available to current 12th graders planning to attend Ohio State University this fall.
