On Monday, February 9, 2026, Concordia University, St. Paul hosted the 2nd annual CSP Twin Cities Honor Choir, bringing outstanding young singers together for an entire day of music making. The event, started in 2025 by Dr. Paul von Kampen (Director of Choral Activities), is open to all high school students grades 9–12, offering them a chance to experience and interact with choral music at the collegiate level.
Students were selected via in-person or online auditions, with more than 100 students vying for a spot in the ensemble. Ultimately, 70 students were selected, representing 13 high schools from three different states. Throughout the day students were engaged in three full rehearsals with Dr. von Kampen and the CSP Chamber Choir as they prepared four pieces of music. The event concluded with a performance for family and friends featuring both the Honor Choir and the University Christus Chorus, CSP’s flagship touring choral ensemble.
“The Honor Choir day is exciting for many reasons,” says Dr. von Kampen, “and accomplishes so much for both the high school choir, the college choirs, and the CSP community.”
“The high school students selected are rewarded for their hard work within their own high school choral programs. To be surrounded by peers who share your passion for choral music is an inspiring thing. The time spent next to college singers also proves that they can continue to sing at the next level, which we hope they will consider doing here at Concordia.”
Von Kampen notes that the majority of these students come from local LCMS and Christian high schools, so highlighting the university’s church work program is a key component of the event. Last month, CSP announced the expansion of their $0 Church Work Tuition Guarantee to all church work majors beginning this Fall. Von Kampen adds, “We make a point throughout the day to put our faith front and center. We believe singing is a gift from God, and to be able to join together with so many young people who share that belief leaves a lasting impression.”
A two-year participant of the honor choir agrees, saying: “(They) are truly eye-opening experiences that unlock such great connection between believers. I can’t help but get excited about eternal worship in paradise because of both honor choirs I have gotten to participate in. If we were able to produce such music on earth, imagine how heavenly everything will sound when we join all the saints to worship our Savior for eternity.”
Next year’s honor choir will be held on Monday, February 22, 2027. Questions about the honor choir or music at CSP can be directed to Dr. Paul von Kampen ([email protected]).
Honor Choir Repertoire Performed:
God Is Our Refuge And Strength – Allen Pote
Saulīt’ Vēlu Vakarāi (Latvian Folk Song) – Jānis Porietis
Meet Me There – David von Kampen
Hope For Resolution – Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory, sung with the University Christus Chorus
Participating High Schools:
Algona High School, Algona, IA (Todd Herbst-Ulmer)
Avail Academy, Minneapolis, MN (Summer Janssen, Director) Concordia Academy, Roseville, MN (Rebecca Fritz, Director) Hope Lutheran High School, Winona, MN (Thomas Johnson, Director) Martin Luther High School, Northrop, MN (Phil Schult, Director) Mayer Lutheran High School, Mayer, MN (Leah Fringer, Director) New Ulm High School, New Ulm, WI, (Daniel Olson, Director) United Christian Academy, Bloomington, MN (Marissa Prip, Director) Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, WI (Lisa Uttech, Director) Wittenberg Academy, (Janet Muth, Director)