The power of democracy is in the voice of its people, and every voice matters.
You are invited to share the voices of your choir students in a celebration of unity, hope, and harmony! Using a signature music program that includes two new major choral works, Sing Democracy 250 is a year-long nationwide program that commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Schools across the country have an opportunity to participate in this meaningful celebration, inspiring hope and harmony for our nation.
Participants will prepare a music program that includes two new commissions: “Redeem the Dream”, by Dr. Brandon A. Boyd, and “US”, by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm, as well as chosen arrangements of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Sing Democracy 250 “All America Program” invites choirs to participate in this historic event by organizing their own Sing Democracy 250 performance to take place between March 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Eligible choirs will receive free scores and parts for both new choral compositions.
Program Timeline
January 15 – July 15, 2025: Our Participation Application will be available on our application portal.
July 15, 2025: Application window closes at 11:59 PM CST.
Accepted participants will receive access to free scores of the two new commissioned Sing Democracy 250 works. Participants will be announced to the public following their acceptance to the program.
March 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026: Performances of Sing Democracy 250 held across America.
Program Details
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tax-exempt entities (schools, universities, churches, etc.), or applicants using a U.S.-based fiscal sponsor that is designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Organizations must be located within the United States, US Territories, and Native Nations that share this geography.
Performance Requirements
Each Sing Democracy 250 performance must include the following four pieces:
- Redeem the Dream
- US
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Lift Every Voice and Sing
Performances must be scheduled between March 1 – December 31, 2026.
Instrumentation Options
The following instrumentation options are offered:
Click to View Full Instrumentation Details
“Redeem the Dream”
- Piano and Rhythm Section
- Chamber Orchestration
- Full Orchestration
“US”
- Trio Orchestration
- Chamber Orchestration
Reporting Requirements
Participants must submit the following:
- Pre-Performance Report (due 60 days before your performance)
- Post-Performance Report (due 30 days after your performance)
Use the resources below to learn more about this project.
Let your voice be heard!
Please fill out the form below to apply to participate, and ensure your voice is included in this historic celebration!
Your email address will be required to complete an application.
By applying, you agree to receive email communication related to Sing Democracy 250.
Additionally, your address and phone number may be required to create an account with “Submittable” in order to complete this application. This requirement is for the purpose of verifying users are real people and not bots. The NFHS does not have access to that information, and it will not be used for future contact.
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Limited Communication: You consent to receive information specifically related to Sing Democracy 250 and the free use of specific music provided for the Sing Democracy 250 signature concert series.
Privacy Assurance: Your personal information will not be shared with parties outside of the Sing Democracy 250 event coordinators and the NFHS.
Email Use Limitation: Your email address will be used exclusively for communications regarding Sing Democracy 250, which may include notifications about future related programs.