I used to teach singing lessons to individuals of all ages, and there is something truly special about watching people discover their voices for the very first time.

Not just learning how to sing, but learning how it feels to be part of something bigger than themselves.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA'S ANNUAL CHILDREN'S SINGING FESTIVAL

That’s exactly what happens every year when hundreds of elementary-aged students come together for KidSing, Central Minnesota’s annual children’s singing festival.

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Now in its 17th year, KidSing has quietly become one of those feel-good traditions that families remember long after the final note fades. The one-day festival is a collaboration between the St. John’s Boys’ Choir and its sister choir, YCCM Cantabile, and it brings together more than 200 students from across the region for a full day of music, movement, and connection.

WHO CAN ATTEND KIDSING?

KidSing is open to any 3rd, 4th, or 5th-grade student — boys and girls alike — regardless of whether they have formal choir experience. That’s part of the magic. Some kids arrive already confident singers, while others show up a little nervous, unsure if they belong. By the end of the day, those nerves usually melt away, replaced by smiles, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment.

ONE FULL DAY OF MUSIC, FUN, AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS

This year’s KidSing Festival takes place on Saturday, January 24th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of St. Benedict. From the moment students walk in, they’re immersed in a day built around joy and encouragement. They rehearse together, learn new songs, and experience what it’s like to be part of a large ensemble, which is something many kids don’t get the chance to do at this young age.

THE BENEFITS OF KIDSING

For parents, it’s often surprising how much growth can happen in just one day. Singing in a group helps kids build confidence, listening skills, and teamwork, all while having fun. Something is empowering about standing shoulder to shoulder with peers, finding the same rhythm, and realizing your voice matters.

COME TO THE KIDSING CONCERT

The day wraps up with a KidSing Concert, open to family, friends, and the community, held at Escher Auditorium on the College of St. Benedict campus. This final performance is where everything comes together. It’s not about perfection, though...it’s about pride. Watching kids light up on stage as they sing songs they learned just hours earlier is a reminder of how powerful music can be.

PAY-AS-YOU-WISH PROGRAM

The concert is offered on a pay-as-you-wish basis, making it accessible to everyone. A suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with cash, check, and credit card donations accepted at the door. It’s a simple way for the community to support arts education while celebrating the hard work these kids put in during the day.

KidSing isn’t just a choir event. It’s a day where kids discover confidence, friendships, and the joy of using their voices together.

To register your kids for KidSing, please share this story and tell them to click HERE to get registered.

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