This two-day event, located at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Des Moines, IA, brings together singers from throughout the state for an exciting time of learning and fun. An internationally known choral composer serves as the in-residence clinician and conductor for the event.

The composer's own music is the focus of the festival. Our guest composer works with students throughout each day of the festival, and at the end of the day, the singers deliver a public concert. The featured clinician for our 2026 Meet the Composer Festival is Andy Beck. The concerts will include the world premiere of a newly composed work by Mr. Beck which was commissioned by Heartland Youth Choir for this year’s Festival.

Individual singers can register for the Festival Choir at the link below. The Festival Choir is open to singers grades 4-8 with treble (unchanged) voices. Singers will rehearse in the afternoon, and participate in a mass choir performance of 2 pieces on the concert.

For the 2026 Festival, Friday’s concert will feature high school choirs. Saturday’s concert will feature treble choir singers in grades 4 - 8 including singers from three Heartland Youth Choir ensembles, amongst other visiting choirs, and individual singers participating in the Festival Choir.

Heartland Youth Choir, founded by Barbara Sletto in 2003, provides a performance-based program for youth that emphasizes musical literacy and character development. Heartland Youth Choir provides a unique opportunity for children of diverse backgrounds with a particular aptitude in vocal music to explore that interest beyond their school setting. Quality literature from all styles and periods form the foundation for this exploration.

Meet the Composer 2026 (Individual Registrations)