2027 Youth Festival

March 5-7, 2027

Open to: Church youth choirs and singers, grades 6-12
Location: First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island

This year’s Youth Festival includes:

  • Mass rehearsals led by participating directors

  • Worship and spiritual formation moments

  • Saturday free time with your group

  • Music uniquely curated to engage young singers

  • The opportunity to lead in worship with FPCHHI

Festival Schedule

Our weekend is designed with flexibility for churches and singers. Some adjustments may occur during the festival.

Friday Night — March 5, 2027

  • 9:00 PM — Welcome and Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

  • 10:15 PM — Dismiss

Saturday — March 6, 2027

  • 9:00 AM — Morning Rehearsal (with breaks)

  • 12:00pm — Lunch on-site (per person cost will be shared with participants)

    Directors chat during lunch to formulate afternoon schedule

  • 12:45 PM — Afternoon Rehearsal

    Recognition and Blessing of SENIORS

  • 3:30 PM — Wrap Up and Dismiss

    If the music is ready, we get out EARLY!

Sunday — March 7, 2027

  • 9:00 AM — Morning Rehearsal

    “Gather & Praise” T-Shirt for Worship (cost TBA)

  • 10:00 AM — Move to choir room for final instructions

  • 10:30 AM — Worship Service with FPCHHI

Festival Repertoire

Each singer will need their own copy of the music and a black folder for worship.  Please do your best to learn the music ahead of time; it will be much more enjoyable for the singers, allowing us to move music beyond just notes and rhythms. 

2027 SELECTIONS

“O God Beyond All Praising” (Forrest)

“Come to Jesus (Rest in Him)” (Galbraith)

“I Sing Because I’m Happy” (Dilworth)

“Sisi ni moja (We Are One)” (Naverud)

“Cantate Domino” (Pitoni)

“A New Jerusalem” (Pederson)

Festival Sending Tradition:
“You Shall Go Out in Joy” (Barrett)

2026 SELECTIONS

“Make a Joyful Noise” - Taylor Davis

“He Never Failed My Yet” - Robert Ray

“Lord, I Believe” - Larry Shackley

“Look at the World” - John Rutter

“You Shall Go Out in Joy” - Michael Barrett
(our “sending” tradition begins!)

2025 SELECTIONS

“My God Is an Awesome God” (Keith Hampton)

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (w/Asifiwe Bwana)” (Dan Goeller)

“Pacem” (Lee Dengler)

“More Love” (Mark Miller)

“You Shall Go Out in Joy” (Michael Barrett)

FAQs

Is there a cost to attend?
No. The Youth Festival is free for churches. Participant costs for lunch on Saturday as well as the Gather & Praise T-shirt will be shared with directors.

Who can participate?
Youth singers in grades 6–12. We’ll let chaperones sing too!

Is lodging provided?
For our 2027 Festival, we are partnering with Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island for accommodations. Churches are not required to stay at the resort, but all are encouraged to do so. A reservation link and group code will be sent via email to registrants.

Do choirs need to prepare music in advance?
Learning the music ahead of time will lead to a better festival, however, we will work hard once together fill in the gaps!