The competition has been in existence since 1975. The event has been under the direction of Dr. Camille Taylor and his staff.

Awards Summary

The Competition is divided into 4 divisions; Elementary School [Thursday], Middle School [Thursday], High School [Friday] and College / University [Saturday] over three days. Each division offers its participants 16 possible cash awards and trophies. [Review the Categories chart below for the awards and cash offerings] International School Gospel Choir Olympics School Competitions present a trophy for each category for each division. Checks are made out to the choir for all the categories won. There is an honorable mention trophy for participants that have won no awards. Each choir receives a complimentary choir photo. Pictures are taken directly after your performance in an area outside of the auditorium.

"We are happy and proud to cordially invite you to attend and participate in our new and exciting “2008 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GOSPEL COIR OLYMPICS”. After 30 years of organizing and presenting wholesome, inspiring and rewarding National School Gospel Choir Competitions in New York City, we have changed the name, the focus and the format of our competitions. The changes were and more functional because of the tremendous increase in the international growth and popularity of school gospel choirs, the numerous changes in the performance and presentation of gospel music and thee need for an evaluation procedure that can identify and reward the superior qualities of each choir. In our new Olympic style and format each of the 16 cash awards categories are separate and independent. The winners will receive only the cash awards and trophies for the categories that they win. There will not be an adding of all the scores from the winning categories to identify 1st, 2nd and 3rd most outstanding choir. All cash award categories are separate and independent. The emphasis in our 2008 competitions will be placed on the quality of the singing; voice blending, diction, intonation, dynamics, harmonies, balance, rhythm with accompaniment. The larger cash award will be for the most outstanding a Gospel Selection with Accompaniment followed by the most outstanding a cappella selection. The amount of the other cash award categories vary. All choirs can compete in each by simply listing on the Total Performance Sheet the name of the selection and the name of the competitor to be highlighted and evaluated. Only one person from each choir can compete in each performing category except those categories that require the participation of the whole choir. It would be wise to rehearse assiduously your gospel selection with accompaniment; you’re a cappella selection and your gospel selection with choreography because they will yield the greatest cash awards."

Registration

Registration begins in October and the deadline is January 15th.

The application form is available online. The registration requirements are consistent and include: a $40.00 registration fee, a floor plan and a 300 word statement about your choir. The application must be received by January 15th. The Choir minimum member requirement has historically been at least 25 members. There is no documented special consideration for  large choirs. There are no known audition criteria. Each participating choir must perform using any or all genres of gospel music.

Stage Information

Each participating choir has a total of 15 minutes to perform. 20 minutes if there is processional recessional. Generally College/ University choirs have more flexible timing due to the shear size of their groups. This is, however, an unofficial courtesy. There is an unofficial 4 to 5 minute set up time for each participant in each division, if needed. You can use your own equipment. You can sing to tracks, your own musicians or any combination of the two. 

Admission

Each participating choir is allowed a chaperone for every ten choir members at the elementary, middle school and high school divisions.

Admission prices vary by division, Elementary/ Middle School $15; High School $25.00; College $35.00. The higher tickets prices are for the college/ university division. Group discounts are available.

Miscellaneous

This Competition takes place in New York City so there is usually an abundance of eateries in the area. There will be dressing room accommodations. There are hotel accommodations. Video taping the event is discouraged. Tapes are available for sale. You can take pictures but you are asked to be sensitive to the performers regarding flash cameras.

In addition to cash awards, scholarships there are performing opportunities in the New York Metropolitan area during the same weekend.

Videos

Each participating choir receives a free DVD of their division competition and professional group photos.

Patrons can purchase present and past videos of the competitions [$35.00] from International School Gospel Choir Olympics.

Awards Detail - Categories

This Competition is for school choirs only. They must use gospel music. The awards are announced at the end of each respective division. Dr. Taylor personally announces the winners. There can be ties. When there is a tie the cash awards are split in half.