The Milwaukee Irish Fest Choirs are a community of singers who study and perform Irish and Celtic folk songs, poetry, and composers of Celtic culture throughout the world. Founded in 1988 by Pat Moschea and Ed Ward to promote Irish music and culture, the Irish Fest Choirs consist of children, teens and young adults performing traditional Irish music. It is currently conducted by Alli Johnson.

Over the years, the Youth Choir has been delighting audiences at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, and has toured throughout Ireland, including with the Omagh Community Youth Choir. Each year at Milwaukee Irish Fest, both choirs perform throughout the weekend and have been guest performers with bands such as We Banjo 3 and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Singers throughout the southeastern Wisconsin area are invited to join one of two ensembles based on both age and skill level. The Children's Choir (ages 6 - 12) and the Young Adult Choir (ages 13 - 18). All singers undergo a placement hearing with the director to determine voice parts. Rehearsals consist of a twice a week commitment from May through August on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The Milwaukee Irish Fest Choirs will restart in spring of 2023. Sign up for the Irish Fest School of Music mailing list and select "Choirs" as your interest to be the first to learn about auditions and rehearsals for the choir!

Milwaukee Irish Fest Choir Auditions

Choir auditions will take place Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 5 to 7pm and Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10am to 1pm at the CelticMKE Center. At the audition you will:

1. Sing simple vocal warm-ups
2. Sing Happy Birthday with no accompaniment
3. Demonstrate listening skills (sing back simple pitches)

If you have a piece you’d like to prepare and share, you are welcome to do so, but please keep your song at about a minute.

Sign Up for Choir Auditions

2023 Choir Information

• Cost: $35 per month per student or $120 paid in full in advance
• 2 rehearsals per week (Wednesday and Thursday evenings) from May to August
• July concert at CelticMKE Center
• Performances at Milwaukee Irish Fest
• Financial aid packages available through the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music