DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Approximately 250 Texas high school students will head to the University of North Texas to prepare for the Texas High School All-State Choir auditions. The students, grades 9-12, will attend the All-State Choir Camp hosted by UNT's College of Music. The camp runs July 15 (Wednesday) to July 18 (Saturday) on the UNT campus.

The camp will conclude with the "Texas High School All-State Choir Camp Concert," featuring the music learned while at the camp. Admittance is free.

The concert will be held 3:30 p.m. July 18 (Saturday) in Winspear Performance Hall inside UNT's Murchison Performing Arts Center, located along the north side of Interstate 35 E at North Texas Boulevard. The 2009 guest conductor will be Dr. Anton Armstrong, choral music professor at St. Olaf College, Minn. 

Each year, thousands of students prepare for auditions in similar camps across Texas. Chosen by audition, approximately 400 high school students will be selected statewide to participate in one of three All-State Choir Choirs – men, women and mixed – said Alan McClung, who serves as camp facilitator for UNT's camp.  

"The Texas High School All-State Choir is recognized throughout the country for its excellence and is considered by many to be the best high school all-state choir in the country," said McClung, associate professor and conductor of UNT's Concert Choir. "Making this choir is a significant musical accomplishment and a very prestigious honor." 

 During the four days at the camp, the students will learn the all-state competition music through 10-hour workshops. Additionally, the camp will provide students with the opportunity to experience university life, including staying in the residence halls, meeting current UNT music students and using university services.

"They find coming to a university campus exciting," said McClung. He added that attending the camp "allows students the opportunity to experience a bit of university life."

The camp will also hold a talent show and a dance, and the campers will be able to visit UNT's Pohl Recreation Center, where they can use various facilities like the indoor climbing wall and the weight and fitness room.

McClung also said that students, who have a really strong interest in choir, will, in some instances, choose to attend multiple camps throughout the state.

Auditions for the Texas All-State Choirs will be held in the fall in various regions through the Texas Music Educators Association. UNT's camp is independent and unaffiliated with the Texas Music Educators Association. 

What: About 250 high school students will attend the All-State Choir Camp hosted by the University of North Texas College of Music.

When/Where: Camp – July 15 (Wednesday) to July 18 (Saturday) on the UNT campus.

Final concert: 3:30 p.m. July 18 (Saturday) in the Winspear Performance Hall inside UNT's Murchison Performing Arts Center, located along the north side of Interstate 35 E at North Texas Boulevard.

Cost: Concert is free.