We, the students, parents, educators, and community members, urge the Oregon School Activities Association to reconsider the proposed changes to the State Choir Championships.

The state championship experience represents far more than a competition. It is a culmination of dedication, discipline, and artistic growth for students across Oregon. The current structure provides meaningful recognition, motivates excellence, and creates opportunities for students and programs to be seen and valued.

The proposed reduction in the number of performing choirs would significantly limit access to an already highly selective event. Many programs that meet rigorous qualification standards already do not have the opportunity to perform, and further reducing available spots would exclude deserving students who have demonstrated excellence.

In addition, the proposed shift from a ranked system to a ratings-based system raises serious concerns. While ratings such as “Excellent,” “Outstanding,” and “Superior” may appear to broaden recognition, there has been no clear information provided about how these ratings would be determined, how many groups could receive each designation, or whether standards would remain consistent. Without this transparency, these ratings risk losing their meaning and diminishing the prestige that students and programs work hard to achieve.

We are also concerned that these two changes contradict one another. A ratings-based system is presented as a way to increase inclusivity, yet reducing the number of participating choirs makes the event less accessible. Expanding recognition while limiting participation sends mixed messages and undermines the stated goal of inclusivity.

Beyond the event itself, these changes have broader implications for the future of music education. State-level recognition plays an important role in how programs are valued by schools and communities. When visibility and measurable achievement are reduced, music programs may become more vulnerable to budget cuts. This concern is not hypothetical. The Gresham-Barlow School District has already eliminated multiple music positions, reducing access to choir programs for younger students.

We are further concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding these proposals. Many students, families, and educators were not made aware of these potential changes until shortly before a decision is expected. Changes that affect so many students across the state should involve open communication and meaningful opportunities for input.

We believe the current OSAA State Choir Championship system already promotes excellence, accessibility, and meaningful achievement. It should be preserved.

We respectfully ask OSAA to maintain the current number of participating choirs, preserve the ranked championship structure, and prioritize transparency by allowing for broader community input before making any final decisions.

These championships are more than an event. They are a defining experience for students across Oregon, and they deserve to be protected.

Link to the proposal: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11L0psH_xLEMbFVmzdfn2pgXOkAGOOfedLcX_Rk_-4-E/edit?usp=sharing