From the conductor

“In 2013, I attended the Montana International Choral Festival as a singer with the Lawrence Children’s Choir. That experience changed my understanding of how music connects people across cultures and inspired the opportunity now before Sonus Chamber Choir.

In 2027, we are proud to represent Kansas and the United States, sharing our music and learning from artists from around the world. Your support makes that possible. Thank you for believing in our musicians and the work ahead.”

— Kolby Van Camp, Founder and Artistic Director

About

Sunflowers Under the Big Sky is a $75,000 campaign supporting Sonus Chamber Choir’s 2027 concert season and Montana International Choral Festival tour. Our singers and board members have pledged approximately $20,000, leaving $55,000 to raise through community support. Your gift supports three essential areas:

Travel and Festival Participation: $30,000
- Covers transportation, lodging, and essential trip logistics. By traveling in rented passenger vans and sharing vacation rentals, Sonus Chamber Choir projects savings of approximately $10,000, based on August 2026 quotes. Shared lodging also provides space for rehearsals and coordination.
Artist Support and Operations: $20,000
- Supports artist meals, travel insurance, scores, administration, marketing, and ensemble apparel. This allocation also includes a $5,000 contingency reserve to address unexpected costs during the trip.
Artistic Excellence: $25,000
- Supports artist recruitment, compensation, and development as Sonus Chamber Choir expands to 26 singers for the 2027 season and Montana tour. Investing in professional artists strengthens the ensemble’s sound and supports the preparation behind every performance.

FAQs

Where is the 14th Montana International Choral Festival taking place?

1

The festival is taking place in Missoula, MT. Further preliminary schedule details can be found on https://choralfestival.org

When is the festival and subsequent tour taking place?

2

The tour to and from Montana will take place from Monday, July 26 - Sunday, August 1, 2027

Will Sonus Chamber Choir be stopping anywhere outside of Montana?

3

Yes! The ensemble is actively planning to perform in Laramie, WY on the evening of July 26, 2027. The exact details are yet to be announced, but information will be forthcoming on this page as pieces fall into place. The ensemble is not planning to perform on the drive back from Montana to Kansas at this time.

How many people are going on the trip?

4

Sonus Chamber Choir is looking to expand from approximately 19 singers to 26 singers between the end of the 2026-27 concert season and the start of the 2027 concert season. With this in mind, including conductor Kolby Van Camp and a photographer/videographer to document the trip for ensemble archives and social media material, Sonus Chamber Choir anticipates 28 individuals to be traveling to Montana and back to Kansas.

What does the $75,000 campaign support?

5

Sonus Chamber Choir has a highly detailed plan on how to achieve its funding goals for the 2027 concert season. All contributions made specifically for this event are tax-deductible to the extent Kansas and federal law permits. If you would like to financially support Sonus Chamber Choir, or sponsor a fundraising event for the 2027 concert season, please reach out to us here!

If you have interest in helping Sonus Chamber Choir fundraise on a volunteer basis, please contact us!

To give to the 2027 Concert Season and MICF Tour, you may do so through our GiveButter campaign here!

What happens to funds that are raised and go beyond the total goal of $75,000?

6

The campaign funds Sonus Chamber Choir’s 2027 concert season and Montana tour, including travel, lodging, artist support, and essential operations. Our singers and board members have pledged approximately $20,000 toward that goal. We believe in leading by example and invite our communities to help raise the remaining $55,000.

How can I help the ensemble participate in Montana?

8

All gifts that exceed the final goal of $75,000 will be held and applied to any extra costs that may arise beyond the projected $75,000. From there, any remaining funds will be redistributed into the four Sonus Chamber Choir organizational funds at the discretion of the board of directors to support future concert seasons, recordings, composition commissions, and more.

Can I go to Montana to see Sonus Chamber Choir perform?

7

Yes! MICF and the City of Missoula anticipate upward of 10,000 tourists and music-lovers to participate in the festival every year it is held. As a major cultural experience, MICF actively encourages patrons from across the country to attend as they are able, as the festival is open to the general public. If you would like to travel to Missoula to see us perform, we would love to see you there!