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Participate in Lucia Choir

Celebrate Saint Lucia

The ASI Lucia Choir is a seasonal youth choir that celebrates the tradition of Saint Lucia Day. Each year, choir members bring light to the darkest time of the year through performances during ASI’s Lucia Celebration concerts.  

Lucia Celebration concerts feature music, light, and the traditional Lucia procession, creating a meaningful way for families to experience this cherished Jul tradition. Through these performances, choir membersfoster community, encourage reflection, and share the joy of seasonal music.

The Lucia Choir welcomes ASI member youth in kindergarten through grade 12. Participants do not need Swedish language experience to join. ASI organizes singers into two choirs based on grade level. Choir 1 includes students in kindergarten through grade 5, and Choir 2 includes students in grades 6 through 12.  

To be eligible to participate in ASI’s Lucia Choir, participants and/or their families must meet these requirements:

– Active ASI Household Membership

– $50 registration fee per child

– One volunteer shift per family. Families will receive a link to sign up for volunteer roles online when they receive their Lucia Choir Guide for Families on Friday, October 9, 2026.

– Students currently enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12.

– Signed Attendance Agreement Form. ASI’s Youth & Family Program Manager will email this form to families after registration.

Each year, ASI selects three youth leaders for the Lucia Choir: one Lucia and two Attendants and/or Head Star Kids. These participants lead the choir in procession, model leadership during rehearsals and performances, and help create a welcoming experience for all choir members.

ASI gives preference to applicants who have participated in ASI programs, the Lucia Choir, or other Swedish American cultural programs.

Eligibility:  
Applicants must:

– Be a junior or senior in high school

– Be a current member of the ASI Lucia Choir.

– Demonstrate an interest in Sweden, Swedish American cultures, and the Lucia tradition.

– Show strong involvement with ASI.

– Attend all Lucia Choir rehearsals, performances, and the Lucia Choir Kickoff Gathering.

– Feel comfortable participating in an interview with the ASI marketing team for social media content.

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit a one-page, single-spaced typed essay with section headings for each response. Please use each prompt as a section heading.

– How does the story of Lucia reflect in your life?

– What does the ASI Lucia Choir mean to you?

– What does Lucia Day mean to you?

Applicants should not include their name, address, phone number, grade level, or parent or guardian contact information in the essay. Instead, they should include this information in the body of their email.

Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 
Applicants should email their essay to Lindsey Tscherne, Youth & Family Programs Manager at [email protected].

Participation Commitment

The Lucia Choir is a seasonal performance ensemble that requires a commitment from both participants and their families. Choir members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, and families support the program by volunteering during the Lucia season. Before registering, families should review the rehearsal and performance schedule to ensure they can participate throughout the season.

Important dates

Monday, September 14
ASI opens Lucia Choir registration for 2025 Lucia Choir families. This includes siblings of singers who participated in the 2025 Lucia Choir.

Monday, September 28
If space remains, ASI opens registration to families enrolled in the Fall 2026 term of Svenska Skolan and to families who participated in the ASI Lucia Choir between 2011 and 2024 but did not participate during the 2025 season.

ASI provides eligible family lists to registration staff. ASI activates this registration phase only if families from the 2025 season do not fill all 75 spots. In 2025, three seniors graduated, which created three open spots. Not all families may return.

Thursday, October 1
If space remains, ASI opens registration to the general public.

Friday, October 9
ASI closes Lucia Choir registration.

After registration closes, ASI will email participating families with a link to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Volunteer shifts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, October 26
Lucia Court applications are due.

Monday, November 2
ASI will notify Lucia Court of the selection results.

Thursday, November 5
Optional Lucia Choir Kickoff Gathering
6:30 – 7:30 pm

– Choir 1 and Choir 2 rehearsal: 5–7:30 pm

– Fika: 7–7:30 pm, downstairs in FIKA Café’s dining area

 

Sunday, November 8

– Lucia gown check-out

– Choir 1 rehearsal: 1–1:45 pm

– Choir 2 rehearsal: 2–3 pm

Note: ASI will be hosting the opening weekend of the 2026 Holiday Experience. Families should allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Sunday, November 15

– Lucia gown check-out

– Choir 1 rehearsal: 1–1:45 pm

– Choir 2 rehearsal: 2–3 pm

Note: ASI will be hosting its annual Lutfisk Dinner. Families should plan ahead for parking. Families may learn more and register for Lutfisk on the ASI website.

Sunday, November 22

– Rehearsal with Lilla Lag

– Choir 1 rehearsal: 1–1:45 pm

– Choir 2 rehearsal: 2–3 pm

Sunday, November 29

– Choir 1 rehearsal: 1–1:45 pm

– Choir 2 rehearsal: 2–3 pm

Sunday, December 6

Dress Rehearsal
Meet in the Grand Hall of the Turnblad Mansion

– Choir 1 and Choir 2 rehearsal: 4:30–6 pm

Note: ASI will be hosting the Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival. Families should plan extra time for parking. Families may learn more and register on the ASI website.

Tuesday, December 8

Lucia Celebration Dress Rehearsal
Meet in Larson Hall.

Note: The Turnblad Mansion will not be open for Lucia families.

Saturday, December 12

Lucia Celebration Concerts
Meet in Paulson Hall in Lucia attire by 12 pm.

– Concert 1: 1 pm

– Concert 2: 3 pm

Wednesday, December 13

Luciadagen Concert for Families

– Concert: 6:30–7:30 pm

– Families may enjoy lussekatter and pepparkakor after the concert.

Three young women in white robes and red sashes stand in front of a Lucia choir. The central figure wears a candle-lit crown, participating in a traditional ceremony. A decorated Christmas tree adds to the festive backdrop.
A group of children and teens stand on risers wearing white robes, embodying the spirit of a Lucia choir. They hold stars and look forward, participating in a captivating performance. Some carry star-shaped props against a plain backdrop adorned with subtle decorations.
A group of children poses for a photo in a festive setting, embodying the spirit of a Lucia choir. They are dressed in white robes, some with red sashes and star-shaped hats. A few children in the front wear reindeer and elf costumes. Large stars hang from the ceiling above them.
Children in festive attire stand together, forming a Lucia choir. A girl in the center wears a candle crown and white robe, while others don Santa or star hats, holding candles. They are in a dimly lit room, evoking a warm, holiday atmosphere.