2025 Hymns of Thanksgiving Community Choir

Our Dear Nampa West Stake Family,

We would like to make you aware of the opportunity to sing in a community choir, which is now being organized to present Idaho’s annual Hymns of Thanksgiving on November 23, 2025.

Hymns of Thanksgiving History

Hymns of Thanksgiving began in 2003 to focus on the historical meaning of Thanksgiving, including country, gratitude, blessings, prayer and praise to God. Celebrations in Music, Inc., an Idaho non-profit corporation was created to ensure this event could continue for many years.

Each performance brings together more than 200 orchestra and vocal musicians, soloists, and directors, who all donate their time and talents without compensation. Since 2005, Marcellus Brown, of the BSU Music Department, has been the director of the Hymns of Thanksgiving Orchestra. This year accomplished vocal directors Rich Lapp and Annette Mackey will direct the choir. The program includes both choral and orchestral music, as well as instrumental and vocal soloists.

Music selected for the program is primarily focused on themes related to Thanksgiving, such as blessings, gratitude, patriotism, prayer, family, service to others, and reverence for God. The narration for Hymns of Thanksgiving is provided by Idaho’s Governor or Lt. Governor each year. Since 2004, the program has been broadcast on Thanksgiving Day by IPTV throughout Idaho and KTVB throughout its viewing area in Treasure Valley.

Application Process

Applications to sing in the choir will be accepted between September 1-30. The performance will be at the Idaho Central Arena in downtown Boise on the Sunday night before Thanksgiving Day. Click the CHOIR tab on the Hymns of Thanksgiving website https://hymnsofthanks.com/choir/ to review the rehearsal schedule. At the bottom of that page is a link to submit your application if you would like to be considered for membership in the choir this year. Rehearsals begin at the Borah High School Auditorium on October 6.

The musical program is listed under the PROGRAM tab and information about the directors can be found under the

tab.