Sing Democracy 250: A Nationwide Choral Initiative Marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

In July 2026 the United States will host a series of choral concerts under the banner of Sing Democracy 250, a program designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The initiative, organized by the Minneapolis‑based nonprofit Together In Hope Project, will bring together youth and adult choirs from every state for a series of signature performances in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, New York City and Washington, D.C. The project was conceived by founders Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson, who launched the nonprofit in 2017 to use music‑anchored projects to address social needs and promote healing. Sing Democracy 250 expands that mission to a national scale, using choral music to encourage unity and civic engagement.

At the heart of the program is a 50‑singer anchor choir based in Minneapolis, directed by G. Phillip Shoultz. The Together In Hope Choir has rehearsed for more than a year, holding quarterly retreats to refine the musical material and discuss the themes that will be expressed in the performances. Shoultz says the choir’s preparation began three to four months before the first concert.

Each of the four signature concerts will feature the anchor choir alongside a local youth or community choir. Shoultz has visited each participating ensemble before the residency period that precedes the performances, ensuring that all groups are ready to perform together.

The musical program is built around two new choral works commissioned specifically for Sing Democracy 250. The first, “Redeem the Dream,” was composed by University of Missouri professor Brandon A. Boyd and is based on the writings of Langston Hughes. The second, “US,” was written by Long Island composer Michael Bussewitz‑Quarm and draws on Richard Haas’s book The Bill of Obligations. The two pieces are designed to be performed consecutively, creating a narrative arc that reflects on America’s history and its ongoing promise.

In addition to the commissioned works, the concerts will bookend the program with a cappella arrangements of the national anthems. Shoultz arranged the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for the choir, ensuring that the performances begin and end with familiar patriotic music.

The project also incorporates a selection of 33 quotations from thinkers across the ideological spectrum. These quotes are intended to prompt reflection on the actions required to fulfill democracy’s promise.

Shoultz, who began singing at age three in Columbus, Georgia, explains that the program’s goal is to bring people together across lines of division and to inspire a new generation of citizens who understand their responsibilities. He emphasizes that music can bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of community.

The program’s schedule aligns with the July 4, 2026 celebration of the Declaration of Independence. The concerts are part of a broader national movement that aims to create a “symphony of unity and hope” across the country.

While the project’s financial details are not public, Together In Hope’s 2023‑24 tax filings show revenue of $220,200, indicating the nonprofit’s capacity to support a large‑scale national event.

As the concerts approach, the project’s organizers continue to recruit additional choirs and secure venues. The Washington, D.C., performance will take place at DAR Constitution Hall, a venue that offers accessibility features such as wheelchair seating and assistive listening.

Sing Democracy 250 represents a concerted effort to use choral music as a vehicle for civic engagement and social cohesion. By combining new compositions, patriotic anthems, and a nationwide network of choirs, the program seeks to remind Americans of the democratic ideals that underpin the nation and to encourage active participation in the democratic process.

The next steps for the project include finalizing rehearsal schedules, completing the arrangements for the national anthems, and confirming the participation of the 33 state choirs. The program’s leadership plans to release additional details in the coming weeks as the July 4, 2026 concerts draw nearer.