Hi all! Just curious to see who else will be in Chicago for Classical Singer this year. Has anyone attended the convention and competition in the past? I’m curious what it will be like, and I’d love some tips. Is it worth staying at the hotel of the convention, or is it alright to stay in a different hotel close by? Thanks 
I attended last year when it was in San Antonio. It was a wonderful time; lots of great masterclasses and opportunities to chat with voice teachers and other singers from around the country. It was a very friendly and exciting environment. I stayed in a hotel about a block or so away from the hotel where the convention was being held and it didn’t make a difference. I hope to see you there!
We did the Chicago one the last time it was there. If it is in the same place, there was not much near it so I was glad we stayed there. Lots of great Master Classes. D was in 10th grade so we got lots of helpful college info!
We did San Antonio last year as well. We stayed at the hotel of the convention-thought it made it a lot easier!
Have fun!
My kid has done it a few years and it is well worth the time and money. The master classes are fabulous and so is the college fair. Lots of scholarships are given out, so if there is a school that you are interested in and they are in attendance, be sure to let them know in advance when you will be singing and most will try to attend. The master classes really are the main reason for attending. My kid learned a lot in them and made some great connections.
I would recommend staying in the convention hotel because if you do end up in the finals (my kid was in the top three), you may not have much time to change into your performance attire for the formal concert for the winners. Also, the kids that keep progressing to the finals have a lot more competing and you may want a room close by to go and relax between competition. The convention usually has decent rates on the hotel.
And, after the entire competition we have always gotten a group together to just hang out and sing after all of the pressure is off. The kids have had a great time doing that on Sunday night. Many have stayed friends for years and look forward to returning every year to the competition to hangout.
Good luck and just enjoy!