VOCE is a prestigious competition for vocalists, strings, winds/brass, and chamber music at the Regional and State levels. In 1971, cellist Gretchen Kuehny Geber and pianist Eleonor Dalton of MTAC’s San Fernando West Valley Branch created VOCE as a means of providing solo and chamber ensemble opportunities for students. The group was named for Vocalists, Orchestral Instrumentalists, and Chamber Ensembles.

The first State VOCE Recital was held July 7, 1972 at the MTAC Convention in North Hollywood. Since then, the program has grown from five winning categories to ten. In 1998, 244 students performed, resulting in 46 competing finalists. In 2004, that number grew to 100 finalists.

Regional Competitions

Students first perform at Regional Competitions against students in their respective regions. Students in both solo and ensemble categories will compete according to their age divisions and before a panel of instrument specialists. Students who earn high enough scores in the Regional Competitions will advance to the final round of competition. 

The competition is open to both soloists and ensembles with students between the ages of  5 – 20.

Teachers may also enroll their students in the non-competitive track, allowing participants to perform for judges’ comments without the pressure of competing.

State Finals

Those advancing from Regional Competitions to State Finals will perform their two selected pieces before a panel of instrument specialists. Students with the highest scores in each age division will be invited to the Winners’ Recital during the State Convention.

Registration fees are non-refundable.

Winners Recital

First place winners of State Finals perform at the State Convention in order to receive their cash awards and plaques.

To ensure the perpetuation of the program, the Gretchen Geber Memorial VOCE Fund was created in the fall of 1997. To donate to the Gretchen Geber Memorial VOCE Fund, click here to donate online, or mail a check to:

MTAC Foundation – VOCE Fund

2121 N. California Blvd, Suite 1030
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

For more information or questions, please contact us.