Home / Awards & Degrees / Talent, Chorus, & National Anthem

TALENT, CHORUS, & NATIONAL ANTHEM

Idaho FFA members can audition to share their creativity and performance skills in the State FFA Talent Show, State FFA Choir, and as a National Anthem Performer. At the national level, members may apply for the National FFA Band, Chorus, or Talent, performing live during the National FFA Convention & Expo.

National FFA Resources
Idaho FFA Resources

    • Membership: Performer(s) must be current Idaho FFA members in good standing.

    • Appropriateness: Content must be school-appropriate and align with FFA standards.

    • Time & Format: Performances must follow the published time limit and format guidelines in the State Leadership Convention materials (solo or small group as allowed).

    • Attire: Follow published attire guidance for on-stage performances.

    • Safety: Performances may not include open flames, weapons/replicas, live animals, or hazardous materials. Props must be safe and quickly set/struck.

    • National Programs: National FFA Band/Chorus/Talent have separate, national requirements (instrument/voice proficiency, audition recordings, etc.).

    • State:

      • Talent - Finalists receive a plaque and recognition; top high winner(s) receive an additional plaque.

      • Choir - singing in an ensemble

      • National Anthem - performances in a group or solo, vocal or instrumental

    • National – Band, Chorus, & Talent:

      • National FFA Band (instrumental)

      • National FFA Chorus (vocal)

      • National FFA Talent (varied performing arts)Choir (singing in an ensemble), National Anthem (performances in a group or solo, vocal or instrumental)

    • March 7 – Applications/auditionsdue. Refer to the resources folder (linked above) or review information sent to advisors through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv.

    • Mid-March – Finalists notified prior to the State Leadership Convention; performance schedule provided by state staff.

    • During State Leadership Convention – On-stage performances occur during the State Leadership Convention.

    • Mid-July - Applications/auditions due for National Band, Chorus, and Talent. Refer to the National FFA website for exact details and deadlines.

    • Chapter Level: Encourage chapters to feature performers at local banquets and events.

    • State Level:

      • State Talent finalists perform on stage at the State Leadership Convention; finalists and winners are recognized during sessions.

      • Choir members perform on stage and on campus.

      • National Anthem performers perform on stage at the start of a general session.

    • National Level: Selected applicants perform with the National FFA Band/Chorus or as National Talent at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

    • State Talent:

      • Submit the state talent application by set deadlines.

      • Members must bring their own equipment and materials besides a microphone (if needed).

      • Applications open early February and close in late March. Check the Idaho FFA Resources folder (linked at top of page) for applications and exact dates.

      • Continually check your email for selection results.

    • State Choir and National Anthem:

      • Submit the state talent application (and media) by set deadlines.

      • Continually check your email for selection results.

    • National Band/Chorus/Talent:

      • Submit directly to National FFA following current audition and documentation instructions (typically mid-July deadline).

      • Meet any proficiency requirements (instrument/voice), audition recording standards, and forms.

    • Inclusive & appropriate: FFA is a welcoming space. Choose school-appropriate material suitable for all audiences.

    • Use “radio edits” when available: Even without explicit language, themes can be inappropriate for FFA stages.

    • Not suitable for performance: Songs that reference excessive drinking, drug use, domestic violence, sexually explicit topics, or violence toward others will not be approved.

    • Avoid overt religious/political undertones.

    • Lyric modifications: These are allowed for specific songs to meet standards. For example, in Wagon Wheel: change “had a nice long toke” to “had a nice long talk,” or a similar clean alternative.

    • Review & approval: All songs presented on stage are reviewed and must be approved by Idaho FFA to ensure alignment with goals, purpose, and standards.

    • Sound Check: Arrive early for assigned sound-check windows; late arrivals may forfeit checks. Depending on convention schedule and availability of stage staff, sound checks may not be available some years.

    • Safety: No open flames, weapons/replicas, live animals, or hazardous materials. Props must be safe and quickly set/struck.

    • Content: Keep language and themes school-appropriate and representative of FFA values.

  • Can I participate in both talent and choir?

    Yes, unless notified otherwise by state staff.

    What do I do if I don't understand how to fill out the application?

    Contact Idaho FFA to be connected with the superintendent of the Talent, Choir, and National Anthem program.