Sing with the Symphony

Adult and Children’s Choruses

2026-27 Season

Registration is required to audition. No walk-ins.

Applications are due September 1, 2026.

Following the magical 2025 debut of our Adult and Children’s Choruses, the Panama City Symphony is thrilled to expand the program, featuring vocal ensembles in two major performances this season. First, experience the majestic holiday spirit with A Grand Symphony Christmas (formerly Holiday by the Bay), a sweeping festive celebration featuring the combined power of both choruses under the baton of award-winning guest conductor Nathaniel Efthimiou. The choral musical forces for this breathtaking holiday event will be prepared by Adult Chorus Director Christina Burroughs, Children’s Chorus Director Kenny Kirkland, and Bay Area Choral Society Director Dana Langford, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and holiday spirit.

Then, in April, the Adult Chorus returns for a historic, transcendent season finale to perform Beethoven’s crowning masterpiece, Symphony No. 9 (the “Choral Symphony”). Performed in its original German at the spacious Helen Blackburn Auditorium to accommodate the sheer scale of the composition, this monumental performance will be guided by Adult Chorus Director Christina Burroughs and Emerald Coast Community Singers Director Dr. Kristin Wendland. Auditions for the April performance will be held separately and announced at a later date.

Join the Chorus: Application & Auditions

Are you ready to share your voice and perform alongside a full professional orchestra? The Panama City Symphony is actively seeking passionate vocalists to join our legacy.

Adults of all voice types and students in grades 4-6 are invited to audition.

Auditions are for the December performance of A Grand Symphony Christmas only. The Adult Chorus for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in April will audition at a later date.

Applications are due September 1, 2026. Full audition requirements and details are included in the application form.

Registration is required to audition. No walk-ins.
Apply now to audition

AUDITIONS AND REHEARSALS LOCATION

First United Methodist Church, 903 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
Please use the 4th Street entrance.

Audition Dates:

September 8, 2026, 6-9 pm

September 10, 2026, 6-9 pm

Rehearsal Dates:

October 15, 2026, 6-7:30pm

October 22, 2026, 6-7:30pm

November 5, 2026, 6-7:30pm

November 12, 2026, 6-7:30pm

November 19, 2026, 6-7:30pm

December 3, 2026, 6-8:30pm

DRESS REHEARSAL AND CONCERT LOCATION:

Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center

1200 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401

Dress rehearsal:

December 5, 3-4:45pm

Concert:

December 5, 7pm

Christina Burroughs, Director, Panama City Symphony Adult Chorus

Christina Burroughs, Director of the Panama City Symphony Adult Chorus, is a versatile lyric soprano who has performed opera, oratorio, new music, and musical theatre across the U.S. for more than two decades. Some of her favorite roles include Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Despina in Così fan tutte, Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera, Miranda in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Soprano Soloist for Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Rutter Requiem, and Mozart’s Requiem. She holds a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Christina currently teaches music at North Bay Haven Charter Academy. Christina will also direct the chorus in the Season Finale of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in April 2027.

Kenny Kirkland, Director, Panama City Symphony Children’s Chorus

For over 35 years, Kenny Kirkland, Director of the Panama City Symphony Children’s Chorus, has shaped generations of young musicians in Bay District Schools. A former District Teacher of the Year, he has served as Guest Conductor for the Bay District Music Festival and Past President of the Bay County Elementary Music Council. Under his direction, the Patronis Elementary Chorus earned numerous national first-place awards, cementing his legacy of transforming student lives through music.

Dana Langford

Dana Langford, Choral Director Bay Area Choral Society

Dana Moore Langford is the Choral Director for the Bay Area Choral Society (BACS), a position she has held since 2016. A graduate of Auburn University with both a BS and a Master’s in Music Education, she previously gained experience conducting choirs and show choirs in the LaGrange, Georgia Public School System. Under her direction, BACS has achieved significant recognition, including being invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Dana is thrilled to collaborate with the Panama City Symphony.

Dr. Kristin Wendland, Director, Emerald Coast Community Singers

Dr. Kristin Wendland, Director, Emerald Coast Singers, is a Teaching Professor Emerita from Emory University and a Fulbright scholar with a Ph.D. in Composition. Dr. Wendland is a renowned music theorist and author who brings a wealth of international research and professional artistry to this choral collaboration.

Sing with the Symphony