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YAC: Young Aspiring Chanters

Dallas Conference 2026

Dates
October 23–25, 2026
Host parish
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
City
Dallas, Texas

His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 25.

Overview

What is YAC

The Young Aspiring Chanters Conference is a weekend gathering for Orthodox Christians who love Byzantine chant, or want to. It is open to those ages 18–35.

Each YAC Conference brings participants together with respected Protopsaltes for instruction, fellowship, and worship. The weekend culminates in Orthros and Divine Liturgy, chanted by participants alongside master chanters.

YAC is not just a conference. It is a community.

Faculty

Who you'll learn from

  • Samuel Herron

    Protopsaltis

    St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church — Charlotte, NC

  • Joshua Boyd

    Protopsaltis

    St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church — Jacksonville, FL

  • Peter Elgohary

    Protopsaltis

    Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral — Houston, TX

Schedule

The weekend hour by hour

Saturday is a full day of instruction in the psaltic art, covering mode structure, notation, ison, and hymn practice, with Orthros and Vespers chanted alongside master chanters.

Friday, 10/23

  1. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Registration
  2. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Paraklesis
  3. 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Dinner and Presentation

Saturday, 10/24

  1. 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
    Orthros Preparation
  2. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    Orthros
  3. 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    Breakfast
  4. 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
    Classes and Rehearsal
  5. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
    Lunch
  6. 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
    Classes and Rehearsal
  7. 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
    Break
  8. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Vespers
  9. 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Glendi: Dinner and Dancing

Sunday, 10/25

  1. 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
    Orthros Preparation
  2. 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
    Orthros
  3. 9:15 AM – 11:30 AM
    Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
  4. 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
    Closing Comments / Coffee Hour
  5. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Departures
  • Liturgy & Vespers
  • Worship
  • Classes & sessions
  • Meals & fellowship
  • Arrivals & departures

Times are close to final and may shift by a few minutes before the weekend.

Participants

Know before you go

Everything to have on hand before you arrive in Dallas.

Check-in

  • Registration opens Friday at 5:00 PM in the Church Hall.
  • Holy Trinity GOC, 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240.
  • A Program Booklet with all weekend materials is handed out at check-in.

Meals provided

  • Friday: Dinner (a fasting meal, in observance of the Friday fast)
  • Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Sunday: Coffee Hour
  • Dietary restrictions noted at registration are on file. Any additional needs: info@thechantstand.org.

Dress code

  • Friday & Sunday: Church attire
  • Saturday: Smart casual
  • Comfortable shoes and a light layer recommended.

What to bring

  • Program booklet (provided at check-in)
  • If you have one: an iPad or digital device for services and instruction

Glendi tickets

Saturday night

The Glendi

Dinner and dancing to close Saturday, open to young adults whether or not they are at the conference.

Coming for the weekend

$25

Half the $50 ticket, added when you register

The discount is for registrants, so add the Glendi when you register rather than buying a ticket separately. Already registered? Add it here.

Glendi only

$50

Per person, no conference registration

Not chanting all weekend but want to be there Saturday night? This is the door. Buy one seat or a table of them.

Dinner and dancing at Holy Trinity, Saturday, October 24, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM, right after Vespers. It is open to Orthodox young adults across the community, so bring friends who are not coming to the conference itself.

Registration

What it costs

One fee covers the whole weekend.

Early registration

$100

Through September 22

Standard registration

On sale now

$200

After September 22

Registration includes all instruction, meals, materials, and programming.

Scholarships are available for those in need. Write to us at info@thechantstand.org and we will take care of you. Nobody should stay home over the cost.

Saturday's Glendi is not included. Add it when you register for $25, half the $50 ticket price. The discount is only available at registration.

Not registering, but want to come to the Glendi? Tickets are sold separately and open to other young adults. Get Glendi tickets →

Register now

Travel & Logistics

If you are traveling in from outside of Dallas and have housing needs due to financial circumstances, reach out to info@thechantstand.org.

If planning to fly in from out-of-state, fly into either Dallas Love Field (DAL) or DFW.

Parking is available on-site at Holy Trinity GOC. All activities take place at the church. Carpools and rideshares are encouraged: email us to connect with fellow participants.

Recommended hotels, near the church

AC Hotel Dallas by the Galleria ↗

5460 James Temple Dr, Dallas, TX 75240

Residence Inn Dallas at the Galleria

If you have not booked yet, please reserve your room soon.

'26
Past conferenceYAC Boca 2026See how it started→
Questions

Frequently asked

What is Byzantine chant?

Byzantine chant is the ancient musical tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church: a system of sacred melodies rooted in the worship of the Eastern Roman Empire and passed down, unbroken, for over a thousand years. It is sung without instruments, in the language of the liturgy, and shaped by the theological and spiritual life of the Church.

Do I need experience to attend a YAC Conference?

Not at all. YAC Conferences welcome everyone from complete beginners to experienced chanters. Our instructors meet you where you are.

Is YAC only for Greek Orthodox Christians?

No. YAC is open to all Orthodox Christians. Because each conference is hosted by a local parish, individual gatherings may have specific guidelines set by the host parish and its clergy.

How do I learn Byzantine chant if I can't attend a conference?

We're building out a resources section here. Check back soon. In the meantime, reach out to us at info@thechantstand.org and we'll point you in the right direction.

How can my parish get involved?

We'd love to connect. Reach out at info@thechantstand.org and a member of our team will be in touch.

Questions about YAC Dallas 2026?

Reach out and our team will get back to you.