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The Concert Choir meets Vice-President Gore
following their performance at The State Department |
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The Concert Choir meets Vice-President Gore
following their performance at The State Department |
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Known as River City, from alumnus Meredith Willson's The Music Man, Mason City is a small rural city that treasures their musical heritage. The MCHS Concert Choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Chicago's Orchestra Hall, and sang for Vice President Gore with the Prime Minister of Japan at the U.S. State Department. The ensemble was selected to represent North America for the 56th Annual Habaneras Festival in Spain. In 2013 the documentary film Invisible Threads, covering a year in the life of the MCHS Vocal Music Department, premiered on public television. MCHS choirs have earned 40 First Place Awards at international competitions, and appeared for numerous ACDA conventions. MCHS is honored to have been named both a "Grammy Signature School," and the first "State of Iowa Exemplary Music Program." |
 The Concert Choir with master composer Morten Lauridsen |
  MCHS in concert at The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center |
The Concert Choir was featured in Dr. James Jordan's textbook The School Choral Program as an exemplar of high school choirs. The ensemble perfomed with Academy Award winning Broadway legends Marvin Hamlisch, Shirley Jones, and has appeared on CBS national television. The Governor proclaimed the MCHS Concert Choir "Musical Ambassadors of Iowa." Many MCHS choir alumni have become professional musicians and educators, with several performing on Broadway and in Hollywood films. |
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Founded in 1927, the MCHS Vocal Music Department currently represents approximately one third of the student body in twelve choirs. Concert Choir, Varsity Choir, and two sections of Mixed Chorus perform in three formal concerts and a variety of contest and community settings. Eight other auditioned ensembles are organized as specialty groups: The Varsity Chamber Choir, Varsity Madrigal Choir, Concert Chamber Choir, Concert Madrigal Choir, Treble Clef Choir and Bass Clef Choir perform historical music literature in a variety of concerts and competitions. The Varsity Show Choir and Chorale perform popular music with choreography. The MCHS Follies, considered one of America's longest running high school variety shows, annually features performances by these show choirs. |
 The Concert Choir performing at Carnegie Hall |
MCHS Vocal Music: A Tradition of Excellence
2019
Carnegie Hall Performance
Choirs of America Nationals
2018
Gold Medalists: World Strides Festival - Chicago
2017
Carnegie Hall Performance
Choirs of America Nationals
2016
American Choral Directors Association
North Central Division Convention Performance
2015
Carnegie Hall Performance
Choirs of America Nationals
2014
“Grand Champion” Heritage Festival – Chicago
2014
Meistersinger Choral Festival, Wartburg College:
Featured Guest Choir
2013
"Invisible Threads"
(Documentary
about MCHS Vocal Music)
Broadcast on Public Television
2013
Carnegie Hall
Gold Medalists: New York International Choral Festival
2013
ACDA State Convention Performance
2012
Perfect Score/Grand Champion Heritage Festival – Chicago
2012
Dorian Vocal Festival:
Featured Guest Choir
2011
Lincoln Center
Gold Medalists: New York Choral Festival
2011
ACDA State Convention Performance
2010
56th Annual International Habaneras Festival, Spain
(selected as representatives for North America)
2010
Chamber Choir “First Place” Heritage Festival – Chicago
2009
National Invitational Choral Festival of Gold - New York:
Solo Performance
2008
“Grand Champion” Heritage Festival – Chicago
2008
Recordings of MCHS Concert Choir published in textbook
"The School Choral Program" (GIA Publications)
2007
National Invitational Choral Festival of Gold - New York:
Solo Performance
2006
“Grand Champion” Heritage Festival - Chicago
2005
103rd Annual Saint Olaf Choral Festival:
Featured Guest Choir
2005
Lincoln Center
Gold Medalists: New York Choral Festival
2005
"Grammy Signature School"
National Award Winner
2004
Perfect Score/Grand Champion Heritage Festival – Chicago
2003
Lincoln Center
Gold Medalists: New York Choral Festival
2002
“Outstanding Choral Ensemble” Heritage Festival - Chicago
2002
ACDA Regional Convention Performance
2001
Lincoln Center
Gold Medalists: New York Choral Festival
2000
Five “First Place” Ratings Heritage Festival - Chicago
2000
Luther College Choral Festival:
Featured Guest Choir
1999
The Kennedy Center
National Invitational Choral Festival of Gold: Solo Performance
1999
Performed for Vice President Gore and Prime Minister of Japan
U.S. State Department, Washington D.C.
1999
ACDA State Convention Performance
1998
“Grand Champion” Festival of Choirs USA
1997
95th Annual Saint Olaf Choral Festival:
Featured Guest Choir
1997
ACDA State Convention Performance
1997
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
National Invitational Choral Festival of Gold: Solo Performance
1996
Three “First Place” Awards - Gateway Music Festival
1995
Carnegie Hall – New York
1994
Gustavus Adolphus College Choral Festival:
Featured Guest Choir
1993
Gold Medalists All-American Music Festival - Chicago
1956 - Present
"Superior" Rating at Iowa High School Music Association State Contest