Written by Leah Wilsey
The choir has had a wonderful year so far! With events including Honor Choir, All-State Choir, concerts, and Opus Honor Choir, they have achieved so much in so little time. The choir is dedicated to bringing the community together with their lovely voices of song. Good job, Algona Choir!
All-State Choir students have been chosen! Kennedi Blair, with her third year being in All-State, was chosen, as well as Natalee Reemstma, with two years of being in All-State, Elijah Garrett, also a third year All-State student, and Mada Steeburg, with two years of being in All-State. They sang beautifully curated songs with talent. The songs include: “America the Beautiful” with the All-State Orchestra, “Insanae Et Vanae Curae” by the musician, Haiden, “Nunc Dimittis” by an English man named Holst, “I am Glad” by Schriener, a Native American song named “Yotin” by Swewpagaham, “Dance of Zalongo,” which was arranged by Barnett, and finally “Battle Hymn of the Republic - Band,” which was arranged by an American composer named Wilhousky. The All-State Concert was held in Ames on November twenty-second.
The fall Choir Concert was held in the AHS Performing Arts Center on October thirteenth, 2025. The students sang “The National Anthem,” which was arranged by Dodds in 1878, “The Times They are A-Changin’,” arranged by Podd, “I am Glad,” by Schreiner, and finally, “Bring Me Little Water Sylvy,” by Smiley.
The winter Choir Concert was also held in the AHS Performing Arts Center on December eighth, 2025. They sang “This Christmas Time,” which was arranged by Snyder, “Glow,” by Whitacre, and of course, "Carol of the Bells,” arranged by Wilhousky. The All-State Choir inductees sang “Nunc Dimittis” by Holst, whilst the Jazz Choir sang a teaser of the song “If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free,” which was arranged by Fox. The students ended the concert with a Christmas carol singalong, which was accompanied by an Algona High School brass quintet.
In their extra time, choir members have been busy singing the National Anthem many times for sporting events.
The Honor Choir for AHS was decided on November fourth, 2025. Students who were chosen for the Honor Choir are: Mada Steeburg, Korbin Awe, Natalee Reemstma, Elijah Garrett, Olivia Adams, Chevy Awe, Hannah Dose, Finn Garrett, Natalie Orban, and Karlee Kahlar. Great job to all of the choir students chosen for any and all events. You are important to the AHS community!
Coming up next, the choir has a lot! They start off with the Jazz Choir State Contest, which will be held this Saturday, January 31st. After that they have the Shake the Lakes event in Spirit Lake, the Emmettsburg Extravaganza, an All School Jazz Concert, Large Group Contest in May, Small Group and Solo/Ensemble Contest, the music trip to Chicago during spring break, the students work with professional clinicians in April, and finally, the students get to sing for graduation, to which the senior students get to choose which songs are sung!