About the Program
North High School is proud to offer five curricular choral ensembles, including Bass Chorale, Treble Chorale, Concert Choir, Varsity Choir, and Chamber Choir. In addition, NHS has two extra-curricular ensembles; the NHS Men’s Ensemble and Jazzafrass, the NHS Jazz Choir.
The Iowa High School Music Association sanctions our high school choir competitions and events. Through involvement in choir, students learn valuable life skills including teamwork, concentration and focus, and confidence.
Ensembles
Jazzafrass is the NHS vocal jazz ensemble. Jazzafrass has competed at USD’s Coyote Jazz Festival, Spirit Lake’s Shake The Lakes Invitational, and IWCC Jazz Festival. The group is comprised of singers in grades 9-12.
Chamber Choir is an elite, auditioned choral ensemble. As the flagship ensemble of North High School, these singers act as ambassadors for the other four choral ensembles and nearly 250 student musicians of the NHS Choral Department. Members of this ensemble represent almost every activity at North High School, some of which include band, orchestra, drama, student council, jazz choir, football, track, basketball, GSA, and many more. In 2019, the North High Chamber Choir was one of three choral ensembles from across the entire state of Iowa invited to take part in the choral clinic as part of the Iowa Choral Showcase.
Events
The North High choir department puts on an annual Madrigal dinner—which has been in existence for nearly 40 years—and a Cabaret show. The department also collaborates with the North High drama club for the annual musical and participates in state-level events with the IHSMA. These events include the All-State festival, solo and small ensemble festival, large group festival, and ICDA events including High School Honor Choir and the Iowa Choral Showcase.
Meet the Directors
Cam Mears, Director
Send Cam a Message
Boe Hodnefield-Howard, Assistant Director
Send Boe a Message
