Johnston choir selected for Iowa Choral Showcase
Johnston High School Cantus at the Iowa Capitol. Photo credit: Pat Ward.
JOHNSTON, IA. (Feb. 4, 2022) — A Johnston High School choir has been selected to participate in the prestigious Iowa Choral Showcase this spring.
Cantus is the top choir of five at JHS and is 53 members strong — 34 seniors and 19 juniors. The choir was one of only eight high school curricular choirs statewide chosen to participate in the Iowa Choral Showcase, which will be held April 6 at Luther College in Decorah.
“These students have worked hard and it will be fun to celebrate them!” said Hannah Ryan, a JHS vocal music director and the conductor of Cantus.
The showcase will be held at a college that is a well-known music school and is ranked as one of the best schools in the nation for music majors. To qualify, JHS Cantus sent in three recordings that were reviewed by a committee of judges who selected the ensembles.
“As a clinic choir, we will travel to Luther College on April 6th and have the honor of a 50-minute masterclass with Dr. Andrew Last of Luther College,” Ryan said. “Cantus will be performing in the clinic. We will also receive complimentary tickets to the showcase concert that evening, where we will be recognized.”
Johnston will be among three schools participating in the clinic portion of the showcase, along with choirs from Linn-Mar and Waukee. Another five choirs will take part in the performance portion of the showcase. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.
”I’m really excited to have received this honor and am looking forward to the experience at Luther College,” said Mia Mattingly, a member of Cantus.
Johnston High School Cantus (in casual clothes)