The Fort Dodge Choral Society, organized in 1968, is one of the oldest community groups dedicated to the performance of fine choral literature in the state. Soon it will join one of the most recognized brass quintets in the state, Jive for Five!, as it shares some of the most beloved American folk songs at its upcoming concert, “Living in America.”

Conductor Bruce Perry, who recently celebrated his 25th year conducting for the society, said “A body of familiar music is one defining characteristic of any nation. ‘Oh! Susanna,’ ‘Shenandoah’ and ‘Shall We Gather at the River’ are uniquely American. Spirituals are a defining element of our culture. We are excited to share a delightful program of songs that will make the audience smile and bring back memories of our musical heritage.”

As part of its continued mission to promote musical excellence in the Fort Dodge area, the society has previously commissioned and debuted choral works from area composers. The American music appearing in “Living in America” will also incorporate such talent. Featured in the concert will be arrangements by Stephen Paulus, who spent most of his creative life in Minnesota; American icon Aaron Copland; former University of Nebraska composer Z. Randall Stroope; and Des Moines resident Ben Allaway.

Allaway’s “The Songs We Knew” highlights the importance of music’s role in settling the Midwest. The song’s final line, “… time can never change the way we grew nor rewrite the songs we knew,” is a reminder of the collective history of song that shapes all lives.

Fort Dodge Choral Society frequently collaborates with area ensembles and has performed with the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, Comedia Musica Players, The King Ringers handbell choir, and children’s choirs from Fort Dodge’s public and parochial schools. Fort Dodge Choral Society and Jive for Five! have enjoyed numerous collaborations, including Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, John Carter’s The Crown of Peace, and Christmas works ranging from Gabrielli to Ben Allaway. “Jive!” is in great demand throughout the area and the society is eager to work with the quintet once again.

Jive for Five!’s large repertoire includes everything from Bach, the Beatles, Brubeck, Ellington, and Gershwin to Gabrieli, Mozart, Karl King, Sousa, Fats Waller and Broadway Musical Scores. The scope of the quintet’s repertoire is a great testament to the group’s technical and musical skill. Besides teaching and performing in “Jive!” the five are also busy with other organizations such as the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, the nationally renowned Karl King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge, and other top performing groups. The members maintain active private teaching studios and are highly sought-after as private instructors and clinicians. Members Tim Miller (trumpet), Dave Swaroff (trumpet), Kathy Yoakam (horn), Dan Cassady (trombone), and Paul Bloomquist (tuba), will unite with organist Jeanette Hinkeldey to perform this great American music.

Fort Dodge Choral Society invites you to “Living in America” at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 to share in this beautiful music and enjoy its 51st season. Admission to the concert, located at First United Methodist Church, 127 N. 10th St., is by season membership or $10 at the door. All students are admitted free. The society is a nonprofit organization that is supported primarily through membership support. Contributions are deeply appreciated and fund concert expenses, purchase new music and scores, and enable collaboration with other artists. All memberships include free admission to concerts. For further information about joining, future concerts, and other FDCS news, visit FDChoralSociety.org.