Students from Fort Dodge Senior High recently auditioned for the 2020 Iowa High School Music Association’s (IHSMA) All-State Music Festival. The students selected for the All-State Chorus represent the top one percent of high school singers in the state. Selection to the All-State Chorus is the highest individual honor available to Iowa high school musicians. Six Dodger vocalists were selected.

All-State Chorus members are:

Reagan Black, senior, third year selected.

Grace Casciato, sophomore, first year selected.

Madison Vinchattle, senior, third year selected.

Aaron Amhof, sophomore, first year selected.

Joey Kelley, senior, fourth year selected.

Josh Meier, senior, first year selected.

“The audition process this year was different, which created a learning curve for each of us,” said Matt Drees, FDSH vocal instructor. “There were so many challenges and obstacles to overcome. Converting file formats, recording videos while in quarantine, and editing videos were all new to the equation this year, but in the end it is still every bit as exciting to celebrate these students’ excellence and achievement in music.”

Due to the public health landscape, the All-State Music Festival, which is normally held the weekend before Thanksgiving, was canceled for this year. The students will receive a certificate and medal recognizing their selection. Kelley will receive special recognition from the IHSMA for being a four-year All-State Chorus member.

“We are so very proud of each of our students that completed the audition process, which included standing in front of a video camera and recording themselves singing,” said Drees. “We are very excited for the six students who were selected to the All-State Chorus.”