Statesmen will perform with FDSH choir members

Fort Dodge choir students will get a chance to be in a college chorus for one night.

The Iowa State University Statesmen, under the direction of James Rodde, will present a concert with the FDSH Fortis Chorum, a bass clef choir.

The concert will be held at the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. today.

There will be no cost for admission, because of a donation of the Dwight & Marilyn Conover Foundation.

"It is such a unique and exciting opportunity for our students to experience this performance and to perform and collaborate with Statesmen to inspire their interest in continuing to sing after high school," said Fort Dodge Senior High Choir Director Matt Dress.

The Fortis Chorum will open the concert and all of the combined tenor/bass singers at FDSH will perform in collaboration with the Statesmen to finish the show.

The nationally renowned ensemble will be highlighted by 2023 Fort Dodge graduate Brayden Schmieder.

"I'm so excited to sing for my hometown again," Schmieder said. "This group is about 70 guys all from different majors around campus."

The Statesmen ensemble is a distinguished low-voice vocal group known for its musicality and captivating performances.

"Having a Fort Dodge alum from the choir program to return and perform in our community is so exciting," Drees said. "Brayden was deeply invested in choir and musicals at FDSH, and for him to continue singing in college, and to perform in Fort Dodge with his college ensemble is incredibly exciting."

Their ensemble showcases a diverse repertoire spanning various musical genres.

"We have performed mainly in Ames, but had a few concerts in other places, like Des Moines and La Porte City," Schmieder said. "It has been so much fun being a part of this choir and being under the direction of Dr Rodde.

"I can't wait for everyone to hear what Statesmen has been working on this past year."