Iowa Youth Chorus has entered its 27th year of serving youth in Central Iowa. It was founded in Des Moines in 1981 with a vision to provide children and youth a top-quality choral program offering performances and tours above and beyond what area school programs were able to supply. Iowa Youth Chorus has grown from a two chorus Choir School in one location to its current size of nine choruses in seven locations. In addition to the Choir School, Iowa Youth Chorus produces annual concerts as well as educational and outreach programs for children, educators and the community.
Chorale is the fourth tier choir in our five-tier choir school. Choristers range in age from 10-15 and meet twice weekly for rehearsals. This choir performs challenging repertoire in two, three and four parts and further develops music reading skills and vocal technique. Chorale performs for local concerts and events and tours regionally each year. Chorale has collaborated in recent years with the Des Moines Symphony, North American Choral Company, Young Naperville Singers, Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus, and the Kirkwood (Missouri) Children’s Chorale.
Kristen Statnton, Chorale Conductor received her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Brigham Young University. Previous to her position with Iowa Youth Chorus, she taught elementary and secondary vocal music in public and private schools in Utah, Massachusetts, and Newton, Iowa. Her teaching credits also include seven years as faculty in the music department of the College of Eastern Utah, where she taught preschool and elementary music methods, sight singing and ear training, music appreciation and history, group and private piano, and directed the vocal jazz ensemble. Kristen joined the IYC staff in 2000 as an accompanist and Associate Conductor. In 2005 she was appointed as Artistic/Executive Director and currently conducts the Primary Choir, Children’s Chorus, Girls Chorus, Chorale and Youth Chorale.
Lois Harms, Accompanist is a graduate of the University of Iowa and holds the Master of Music degree from Drake University. She taught instrumental music in the Mt. Vernon and Newton Publich Schools and joined the staff of Iowa Youth Chorus in 1989. Lois has accompanied The Chorus at all International Music Festivals and international tours. Currently, Lois is an adjunct music instructor at Grand View College and serves as the organist for Central Presbyterian Church. A skilled clarinetist and well as keyboard artist, Lois is also a frequent recitalist as a member of the Stadler Wind Ensemble.
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