Honor Choir Information

All State Audition Information

As a member of a GHS Choir, you can grow as a musician by auditioning for the Iowa All State Choir. The All-State Music Festival occurs in late November. For the audition, you will travel to an audition location and either audition alone or with other student(s). The cuts aren't announced until the day of auditions, but the music is provided beforehand with practice excerpts which may or may not be used for actual auditions.

1. • You can find materials, and more information (like starting pitches) of excerpts during lessons with Mr. Ironside.

   • Please note that The All State Honor Choir is vigorous and requires lots of practice, please meet with Mr. Ironside as soon as possible at the beginning of the year to audition later on.

Remember, it’s the process that counts. It’s the process of preparing for auditions that will develop these young musicians.  If they happen to make it, well that’s just icing on the cake. Many incredible musicians don’t. – Alan Greiner, Former IHSMA Executive Director

Opus Audition Information

Auditioning for Opus is optional for GMS 5th-8th Grade students and all freshmen in GHS Choirs. For the audition, you will prepare and then in September record the following three things with your choir director: 

Guaranteed Track: First verse of "America" (My Country 'tis of Thee) 

1. • You can find materials, and more information (like starting pitches) of excerpts during lessons with Mr. Ironside.

WaMaC Honor Choir - Monday November 9th, 2026

Students from all 12 of the WaMaC conference schools send nominated students to perform together for a joint conference choir. Students will be selected by Mr. Ironside and be given music roughly one month in advance. Students are expected to learn the music on their own and in lessons.

Practice Tracks: Coming 2026 School Year

Dorian Choral Festival - 1/11-1/12 @ Luther College

Select 11-12 students from across the country gather at Luther College. Students will get to work with the amazing Luther College choral faculty and will have the opportunity to have a voice lesson with the vocal faculty. This two day event includes a tour of the college, working with college professors, staying overnight in a college dorm, a solo competition, and a final concert in the Center for Faith and Life.

Students will be nominated in late October, with accepted students being notified in late November. Selected students will learn their music during their lessons in December

Meistersinger Honor Choir - 1/25-1/26 @ WartburgCollege

Select 9-12 students work with a famous composer and/or musician at Wartburg College. Students can be selected for either the Treble Choir (working with Dr. Toliver) or the Festival Choir (working with Dr. Nelson). Students will spend the festival rehearsing at Wartburg, getting to know the guest composer, and staying on Wartburg's campus. This year's guest composer is Dan Forrest from UNT.

Students will be nominated in early November, with accepted students being notified in early December. Selected students will learn their music during their lessons in January