Vocal Jazz

Maquoketa Valley High School has two Vocal Jazz groups- Smooth Harmony and Jazz X-Press. Vocal Jazz is an extracurricular performance group that is open through audition to 9-12 grade students enrolled in High School Choir. In Vocal Jazz, students practice singing in jazz style, which is characterized by swing and blues notes, improvisation, and scat singing.

 Auditions will take place in the fall at the beginning of the Vocal Jazz Season, which begins in October and will last through March. Over the course of the season, students in Vocal Jazz will rehearse outside of school hours. The groups typically have their first performances at the beginning of February.

Smooth Harmony, the premier vocal jazz ensemble at Maquoketa Valley High School, was founded in 1998 by Elizabeth Ann Mueller. Since 2004, the group has focused exclusively on a cappella performance. Over the years, Smooth Harmony has developed a rich performance tradition, participating in numerous home concerts and vocal jazz competitions and festivals across the state, including regular appearances at the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships. Many members of Smooth Harmony have also had the honor of representing Maquoketa Valley in the prestigious Iowa All-State Jazz Choir.

Jazz X-Press, the preparatory vocal jazz ensemble at Maquoketa Valley High School, was founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Ann Mueller. Designed to introduce and develop young vocalists to the art of vocal jazz performance, the group combines vocal jazz harmony and style with a rhythm section. Emphasizing strong vocal jazz technique and ensemble cohesion, Jazz X-Press serves as an essential stepping stone for students aspiring to join the school’s premier ensemble, Smooth Harmony. The group performs in a variety of settings, including home concerts and regional vocal jazz festivals. 

2025 Vocal Jazz Dates

Monday, December 8th: HS Winter Concert, 7:00 pm, Delhi

Saturday, January 31st: IHSMA Jazz Festival, Location TBD

Friday, February 13th: MoShow Jazz Festival, Washington High School (Smooth Harmony only)

Friday, February 20th: Kirkwood Jazz Festival, Kirkwood College (Smooth Harmony only)

Monday, February 23rd: Coe Jazz Summit, Coe College

Friday, March 6th: MV's Got Talent, 7:00 pm, Delhi

Thursday, March 12th: Night of Jazz, 7:00 pm, Delhi

Tuesday, March 31st: Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships, TBD (Smooth Harmony only, upon acceptance only)