The Algona High School and Middle School vocal jazz programs traveled to the Emmetsburg Extravaganza on Saturday, March 7, where both ensembles earned first-place finishes in their respective classes. 

The morning kicked off with Midnight Jive, the Algona Middle School Jazz Choir, performing for a panel of three judges. They earned 1st Place in the Middle School Division. Pictured right are soloists Adelia Broesder (left) and Sophia West-Struecker (right). Comprised of select 7th and 8th graders, Midnight Jive is an auditioned group dedicated to exploring the fundamentals of vocal jazz. 

Pictured above right are members of Midnight Jive (from left) Natalie Bierstedt, Wyatt Meschke, Adelia Broesder and Felix Fosado. 

The Algona High School Jazz Choir, Scarlet Midnight, received First Place in Class 3A and was recognized with the Caption Award for Best Combo, highlighting the strength of the group’s rhythm section.

Additionally, Scarlet Midnight was named Grand Champion, earning the highest overall score of any jazz choir performing at the event, regardless of school size. Pictured right are seniors (from left) CJ Awe, Mada Steburg and Elijah Garrett with the Grand Champion trophy.

Pictured left are combo members Kinzie Throne (aux percussion) and Jackson Olmsted (bass).

Pictured right (from left) are vocalists Elijah Garret, Hannah Dose, Owen Orban and Josephine Gibbs. 

Beyond the competition, both groups participated in a post-performance clinic. During these sessions, students worked directly with jazz educators to review their performance and receive technical feedback on vocal jazz style and improvisation.

The Emmetsburg Extravaganza is an annual event that brings together jazz ensembles from across the region for a day of competitive performance and musical education.

You can hear both Midnight Jive and Scarlet Midnight perform on Thursday, March 12 for the All School Jazz Concert at the Wilcox Performing Arts Center at 7:00 PM.  The concert will also include performances by the Algona Middle & High School Jazz Bands.