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Algona Community School District

 
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- - - November 2, 2026 - - -

 
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Another Banner Year for the Algona Music Department at All-State Auditions

 

Algona High School music students achieved historic success at the Iowa All-State Music Festival auditions in Le Mars on Saturday, October 24, setting a new school record and leading all Class 3A schools in student selections for the third consecutive year. Algona placed seventh overall among 102 participating high schools statewide regardless of school size classification, capping months of intensive preparation that began in June.

A school-record 30 band students—representing the maximum allowable quota per school and 40 percent of the total high school band—auditioned following rigorous preparation supported by the Operation Next Level program. The district extends special gratitude to guest clinicians and mock audition evaluators Kathy Jo Yoakam, Jill Orban, Dr. Jeremy Johnston, Jeff Kirkpatrick, and Jane Triplett for their guidance.

In the instrumental division, eight Algona students earned spots in the All-State Band and Orchestra, while three were selected as alternates:

  • Accepted Instrumentalists: David Kissinger (Senior, Horn, Band – 4-time selection), Paul Kissinger (Junior, Tuba, Orchestra – 3-time selection), Owen Orban (Senior, Oboe, Orchestra – 3-time selection), Catherine Hart (Senior, Clarinet, Band – 2-time selection band/1 time selection choir), Ethan Orban (Sophomore, Horn, Band – 2-time selection), Evelyn Kissinger (Freshman, Percussion, Band), Connor Reagan (Senior, Euphonium, Band), and Brody Sudol (Junior, Horn, Band).
  • Instrumental Alternates: Elise Duff (Freshman, Trombone), Hadley Friedrich (Freshman, Flute), and Zachary Reemtsma (Freshman, Trumpet).

Algona’s vocal department also earned major honors following dedicated ensemble and soloist preparation from 13 auditioning vocalists:

  • Accepted Vocalists: Kennedi Blair (Senior, Soprano 1 – 4-time selection) and Cade Brindley (Freshman, Bass 2).
  • Vocal Alternate: Karlee Kahler (Alto 1 – 1st Alternate).
 
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Notably, senior Kennedi Blair and David Kissinger (pictured top) achieved the rare distinction of qualifying for All-State all four years of their high school career.

The music department extends high praise to all students who dedicated countless hours to preparing for auditions and pursuing personal growth throughout the process. Additional students who auditioned for All-State honors include:

Brayden Adams, Korbin Awe, Cassidy Bierstedt, Emily Boever, Carson Bruellman, Hannah Dose, Elie Eden, Gaby Flete, Natalie Fuerstenau, Sophia Fuerstenau, Finn Garrett, Lizzie Gatton, Josephine Gibbs, Alejandro González Gutierrez, Petra Ibarra, Lillian Kelley, Micah Kelley, Elizabeth Kinsman, Karsyn Myhre, Natalie Orban, Lane Penner, Grethel Rivas Torres, Ryan Ruehle, Michael Schumacker, Hope Severson, Mollie Thilges, Kinsey Throne, Kendalynn VanGinkel, and Evy Zimmerman.

All accepted musicians will travel to Iowa State University in Ames from November 19–21, 2026, joining top student musicians from across the state for rehearsals before performing in the annual Iowa All-State Concert at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday evening, November 21.

 
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