The North Polk Jazz Choir had a thrilling end to their competition season. 

To prepare for competitions, the Jazz Choir practiced two to three times a week. They would practice with other teams and split off to have their own private rehearsals. The North Polk High School Jazz Choir has three different groups that students from all grades try out for which include: Fermata Nowhere, Alleman Way, and 6th & Nowhere. This year, there were around 40 kids participating in the Jazz Choir.

When competing, Emmalea Kling, who is in the Fermata Nowhere group shared, “We’re judged on the style and technique of our singing, also our overall performance quality and a bunch of smaller categories.”

The Fermata Nowhere group consisted of 12 people. They competed with three songs, “Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly”, “I’ll Be There,” and “Groovin’ Hard.” 

Kling mentions “At the Solon Jazz Fest, my group received first in class 3A. At Emmetsburg Extravaganza, we placed first in 3A, we were rewarded best a cappella piece, and were the overall Grand Champions of the competition. Alleman Way placed fifth in 3A and 6th & Nowhere placed first in the Prep division.”

Kling has been involved in Jazz Choir for three years and has loved the experience every year, but out of all three she states “This year is probably my favorite. I’m not sure what it is about this season but it just feels different.”

Overall, Jazz choir had a great season this year and Kling wanted to share that “I’m so grateful I decided to go out for jazz choir, I’ve made so many friends and have gotten so many opportunities to explore music. It’s a very unique experience and has overall made me a better musician and person in general.”