Known as River City, from alumnus Meredith Willson's The Music Man, Mason City treasures its musical heritage. Now celebrating its 84th concert season, Mason City High School continues to set high standards in an ongoing tradition of excellence in choral music education. The MCHS Concert Choir has performed at Lincoln Center; The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Chicago's Orchestra Hall; New York's Riverside Cathedral; sang for Vice President Gore with the Prime Minister of Japan at the U.S. State Department.

Performance of "Bandari" at
The Kennedy Center

The Concert Choir at Lincoln Center

The Vocal Music Department has earned 22 First Place and 8 Grand Champion finishes at national competitions. In 2005, MCHS was named a "Grammy Signature School." In 2008, the Concert Choir was featured in Dr. James Jordan's textbook "The School Choral Program" as an exemplar of high school choirs. The Concert Choir choir was selected to perform for the ACDA North Central Division Convention in 2002; and twice appeared at the ICDA State Convention. The ensemble perfomed with Academy Award winning Broadway legend Marvin Hamlisch and has appeared on CBS national television. Many MCHS choir alumni have become professional musicians and educators, with several performing on Braodway and in Hollywood films. Mason City is proud to have been honored as the first State of Iowa Exemplary Music Program in 1988.

Demanding rehearsal and performance schedules develop both fine individuals and outstanding ensembles. Founded in 1927, the MCHS Vocal Music Department currently represents approximately one third of the student body. Concert Choir, Varsity Choir, and two sections of Mixed Chorus perform in three formal concerts and a variety of contest and community settings Eight other auditioned ensembles are organized as specialty groups: The Varsity Chamber Choir, Varsity Madrigal Choir, Concert Chamber Choir, Concert Madrigal Choir, Treble Clef Choir and Bass Clef Choir perform historical music literature in a variety of concerts and competitions. The Varsity Show Choir and Chorale perform popular music with choreography. 2008 marked the 60th Anniversary of the Mohawk Follies, which annually features performances by these show choirs. The choir has consistently been recognized with the “Distinguished Academic Achievement Award” from the IHSMA.

The Concert Choir at Riverside Cathedral (New York)
in the National Invitational Choral Festival