Known as River City, from alumnus Meredith Willson's The Music Man, Mason City treasures its musical heritage. Now celebrating its 78th 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 onstage at Lincoln Center in New York, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and sang for Vice President Gore with the Prime Minister of Japan at a State Department formal affair in Washington D.C.

Performance of "Bandari" at
The Kennedy Center

The Concert Choir at Lincoln Center

The Concert Choir choir was selected to perform for the American Choral Directors Association North Central Division Convention in 2002; twice appeared at the Iowa Choral Directors Association Convention; sang with Academy Award winner Marvin Hamlisch; were featured as the Honor Choir for the Saint Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus College Choral Festivals as well as the Dorian Vocal Festival at Luther College; won the Grand Champion Trophy, Sportsmanship Award, and three First Place ratings at the Festival of Choirs USA competition; won the Grand Champion Trophy, Spirit of the Festival Award, and eight First Place ratings at the Heritage Festivals Competition in Chicago; received three First Place Superior ratings at the City of Lakes Festival in Minneapolis; and were Gold Medalists at the All-American Music Festival in Chicago. 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. The choir has consistently been recognized with the “Distinguished Academic Achievement Award” from the Iowa High School Music Association. Approximately 25% of the student body is enrolled in the twelve choirs offered by the Vocal Music Department. 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.

The MCHS choirs and orchestra perform
P.D.Q. Bach's "Birthday Ode To Big Daddy Bach"