CLEAR LAKE — Standing on the stage of the Surf Ballroom, Rachel Fischer sang and moved to the beat of the music.
The Forest City High School junior had been to the Surf Ballroom before, but had never performed on the stage.
“I just thought it was really cool because I’ve seen concerts here, and it was really cool all these famous people have been up here,” Fischer said.
She and other high school jazz and show choir members were participating in the first annual Vocal Jazz Fest hosted by the Surf Ballroom and Museum Education Department.
“It’s been awesome to hear the kids,” said Nicki Barragy, the Surf’s education coordinator. “It’s been great.”
She said the Surf Ballroom decided to host the non-competitive event to give students the opportunity and experience of performing there. It also allowed the groups to get professional feedback and brought jazz to the Surf.
“Just the experience as a whole was a great thing,” said Alex Pettit, a Forest City High School junior. “Not just being up there performing but hearing the other groups, too.”
A total of eight high schools participated in the workshop. Each group sang one to three songs and then received feedback from the a cappella group Home Free Vocal Band.
“Great job guys, it sounded really great,” one of the band members said to the Forest City group.
“I really enjoyed the dynamic,” said another.
The band also provided other feedback such as where to hold the microphone, stage presence and vocal advice.
“It’s really helpful,” said Emily Banwart, an Algona High School senior.
Pettit and Fischer agreed and said it’s sometimes helpful hearing it from someone other than their director.
“The responses I felt were very true,” Fischer said.
After the workshop the groups had a mini-preview of Home Free’s Monday night concert and then front-row seats to the concert itself.
“It was really fun,” said Bethany Laddusaw, an Algona junior.
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