“We are very excited to bring the Border Bash to Mason City,” said event originator Jayson Ryner. “We have groups from Minnesota and Iowa coming together for a great competition.”
Show Choir competitions are popular across the country and are the inspiration behind the television program “Glee” and movies like “Pitch Perfect.”
“These choirs invest a lot of time and capital into their shows,’ said Ryner. “The choreography is top notch, many of the groups come with multiple costumes, and the students really work to sing and dance a great show for the audience.”
Competitive show choirs travel on multiple weekends from January through March. Iowa groups featured in the Border Bash are the ‘River City Rhythm’ from Muscatine, ‘Side One’ from Indianola, ‘Forte’’ from West Delaware High School, ‘Showstoppers’ from Pocahontas, and ‘First Edition’ from Hudson. Minnesota schools competing include ‘Rhythm in Gold’ from Kennedy High School in Bloomington, ‘Northern Lights’ from North High School in St. Paul, and the ‘Power Company’ from Waconia. Schools compete in classes according to school size, a prep class for Junior Varsity groups and an open class competition in the finals. Ryner added, “We are approaching the end of the season so they are sure to be in top form.”
North Iowa Area Community College is proud to bring this event to North Iowa. “We look forward to introducing students and families to our nationally recognized college. We have a beautiful campus, an outstanding performance venue and a new student housing complex to showcase. This is an opportunity for us to introduce 800 students from outside our service area to our quality facilities and our outstanding music program.” Ryner commented. “Our choral program features large performances with Candlelight Christmas and Quodlibet. Our show choir travels internationally. We want these students to identify NIACC as a quality option for their first two years of college.”
“It takes a campus-wide effort to make this event successful. The Physical Plant staff, Marketing staff, Admissions, Athletics, Administrative staff, Student Senate, International students, Food Service, Fine Arts and Faculty are all playing a role,” said Ryner. “I really appreciate everyone’s effort to showcase our program and help grow NIACC.”
Wrist bands for the event can be purchased at the door. Adult admission is $10 for the day session and $10 for the finals, or $15 for a full event pass. Student admission is $8 for the day session, $8 for the finals, or $12 for a full event pass. To learn more about the event visit: www.niacc.edu/border-bash/.
