IOWA VOCAL JAZZ ACADEMY

Hosted at Valley High School (West Des Moines)

Join us on Friday, October 2, 2026!​​​

This one-day vocal jazz workshop (9 AM – 6 PM) will feature:

  • All participants rehearse and perform in the Academy Mass Choir
  • Jazz reading sessions with published music from Anchor Music Publications, independent publishers, and more (Teacher Track only)
  • Breakout sessions of your choice – for both teachers and students
  • A 5:00 PM final concert open to the public, featuring a special performance by the Academy Mass Choir, selected soloists, and the host school

Teacher Track – Registration includes lunch, publisher reading packets & mass choir music, and access to all teacher and student breakout sessions ($140 per teacher, discounted to $70 if with group). University music majors are encouraged to register for the Teacher Track at a discounted rate!

Student Track – Registration includes lunch, mass choir music, and access to all student breakout sessions ($70 per teacher, discounted to $35 if with group)

GROUP RATES – bring a choir or choirs from your school or organization and SAVE! With your paid school fee, get 50% all teacher and student registration. 

Group rate is $250 per school + $70 per teacher + $35 per student: includes lunch for all! See our calculator to estimate your costs: How much will the workshop cost?

  • Lunch included for all teachers and students
  • Your school can cover all registrations by paying the whole invoice, OR we will provide you with a coupon code so that students & teachers can register at the discounted rate and pay on their own

Hosted by Heather Nail at Valley High School (West Des Moines)

Get the latest news on the Vocal Jazz Academy Facebook page!

ACADEMY SCHEDULE
9:00 AM – Check-In
  • Check-in and Academy Welcome (light refreshments provided)

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Morning Breakout Sessions & Mass Choir Rehearsals

Teacher/Student Breakout Sessions will include topics like:

  • Jazz Solo Singing Workshop 
  • Vocal Technique in Choral and Jazz Settings 
  • Improvisation / Ear Training Workshop
  • Preparing for College & Auditions

12:30 – 1:15 PM – Lunch & Teacher Round Table Discussions

1:15 – 4:45 PM – Afternoon Breakout Sessions & Mass Choir Rehearsals

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Closing Concert! (open to the public)

“Graduate Seminar” – hang for Teachers and Staff only, immediately following the conclusion of the Academy

SITE HOSTS

Heather Nail

Iowa Site Coordinator

Valley HS - Vocalese

Host Ensemble

Valley HS - Vox

Host Ensemble

ACADEMY STAFF

Matt Falker

Academy Executive Director
Mass Choir Director

Jessica Falker

Academy Board Member
Operations / Registration Desk

Staff TBA

Breakout Sessions
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