SIOUX CITY, Iowa —The Morningside Choir will mark a century of outstanding choral music with its Centennial Celebration on April 25 and 26. This momentous occasion will honor the legacy of one of the nation’s first a cappella college choirs and highlight its impact on the world of performing arts while bringing together alumni, music enthusiasts, and the local community for a weekend filled with music, memories, and inspiration.

The two-day celebration begins on Friday, April 25, with an Alumni & Friends Welcome Reception at a local restaurant (details to be announced). Activities on Saturday, April 26, include rehearsal opportunities for alumni singers, stories and reflections celebrating the choir’s history, and a lively Centennial Luncheon & Program in the Yockey Family Room. The festivities will culminate in a Centennial Concert at Eppley Auditorium at 7 p.m., featuring performances by the Morningside Choir and the Alumni Choir.

A Century of Legacy and Innovation

The Morningside Choir traces its origins to 1924, when Professor Paul MacCollin formed the ensemble during the 1923-1924 academic year. At a time when a cappella choirs were rare in the United States, the Morningside College Chapel Choir set a bold standard by performing sacred music with extraordinary precision. Over the decades, the choir has earned national acclaim, including accolades from critics at the 1931 Chicago Tour, who described it as “one of the finest in the country.” It also holds membership in the prestigious National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), a distinction first granted in 1936.

Generations of talented singers and directors have continuously evolved the ensemble, enriching its legacy with impactful alumni, groundbreaking performances, and unforgettable tours across the globe.

“When you dig in and you look at all of the vast history, it’s pretty amazing to note that you’ve played a small part in it,” said Dr. Ryan Person, current director of choral activities at Morningside. “This experience to me as the director has been an honor because of the fact that we just have these vast generations of people that have been a part of the same community of kindness and growth. And I just think it’s an experience that is pretty incredible.”
A Celebration for All

This milestone event invites alumni, music fans, and Sioux City residents to commemorate the Choir’s vibrant history and influence. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or discovering the Choir’s legacy for the first time, the Centennial Celebration promises an unforgettable experience.

“We’ve had many different generations, but we have had similar yet different experiences in tradition that’s lasted for a century,” Person said.

Below are the highlights of the celebration weekend.

● Friday, April 25, 2025
8 p.m. – Alumni & Friends Welcome Reception
● Saturday, April 26, 2025
9 a.m. – Welcome Program
12 p.m. – Centennial Luncheon & Program
1:45 p.m. – Alumni Activities & Campus Tour Options
7 p.m. – Centennial Concert (Eppley Auditorium)
8:45 p.m. – Dessert Reception (Helen Levitt Art Gallery)