Established 2023
Welcome to Northwest Iowa Singers
Our Story & Mission
The Northwest Iowa Singers was founded in the summer of 2023 at the annual Iowa Choral Directors Association's Summer Symposium on the campus of Central College in Pella, Iowa. Upon talking with other directors in the area, it was decided that a new semi-professional ensemble in the area was needed. A few social media posts later, and some grassroots campaigning, The Northwest Iowa Singers was born. Our first rehearsal was held at MOC-Floyd Valley High School on September 10, 2023 and our first concert was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sunday, November 12, 2023, and we have been growing ever since. In the Fall of 2024, as the board was looking to the future expansion of this organization, it was decided to name our auditioned adult ensemble: Salus. Salus is a safe haven, a sanctuary, to so many of us.This ensemble has included singers of a variety of ages and expertise from High School to professional musicians.
Our Mission: The Northwest Iowa Singers strive to provide excellent choral experiences for our singers and our audience. We are constantly in the pursuit of excellence and a high caliber level singing.
Rachael Wragge,
Artistic Director
The Northwest Iowa Singers proudly announces its first ever Artistic Director, Rachael Wragge!
Rachael Wragge is a 20-year veteran in the vocal music classroom. She holds a BA in Music Education from Briar Cliff University. She is currently serving as Director of Choral Activities at South Sioux City High School in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Prior to teaching in South Sioux City, Ms. Wragge served on the faculties of Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City, Council Bluffs Lewis Central, and Oakland-Riverside Community Schools. During her 20 years in the classroom, Rachael has taught all levels of K-12 comprehensive music education. Her many successful years in choral music education have included multiple division I ratings at both the state solo/ensemble and large group festivals; a multitude of singers involved in regional and conference honor choirs; several participants in All-State and Opus Honor Choir Festivals, and many outstanding show choirs, jazz choirs, and musical theater productions along with incredible madrigal dinner performances. Ms. Wragge enjoys performing as a member of the Missouri River Choral Society and directs both the adult and children's choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City. She is a proud member of ACDA and NMEA and serves as an adjudicator for both the Iowa and Nebraska Music Associations.
Ms. Wragge begins her artistic duties with our second season!