Pictured in the front row is the festival’s teaching quartet, Kordal Kombat. Front, (L-R) Mark Halverstadt, Scott Veenhuis, Ben Israelson and Adam Helgeson who was also the clinician for the festival. (Middle) Nathen Larsen, Keston Freese, Ethan Shuckhart, Karsten Springborg, Brennen Thooft. (Back) Carson Brusven, Alex Petersen, Liam Beyer.

On Saturday, eight students from Marshall High School joined 44 boys from 10 schools and homeschoolers at Willmar Senior High School for the 18th annual Youth in Harmony Festival.

Sheet music and learning tracks for three songs were sent to the schools in November and the boys came well prepared with the music memorized. Adam Helgeson, the clinician for the day, worked with them, refining their presentation and harmony. A teaching quartet, Kordal Kombat, also worked with each section, tenor, lead, bass and baritone. All expenses for music, snacks, dinner and commemorative tee shirts were paid with donations from local business sponsors and a grant from the Land O’Lakes District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. There were no costs to the boys or their school.

The festival is coordinated by the West Central Connection Barbershop Chorus and held each year on the first Saturday in February. Its purpose is to foster in high school boys, a lifelong passion for vocal music. They learn vocal techniques, stage presentation, and how to blend better with other voices. The day-long event concluded with a free concert open to the public where the students showcased what they learned during the day-long event.

The 2026 Youth in Harmony Chorus has one more appearance scheduled when they perform on West Central Connection Chorus’s Spring show, “Echoes of America,” April 11 at 7 p.m. at the Willmar Arts & Education Center. More information at www.westcentralconnection.com