Page 57 - CJJanuary2026

2026 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference February 25-28, 2026 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Linn-Mar High School Luther College
Bella Voce Nordic Choir

Nordic Choir
honors the Lu-
theran choral
tradition while ex-
ploring new and
innovative choral
works that span
styles and genres.
Nordic Choir has
earned a reputa-
Bella Voce is the advanced treble choral ensemble tion as one of the
at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa. One of premier collegiate
seven concert choirs and one of three treble choirs in choral ensembles
a vibrant and growing program, Bella Voce comprises in the United States. Founded by Sigvart Steen and
forty auditioned treble singers in grades ten through memorably conducted for fifty-seven years by Weston
twelve. The group is part of a robust fine arts depart- Noble, previous conductors include Craig Arnold and
ment in which over 750 students participate in at least Allen Hightower. Since 2017 the choir has been under
one of sixteen curricular ensembles across choir, band, the direction of Andrew Last, who views his role as facili-
and orchestra. Bella Voce is known for its stylistic ver- tating the journey from technical artistry to an emotional
satility and ability to perform a wide range of global awakening, saying, “Great choral music stirs within us
choral literature, with particular attention given to rep- a spirit and passion, connecting us in a community of
ertoire that reflects diverse styles, compelling texts, and belonging and acceptance.”
emotionally resonant experiences.
Andrew Last is the Weston Noble En-
Jack Jorgensen is a vocal music teacher dowed Professor and director of choral
at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, activities at Luther College in Decorah,
Iowa, where he directs Bella Voce, Lux, IA, where he conducts the Nordic Choir,
and Concert Chorale. He also serves as teaches conducting, and serves as the
the director of the treble prep show choir, artistic director for Christmas at Luther. Last holds
Hi-Style, and the music director for Linn-Mar’s annual a DMA in choral conducting from the University of
spring musical. Jorgensen earned his BME from Luther Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was named a Hixon-Lied
College, where he sang in Nordic Choir under the di- Fellow. He received his MM from Northern Arizona
rection of Andrew Last and was assistant conductor to University and his BM in education and voice from
Mark Potvin. A proud Wisconsin native, he now lives Luther College. Ensembles under Last’s direction have
in Marion with his wife, Liz—an elementary music been featured at National ACDA (2017, 2025) and Re-
teacher in the district who inspires him daily with her gional ACDA (2016, 2022). Last made his Carnegie
creativity and heart. He is grateful to be part of a vi- Hall conducting debut in 2019. Last is a frequent cli-
brant fine arts program that values musical excellence, nician and guest conductor around the United States
personal growth, and shared joy. and abroad.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 55