Seven Iowa FFA members, including Evan Keppy (second from left), were part of the 2024 National FFA Chorus.
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a part of the National FFA Chorus and perform for thousands of people attending the National FFA Convention & Expo?
That curiosity became a reality for 17-year-old Evan Keppy from Davenport, Iowa, in October 2024. The junior at North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa, joined 79 people from around the United States who performed throughout the week in Indianapolis.
Keppy, whose Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) includes working on his dad’s swine farm, started singing in fourth grade when he got involved in the children’s choir at the junior high. He then began singing in the North Scott Junior High Choir and then the all-male choir in high school.
Evan Keppy poses for a photo with the National FFA Chorus banner during his week in Indianapolis.
Keppy is a tenor vocalist in the high school combined choir. He hadn’t considered singing at the national level until he saw a weekly update that his FFA chapter published requesting students to audition.
To audition, he completed a basic questionnaire about his local choir involvement, age and more. Keppy was also asked to submit a three-part audition that consisted of a generic range check from bottom to top, a solo piece of the judges’ choice, and a solo piece selected by Keppy that was judged based on his facial expressions.
Keppy was one of seven FFA members selected from Iowa. They all came from different schools and had various vocal roles (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). He was required to arrive a few days before the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, so the national chorus members could meet each other and rehearse.
Keppy described the rehearsal schedule as “intense,” as they began their first session at 7 p.m. the night of arrival. The next day was stacked with 12 hours of rehearsals from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. Day two consisted of morning and evening rehearsals paired with a sound check at the national delegate meeting.
The 2024 National FFA Chorus attended the Megan Moroney concert during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Keppy admitted a major challenge was the heavy strain this experience put on his voice. “I am thankful that some of the other members had remedies such as hydrating breathers, honey and tea,” he said.
During the week of national convention, the chorus sang seven songs, including the national anthem. Group members varied in age from high school freshmen to college-aged singers.
“Leading up to convention, we got an email from the hotel, and the only thing provided was the hotel information and the names of roommates,” Keppy said. “So, it was a big scavenger hunt on social media trying to find them. Once we did, I got into a group chat online with everyone. That’s the only communication I had until the first rehearsal, which was chaotic!”
Overall, Keppy enjoyed his time at convention as part of the choir. “Meeting new people is something I love doing,” he says. “I grew closer with all the people who were involved, and we really became like family. I loved every minute of it and am planning on doing it again next year!”
To hear Keppy’s words of advice for those interested in applying for the National FFA Chorus, watch here.
