Luther College suspends Celebration Iowa for 2011

Luther College has announced that it will suspend operation of the Celebration Iowa summer music program for 2011 to provide time to assess and evaluate the program's future direction.

Celebration Iowa, a project of Luther College for high school students, completed its 28th year of music training and performances this summer.  Increased operating costs, the state of the economy and declining philanthropic support are among the reasons for the college's decision to assess the program for the coming year, said Rob Larson, Luther executive director of marketing and communications who oversees the program's operations.

About 37 high school students are selected through statewide auditions each year to participate in Celebration Iowa.  Since 1983, more than 700 students from about 250 Iowa communities have participated.

Over its 28 years Celebration Iowa has operated under several different names.  Originally called the Iowa State Fair Singers from 1983-88, the program became the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band with 1989's addition of the band.  The program's current name, Celebration Iowa, was established in 2000.