Show Choir told by judge Sauk Prairie is “where they grow show choir kids!” Talents shine in competition

The Sauk Prairie High School Show Choirs returned to the stage in La Crosse this past weekend, after a mid-season weekend off. The La Crosse Grand Showcase, hosted at La Crosse Logan High School by the now-combined La Crosse School District Show Choirs, featured 11 choirs from 8 schools competing in Treble/Single Voicing, Prep and Open Classes.  YTBN, Sauk Prairie’s treble group, started the day strong with high-energy, precisely-coordinated dance moves and some of their best vocals yet. The costumes remind us of the diverse ways girls in the 1980s strove to find and express themselves, while the lyrics underscore the power of the belief that, “There is nothing we can’t do” despite the fact that, “The whole world’s out of sync.” YTBN placed first-runner-up after Sparta’s Rise of Adrenaline’s powerful tribute to Rosie the Riveter, recognizing the strength of women even earlier in the last century. Lauren Endres was named the Showstopper for the group for her standout performance. Pictured at top left is Sauk Prairie’s Neelah Ganshert. After a weekend off, Sauk Prairie Middle School show choir, pictured at left, traveled to Fort Atkinson on February 7th. Soaring Sound brought over 70 students to participate in the Fort Showcase. Seven middle schools from Wisconsin and Illinois competed in a stiff competition. Soaring Sound ended the night with a strong 3rd place finish behind Mayville and St. Michael Parish School. After their show as 74 students filed in for critique, a passing judge commented, “Oh my goodness! There’re so many of you! What school are you from?” When she heard the students say, “Sauk Prairie!” The judge replied, “Oh! That makes total sense. That’s where they grow show choir kids!”  Sauk Prairie Show Choirs are thankful for the continued community support, opportunities to perform, and the growth of the program!   For more, see page 2. Executive Session, performing music from Jesus Christ Superstar in the Open class, started in Prelim Competition with their best performance so far this season, winning the caption award for Best Opener. Sam Roberts again took home a prize for Best Soloist Within a Show, alongside Hal LeMaster from the Reedsburg Choraliers. The dedication and passion that each of these kids demonstrate in the course of a 22-minute show is a testament to giving it your all. One of the strengths of this group is that you never see exactly the same show twice, especially if you try to focus on a different performer each time you see it. Pictured above left is Aaron Clement. Jenna Shimpach, above right, was named Showstopper for her performance. The group advanced to Finals with 6 other groups, having made it to finals in all 4 competitions they have attended so far. They placed third-runner up behind Onalaska, Sparta, and Reedsburg. Onalaska has dominated the circuit this year, with five Grand Champion wins so far. There was also a solo competition during the day with Logan Meier, Noah Showalter, Simon Homp and Ava John singing this week. Noah placed 2nd place and had the opportunity to perform during Finals.