Show choir

Last updated
The Totino-Grace High School "Company of Singers" performing in 2010. Totino-Grace "Company of Singers" 2010.jpg
The Totino-Grace High School "Company of Singers" performing in 2010.

A show choir (originally known as a "swing choir") is a musical ensemble that combines choral singing with choreographed dance, often with an overarching theme. It is most relevant in the Midwestern United States and was popularized by the American television show Glee .

Contents

Location

Show choir is a type of performing arts that is primarily a secondary school activity in the United States. It is typically a co-curricular activity (part of a class or connected to the academic curriculum) or an extracurricular activity. Alternate examples include organizations formed outside of a school, such as community choirs that make use of students from multiple schools in the surrounding area. Though usually a high school activity, show choir exists at all levels of school from elementary through the collegiate level.

Outside of the United States, show choirs can be found in countries such as Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, Philippines, and Argentina.

Counties in the United States with at least one Show Choir program. Show Choir in the USA.png
Counties in the United States with at least one Show Choir program.
Relative positions of every past and present registered high school with at least one show choir in the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) as of November, 2015 (courtesy showchoir.com). ShowChoirs In the USA.jpeg
Relative positions of every past and present registered high school with at least one show choir in the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) as of November, 2015 (courtesy showchoir.com).

Overview

While there is no standard requirement for the number of performers or demographic of its students, a show choir typically consists of 30 to 60 singer/dancers. Factors like school size or director preferences may impact this number. Larger schools with more advanced programs may have more than one competitive show choir ensemble. Show choirs composed entirely of students of one gender usually compete in separate divisions from mixed-gender show choirs, [1] with the exception of "open" divisions, where groups of different types compete against each other. [2]

Show choir performers traditionally wear a costume, though the definition of what is considered a costume in this context is broad and ranges from jeans and a T-shirt to extravagant period costumes or flashy dance wear. Costumes can be conservative (such as formal tuxedos and ball gowns) or edgy (such as modern head-to-toe uniforms or revealing clothing). Additionally, many larger groups include two or more costumes in their show. Singer/dancers typically wear stage makeup and shoes conducive to dancing (called "character shoes"). Uniformity in look among performers is also common; generally, there is consistency in costuming and makeup from person to person. One example of a show choir that has costumes is the Lewis Central Middle School or High School in Council Bluffs Iowa. The middle school is seen wearing blue and white dresses for the girls, and for the boys a grey tuxedo with a blue flannel underneath. In most regions, this consistency even extends to things like hair, where female participants will all style their hair in a visually consistent way.

The choir usually has a backup band ("pit" or "combo" if it includes a horn section) providing instrumental music to complement the singers' voices. Instrumentation selection often varies between choirs and even from one group's song selection to another, but a common show choir band consists of trumpets, trombone, alto/soprano sax, tenor sax, piano, and synthesizer, guitar, bass, auxiliary percussion, and a drum set. Some bands even include violins or cellos if the piece requires it. The size of the pit ensemble may vary greatly, but as a common rule of thumb, larger show choirs typically have larger bands to accompany them (anywhere from 3 musicians upwards of 30 in bigger schools). The band is usually not visually featured, but, occasionally, a show will bring out members of the band onstage to accentuate thematic elements in the show.

A "tech crew" or "stage crew" is also standard with most show choirs. They handle things like lighting, sound, and the stage setup. During a show, the crew may have a great number of responsibilities, including helping performers change costumes, managing props, handing out microphones, running special effects, and other duties set out in the design of the show. They are also known as managers.

Due to a stigma that the performing arts is a more feminine activity, many teenage boys are not attracted to participating in show choir. However, in order to achieve a full choral sound with rich melodies and tonal variety, show choirs need males to cover all vocal ranges. One study done by the Choral Journal [3] claimed that many choir directors are simply resigned to having fewer males in their choir, but should make an effort to change. By reaching out to males and creating a more supportive community for high school boys, the hope is that more males will participate in show choir. With a higher number of males in the activity, a department can expect to see better scores at competition and higher team morale.

Competitions

The cover of a program from Totino-Grace High School in 2010. Totino-Grace Spectacular.jpg
The cover of a program from Totino-Grace High School in 2010.

Many show choirs participate in competitions, sometimes called "invitationals" (though most are not invitation-only events) or "festivals". [4] These competitions are often held at the high school where the "host group" attends and sometimes performs as an exhibition, though some events are held at auditoriums or other facilities that can accommodate larger crowds and provide better acoustic performance.

Competitions can be as small as a showcase of a few groups from the immediate geographic area or they can feature many groups from multiple states. [5] Because of the vast difference in sizes of the competitions, they can last a single afternoon or span an entire weekend. [6] Competitions may separate competing choirs into different divisions. These divisions are often determined by age, skill level, size of the school or choir, and/or gender of the participants. The different divisions may take place at a different time, day, or at a different location or venue, though usually within the same school or close geographic area.

Show choir shows or "sets" can be presented in a multitude of ways, from a more traditional approach to modern theatrical performances that tell full-length stories. These performances are often created by the choir's director, but can stem from the imagination of a group's choreographer or even outside performing arts professionals as well. As show choir has evolved, an increasing number of schools have invested a great deal of effort in creating quality sets that can be compared to professional stage shows.

Many competitions include a preliminary round and a finals round. [7] The finals round commences after awards from the preliminary round are complete, where the top scoring groups perform again in order to compete for the title of Grand Champion of the contest. The number of groups in the finals round is up to the hosting school, but typically 5-6 choirs participate. These groups are sometimes given the opportunity to take suggestions, either from scoring judges or separate experts called in to give critiques made during the preliminary round, and make adjustments to their finals performance in order to earn a better score. Hosting schools do not compete in the competition for ethical purposes.

The adjudicators (or judges) at most competitions are often experts in the show choir field. They may be directors from other choirs, choreographers, arrangers, or performers from Broadway-style musicals. Judging is largely subjective and is based on a scoring style selected by the hosts. Some competitions place more emphasis on choral aspects, while others incorporate a greater emphasis on the entire show (including choreography, the band, and/or show design). Depending on the competition, each judge may judge only in their area of expertise (a choir director judging vocals, while a choreographer judging dance), or they may adjudicate all areas of the score sheet. Additionally, a separate judge may be added to the panel to judge the bands, and/or to select outstanding performers for separate awards.

At many competitions, there are also individual, or solo, competitions which take place. They take place during the main competition in a different area than the show choir performances. Winners are announced, and they may perform at the start of the finals performance. [8] [9]

Characteristics of a performance

Des Moines Lincoln High School performing in 2017. Show choir.jpg
Des Moines Lincoln High School performing in 2017.

Most show choir shows consist of a variety of musical selections, often including several choreographed, fast-paced pieces and one slower piece performed with limited or no choreography. This slower number—usually a ballad—exists primarily to showcase the ensemble's singing ability. In California, it is a requirement that at least one minute of any one set be sung a cappella (it is usually one full song in the set), though this is not a standard in the rest of the country. More often than not, the a cappella selection is also the ballad, as it is much easier to sing unaccompanied while holding relatively still. In the Midwest, it is becoming popular to set one song aside as a "novelty" piece, designed to make the audience laugh. "Concept" or "story" shows that unify all of the songs together in a common theme are becoming popular across the country.

Within a song, vocal lines typically alternate between unison or octave singing, and two-or-more-part polyphonic harmony. Songs are chosen, adapted, and arranged from a variety of sources including popular music, jazz standards, and Broadway musicals, but rarely make use of classical music. Original music has also been performed by a small number of groups. Additionally, there is often at least one solo in each performance by a standout singer in the group.

Competitive performance sets range in length, but are usually timed to total between fifteen and twenty-five minutes. Shows generally consist of, but are not limited to, approximately five songs.

Popularity

Show choirs have seen a rise in popularity since the American television series, "Glee" was released. The television show is based around the workings of a fictional show choir. [10] Some individuals feel the television show does not accurately represent the environment of a real show choir. [11]

Commitment

For many high school students, show choir is a large commitment that takes over a large part of a school year. For some, show choir is part of the school curriculum and is a class taught during the day. [12] For others, it is an extracurricular activity that requires practice to take place before or after school. [13] Practices may begin as early as the summer, while other choirs don’t start until much later. The competitive season takes place from January until April, with competitions held across the country every weekend during that time. [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching band</span> Company of instrumental musicians

A marching band is a group of instrumental musicians who perform while marching, often for entertainment or competition. They are most popular in the United States, though not uncommon in other parts of the world. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Most marching bands wear a uniform, often of a military style, that includes an associated organization's colors, name or symbol. Most high school marching bands, and some college marching bands, are accompanied by a color guard, a group of performers who add a visual interpretation to the music through the use of props, most often flags, rifles, and sabers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Choir</span> Ensemble of singers

A choir is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform. Choirs may perform music from the classical music repertoire, which spans from the medieval era to the present, or popular music repertoire. Most choirs are led by a conductor, who leads the performances with arm, hand, and facial gestures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum and bugle corps (modern)</span> Marching group of brass and percussion instrumentalists

A modern drum and bugle corps is a musical marching unit consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, electronic instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions. Participants of all ages are represented within the corps activity, but the majority are between the ages of 13 and 22 and are members of corps within Drum Corps International or Drum Corps Associates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conducting</span> Directing a musical performance

Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance, such as an orchestral or choral concert. It has been defined as "the art of directing the simultaneous performance of several players or singers by the use of gesture." The primary duties of the conductor are to interpret the score in a way that reflects the specific indications in that score, set the tempo, ensure correct entries by ensemble members, and "shape" the phrasing where appropriate. Conductors communicate with their musicians primarily through hand gestures, usually with the aid of a baton, and may use other gestures or signals such as facial expression and eye contact. A conductor usually supplements their direction with verbal instructions to their musicians in rehearsal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concert</span> Live performance of music

A concert is a live music performance in front of an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. Concerts are held in a wide variety and size of settings, from private houses and small nightclubs, dedicated concert halls, amphitheatres and parks, to large multipurpose buildings, such as arenas and stadiums. Indoor concerts held in the largest venues are sometimes called arena concerts or amphitheatre concerts. Informal names for a concert include show and gig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Competitive dance</span> Activity where dancing is judged

Competitive dance is a popular, widespread sport in which competitors perform dances in any of several permitted dance styles—such as acro, ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, musical theatre, tap, and improv—before a common group of judges. This is in contrast with other activities that involve competition among dancers based on purpose, or specific dance styles or genres, such as pom squad and dancesport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fire performance</span> Performance art using fire skills

Fire performance is a group of performance arts or skills that involve the manipulation of fire. Fire performance typically involves equipment or other objects made with one or more wicks which are designed to sustain a large enough flame to create a visual effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collegiate a cappella</span> College-affiliated a cappella singing groups

Collegiate a cappella ensembles are college-affiliated singing groups, primarily in the United States, and, increasingly, the United Kingdom and Ireland, that perform entirely without musical instruments. The groups are typically composed of, operated by, and directed by students. In the context of collegiate a cappella, the term a cappella typically also refers to the music genre performed by pop-centric student singing groups. Consequently, an ensemble that sings unaccompanied classical music may not be considered an a cappella group, even though technically it is performing a cappella.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indoor percussion ensemble</span> Type of percussion marching ensemble

An indoor percussion ensemble or indoor drumline is a type of marching ensemble consisting of battery and front ensemble instruments. It differs itself from a traditional percussion ensemble by not only on musical performance, but on theatrics and marching. Although most indoor percussion ensembles are affiliated with high schools, there are also many independent groups that draw participants from a large area and are independently funded. Independent groups typically start rehearsing in October, while high school groups typically start after their fall marching band season ends. Because of this, the activity is often called winter percussion or winterline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kapa haka</span> Māori performing art

Kapa haka is the term for Māori action songs and the groups who perform them. The phrase translates to 'group' 'dance'. Kapa haka is an important avenue for Māori people to express and showcase their heritage and cultural Polynesian identity through song and dance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rehearsal</span> Practice performance

A rehearsal is an activity in the performing arts that occurs as preparation for a performance in music, theatre, dance and related arts, such as opera, musical theatre and film production. It is undertaken as a form of practising, to ensure that all details of the subsequent performance are adequately prepared and coordinated. The term rehearsal typically refers to ensemble activities undertaken by a group of people. For example, when a musician is preparing a piano concerto in their music studio, this is called practising, but when they practice it with an orchestra, this is called a rehearsal. The music rehearsal takes place in a music rehearsal space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Color guard (flag spinning)</span> Performers

Color guards or Flag corps are teams of performers who perform choreographed dances and routines with various equipment to enhance and interpret the music of a marching band or drum and bugle corps show. Color guard teams can be found in American colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, and independent drum corps. They use various equipment including flags, fake rifles, and sabres, along with other props. Most Color Guard groups are of mixed gender but some may also be single gender.

Winter guard is an indoor color guard sport and performance art derived from military ceremonies. Modern winter guard is a competitive, performance-based activity which incorporates choreographed staging, dance, and manipulation of equipment such as flags and prop rifles and sabers. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard performances and contests are held indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena. Performances typically last three to seven minutes and are generally accompanied by recorded soundtracks rather than live music. However, the use of live instrumentation and vocalization have grown in popularity. Winter guard is most present in the United States; independent units have also been formed in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Winter guard ensembles often perform at judged competitions officiated by local and regional associations using criteria developed by Winter Guard International, host of the annual Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The World Championships event purportedly attracts in 60,000 visitors to the event annually. Scoring attempts to rank units on the repertoire and achievement of aspects of each performance such as unity, quality, range, precision, skill, design, and effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irish stepdance</span> Style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance

Irish stepdance is a style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and fast and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or in groups. Aside from public dance performances, there are also stepdance competitions all over the world. These competitions are often called Feiseanna. In Irish dance culture, a Feis is a traditional Gaelic arts and culture festival. Costumes are considered important for stage presence in competition and performance Irish stepdance. In many cases, costumes are sold at high prices and can even be custom made. Each costume is different, with varying colors and patterns, designed to attract the judge's eye in competitions and the audience's eye in performance. General appearance beside the costume is also equally important. Female dancers would typically curl their hair before each competition or wear curled wigs, while male dancers would neatly style their hair to a shape to their liking. Poodle Socks are worn by female dancers while males wear plain black socks. Poodle socks are white socks that stretch to typically 1-4 inches above the ankle, depending on the dancers preference. They also have distinctive ribbing, and can be embroidered with gems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fishers High School</span> Public high school in Fishers, Indiana, United States

Fishers High School (FHS) is one of two high schools in Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers, Indiana, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frontier Fiesta</span> At the University of Houston in April

Frontier Fiesta is a three-day event at the University of Houston that takes place on campus every spring semester, usually in the last weekend of March to the first weekend in April. Student groups perform a variety of shows, host carnival booths and put on multicultural performances, participate in a large cook-off competition, and free concerts from well-known performers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas A&M Singing Cadets</span> Choir at Texas A&M University

The Texas A&M Singing Cadets are a male choral group at Texas A&M University. Nicknamed "The Voice of Aggieland", the Singing Cadets have been touring for 109 seasons, with their roots in a glee club founded on the A&M campus in 1893. The Singing Cadets are one of the oldest collegiate singing organizations in the world. They have toured both in America and abroad and have earned recognition by doing so, including invitations to sing for American presidents. Contrary to their name, the Singing Cadets are not all members of the Corps of Cadets and have not been since 1963, when the university as a whole ceased mandating Corps membership. Between 1996 and 2006, the Singing Cadets traveled over 35,000 miles and performed more than 450 concerts worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audition</span> Sample performance by a performer

An audition is a sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, dancer or other performer. It typically involves the performer displaying their talent through a previously memorized and rehearsed solo piece or by performing a work or piece given to the performer at the audition or shortly before. In some cases, such as with a model or acrobat, the individual may be asked to demonstrate a range of professional skills. Actors may be asked to present a monologue. Singers will perform a song in a popular music context or an aria in a Classical context. A dancer will present a routine in a specific style, such as ballet, tap dance or hip-hop, or show his or her ability to quickly learn a choreographed dance piece.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio State University Men's Glee Club</span>

The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club is an all-male choral ensemble at The Ohio State University. Officially founded in 1875, the Men's Glee Club is one of the oldest student organizations on Ohio State's campus and one of the oldest collegiate glee clubs in the United States. The group has garnered many accolades, most notably winning Choir of the World 1990 from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

<i>So You Think You Can Dance</i> (Vietnamese TV series) Vietnamese TV series or program

Thử thách cùng bước nhảy: So You Think You Can Dance is a Vietnamese televised dance competition and an entry in the international So You Think You Can Dance television franchise. The show is produced by Dong Tay Promotion Company and Endemol Shine Group under licence from 19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions and Conrad Sewell Productions and begins broadcasting its first season on September 15, 2012. Chí Anh from the local Dancing with the Stars is set to be a permanent judge, with additional permanent judges yet to be announced. Guest judges include Ngô Thanh Vân, broadway staff John Huy Trần, choreographer Trần Ly Ly, B-boy Việt Max, and MC Thanh Bạch. The show's winner will receive 400 million đồng and a choice between several career advancement opportunities.

References

  1. "show-choir-america". show-choir-america. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  2. "Iri Results". CLOVER HILL SHOW CHOIR. 2011-10-11. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  3. Johnson, Doran; Thomas, Ken (2007-01-01). "Show Choirs: Show Choir Competition and the Impact on Male Recruitment". The Choral Journal. 47 (10): 50–53. JSTOR   23557314.
  4. "National Show Choir Rank System". National Show Choir Rank System. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  5. LAKANA (2015-03-08). "15 schools participate in 'Gathering of the Stars' show choir competition". WKBT. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  6. "SCC: Sullivan Show Choir Invitational (Day Two) 2016". www.showchoir.com. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  7. "SCC: Homestead Classic Showcase 2016". www.showchoir.com. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  8. Walker, Allante. "Show choir students shine at 14th annual Viterbo 101 competition" . Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  9. "Onalaska Show Choir Classic 2018" (PDF).
  10. Glee (TV Series 2009–2015) , retrieved 2017-02-15
  11. Fox, Tessa (2013-01-12). "Burlington High show choir members say it's not quite like 'Glee'". Journal Times. Retrieved 2018-01-08.
  12. "Show Choir". www.cmcsweb.com. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  13. "Extracurricular Activities / Show Choir". www.lake.k12.fl.us. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  14. "SCC: Events". www.showchoir.com. Retrieved 2017-02-15.