Show Choir Takes the Stage

Chasney Ward Show Choir Takes the Stage

Columbus East Show Choir prepares for the season ahead

East Centerstage is a mixed gender choir program. The group of 37 singers and dancers have four performances a year, along with various competitions in the winter season. There is a mix of dancing and vocal skills required to join the group. The Centerstage members prepare for their season from early August until January when their competition season begins. During that time they rehearse twice a week for two hours.

“Being in Centerstage has increased my agility and endurance,” senior Adelfo Gonzalez said. “It has made me realize that I have a lot of hidden talents that I didn’t recognize before.”

Many do not realize that show choir can be considered a sport and a PE waiver can even be earned. East Centerstage travels through Indiana as well as surrounding states such as Illinois during the season. Sophomore Lara Allman is in her second year with the group. “The most challenging part of competition season is the stress that comes with going to a first competition and teaching new members how to handle the nerves and anxiousness,” Allman said. During last year’s competition season, Centerstage competed in the Small Mix division. The group placed first in their division at Pendleton High for their first competition, which led to a successful season, but this year Director Andrew Budd has different plans. Unlike previous years, Centerstage is competing in Large Mix. The large mix division can be considered a more competitive environment due to the fact that the most successful show choirs compete in this category. They will also be traveling to more competitions which gives the members more experience. Although the competitions can be stressful to some, members say that show choir has changed their lives for the better. “Show choir is a big family and community that is always there for you in the toughest of times,” Allman said. During the competition season the choir spends almost every weekend traveling together to competitions. This is the way that all of the members get to know each other so well. Their season is off to a great start with the group making finals at the first competition at Mt. Zion. The group can be seen until their last performance on May 13.

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