GOTS (High School) Program 2018

MEG A N G . T A N T ILLO

Dear Show Choir Fans,

On behalf of the students and staff here at Millard North High School, we would like to welcome you to the 2018 Galaxy Of The Stars Show Choir Competition. We are excited to share this very special event with you! We are lucky to have the best students and parents who have worked tirelessly to make this day a smooth and enjoyable one. We would especially like to thank Brenda Christensen and Michelle Wohlers for chairing the event, all our committee heads for organizing over the last eight months, our sponsors in the great city of Omaha, NE, and the teachers for allowing us to utilize their classroom space. We would also like to thank the MNHS administration for providing us the leadership and resources to put on this great event.

It is the mission of Millard North Show Choirs and Galaxy Of The Stars that each competitor, director and school be afforded the opportunity to display their collective talents, seek guidance from industry leaders, and entertain the community of Omaha, Nebraska. We are excited to provide each of you a fun-filled day as most of the students finish out their show choir season. Please cheer loudly and wish any performer good luck today! We are all a part of the show choir family – no matter which group you call your own.

If there is anything we can do to make your day more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to ask a director, a student, or any parent in a staff shirt. We are so happy to have you here at Millard North!

Sincerely,

Megan Tantillo Direc tor Of Choral Activities

Millard North High School

Address: 1010 S 144th St, Omaha, NE 68154

Phone: (402) 715-1365

Web: www. mnhs.mpsomaha.org

Welcome to our Millard North Show Choir Competition! We are proud to host this wonderful event, and we are very pleased to showcase many superb musicians from around the area.

We are truly excited to enjoy these performances! I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of all show choir participants and directors. Your care, hard work, and attention to detail are deeply appreciated.

Additionally, I need to express gratitude to our engaged parents and community members. Millard North certainly could not pull off such a large event without your energy and efforts. Thank you for your time and support.

Now, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show!

Gratefully, Brian Begley, Principal Millard North High School

DonStroh Administration Center •5606 So. 147th Street •Omaha, NE 68137•402-715-8200•Fax402-715-8409

Welcome!

You are now orbiting in the Galaxy of the Stars. Keep your sunglasses handy, because this voyage is guaranteed to be bright. I love watching our show choirs perform. Their level of professionalism is astounding. It is the perfect example of how good it can get when young people give something all their effort.

We know there are two other important ingredients to making today’s stars shine. One is the school, and we have some amazing schools represented here today. Show choir is just one of many opportunities our children are lucky enough to enjoy. The other is family, and show choir parents are dedicated! You are the magic sauce. Without your commitment, we would never be able to make our programs so dynamic. Thank you for your support.

If I had my way, all of our student achievements would be showcased just like today. We would have exciting displays of physics, unbelievable essay readings and history reports that would have you hanging on every word.

Yet, in a way, all these skills are represented because these talented students who stand up here before you are multi-dimensional. Their performances are just part of what they can do. I invite you to enjoy the show today and, going forward, celebrate all of their talents as they continue their education.

Best regards, Jim Sutfin, Ed.D. Superintendent @jsutfin #Proud2bMPS

MILLARD BOARD OF EDUCATION

Dave Anderson, Mike Kennedy,Amanda McGill Johnson, Mike Pate, Linda Poole, Jim Sutfin, Ed.D., Superintendent

Mi Mama’s Tortillas wishes all choirs participating at Galaxy of the Stars a successful day!

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

All times are approximate.

SCHOOL GROUPCLASSWARM-UPPERFORMANCE

Elkhorn High School Exc!amation Prep 8:20 AM8:45 AM

Millard West High SchoolSwing Cats Prep 8:40 AM9:05 AM

Lincoln East High SchoolElevation Prep 9:00 AM 9:25 AM Waukee High School Spirit Prep 9:20 AM9:45 AM

BREAK 10:05 AM - 10:15 AM

Burke High School Onyx OvationSingle Gender9:45 AM10:15 AM

Aurora High School Impact Single Gender10:10 AM10:40 AM

Millard South High SchoolStage OneSingle Gender10:35 AM11:05 AM

Lincoln East High SchoolEleganceSingle Gender11:00 AM11:30 AM

Millard West High SchoolUptown GirlsSingle Gender11:25 AM11:55 AM

LUNCH BREAK 12:20 PM - 12:50 PM

Plattsmouth High SchoolSapphire and IceOpen12:20 PM12:50 PM

Aurora High School Rhapsody Open12:45 PM 1:15 PM

Burke High School Synergy Open 1:10 PM 1:40 PM Wichita All-City Flight Open 1:35 PM 2:05 PM Millard South High SchoolSouth on StageOpen 2:00 PM 2:30 PM

BREAK 2:55 PM - 3:10 PM

Lincoln East High School Express Open 2:40 PM 3:10 PM Elkhorn High School Excel Open 3:05 PM 3:35 PM Rock Bridge High SchoolCity Lights Open 3:30 PM 4:00 PM

Millard West High SchoolWest in the GrooveOpen 3:55 PM 4:25 PM Waukee High School Millennium Open 4:20 PM 4:50 PM

Millard North High SchoolIlluminationExhibition4:45 PM 5:15 PM

**DAYTIME AWARDS** (GYM) 5:45 PM

DINNER BREAK 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Finalist #1 Finals 6:30 PM 7:00 PM

Finalist #2 Finals6:55 PM7:25 PM

Finalist #3 Finals 7:20 PM 7:50 PM

Finalist #4 Finals 7:45 PM 8:15 PM

Finalist #5 Finals 8:10 PM 8:40 PM

Finalist #6 Finals 8:35 PM 9:05 PM

Millard North High School Infinity Exhibition9:05 PM 9:30 PM

**FINAL AWARDS** (AUDITORIUM) 10:00 PM

MILLLARD NORTH ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Brian Begley - Principal

Mrs. Mary Bayne - Assistant Principal

Mr. Aaron Bearinger - Assistant Principal

Mr. Casey Lundgren - Assistant Principal

Mrs. Susan Marlatt - Assistant Principal

Mr. Chad Zimmerman - Assistant Principal, Activities Director

MILLLARD BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mike Pate - President

Linda Poole - Vice President

Dave Anderson - Treasurer

Amanda McGill Johnson - Secretary Mike Kennedy - Board Member Dr. Jim Sutfin - Superintendent

GALAXY OF THE STARS COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Brenda Christensen, Michelle Wohlers

Vice Chair:Helen Krichau

Admissions:Sylvia Lancaster Nancy Dick

Auditorium Logistics:Mike Van Riesen Jodi Infante Janelle Van Riesen

Awards:Jenny Murnane

Backstage:Brian Wohlers Gary Krichau

Bus/Choir Check-in:Chris Reikofski

Kathy McCoy

Bus/Director Hospitality:Kristin Barben

Melanie Leibsack

David Leibsack

Concessions:Rebecca Reiss Becky Brown Beth Wood

Facilty/Security: Kaye Schweigert Helen Krichau

Finance:Joel Jensen Crista Jensen

First Aid:Victoria Halgren

Homerooms: Genelle Girthoffer Holly McCabe

Judge’s Hospitality:Darcy Cottone Janet Tuttle

Judge’s Tabulation:Wendy Lund Tina Peterkin Debi Tomkins

Marketing & Design:Jen Decker Kristi Townsend

Parent Volunteers:Liz Andreasen Angela Heckens

Parking Lot:Dave Jahn

Rentals:John Cottone

Signs:Lisa Gilliam Stephanie Guido

Social Media:Amber Olson

Student VolunteersMarty Armentrout Sue Ristow

T-Shirts:Kelly Loneman Molly Loneman

Video/Technology:Stan Segal

MILLARD NORTH DIRECTORS

Megan Tantillo boasts a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, with an emphasis in voice, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Megan currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Millard North High School. Her responsibilities include conducting 4 curricular choirs, directing the musical, teaching the International Baccalaureate Music course and serving as the head director of the three Millard North Show Choirs. In the past three show choir seasons, under the direction of a new choreographer and director, Millard North’s Varsity Show Choir “Infinity” received numerous awards including Grand Championships, best vocals, best choreography, best band and more. These were the first grand championship awards ever earned by Millard North. Megan is also in her 10th year of choreographing show choirs across Nebraska and eastern Iowa.

MEGAN TANTILLO

Infinity

Elizabeth Fritton Edit:Elizabeth Fritton graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2013. She is a Kodaly Certified Educator and is working toward a Master of Arts in Teaching degree through Morningside College. She is the K-6 music teacher at Springfield Elementary in Springfield, Nebraska where she also directs the Springfield Platteview Community Choir. Along with assistant directing and choreographing the musical at Millard North, she also directs the women’s show choir, Illumination.

FRITTON Illumination

Braxton Carr is in his second year with the Millard North High School Show Choir Program where he directs the prep show choir, Intensity. He is a current student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Glenn Korff School of Music where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Education degree. At UNL, Carr is involved in many choral ensembles including the University’s flagship choir, University Singers and the premier all-male a cappella group, the Bathtub Dogs. While not at Millard North, Carr spends his time as a freelance choreographer, choreographing 12 award winning middle school and high school show choirs as well as many summer camps in the Omaha area.

ELIZABETH

MILLARD NORTH INTENSITY

Members: Mark Abid Ali, Reagan Allen, Allison Ambrose, Aubree Baumhover, Maverick Berkland, Lauren Circo, Colin Colabello, Aisling Covell, Jenica David,Ryan Day, Lexi Degeorge, Ryann Deplanty, Alyssa Fleck, Ryan Furlong, Austin Garcia, Kelsey Giaffoglione, Autumn Givehand, Marinda Headlee, Adia Heath-Moody, Taylor Herman, Chloe Hoover, Marc Hoyer, Ashton Igo, Dawn Ikezue, Ian Imhoff, Ava Infante, Megan Jahn, Fodjo Kanmogne, Christian Lund, Sarah Maniskas, Clara Mardesen, Delaney McCoy, Evan McFadden, Cartney McGuigan, Grant Meacham, Max Monahan, Klaryssa Moran, Avery Moyer, Naren Narasimhan, John O’Donnell, Josie Parker, Tyler Peters, Kylee Preuss, Nolan Preuss, Carly Priest, Sam Sass, Amelia Vander Zwaag, Hannah Westenberg, Jeffrey Zimmerly

About: Intensity is one of three show choirs in a thriving choral program at Millard North High School. Intensity is made up of 50 singers and dancers and accompanied by a 15 piece combo, Insanity. Group members are involved in many activities outside of show choir, including marching band, orchestra, forensics, basketball, baseball, soccer, and the International Baccalaureate program.

Song List:

“Life Is Worth Living/Live Like We’re Dying”

“Wild Things”

“What Now” Soloist: Clara Mardesen “Poison”/”Man For All Seasons” Soloist: Autumn Givehand “Vegas Lights”

About:

MILLARD NORTH ILLUMINATION

Members: Bineesha Adhikari, Ashley Avila, Kira Belik, Abby Brown, Olivia Carusi, Timerra Chisham, Nicole Connolly, Zoe Cook, McKenna Cottone, Sydney Davis ,Olivia Eno, Taylor English, Lourdes Flowers, Alexandra Guido, Makenzi Hawk, Benita Ikezue, Katlyn Jenkins, Emma Klein, Ashlyn Leifsen, Ainsley Leitner, Rebecca Liebsack, Halle, Loneman, Madeline McCabe, McKinsey McCord, Delaynie McDonough, Rylie Mendez, Teghan Mottl, Sydney Olson, Bridget Peterkin, Michaela Petersen Jensen, Megan Pfeifer, Maggie Reiss, Alex Ristow, Paige Schettler, Madi Sharp, Kylie Smith, Chloe Smith, Jessica Stanard, Kaelie Tallant, Kaelynn Thomas, Kail Townsend, CeCe Tuttle, Kimberly Vanderhoof, Olivia Wharton-Hunt, Alice Young

From Millard North High School, Illumination is made up of 45 women, 14 crew members, and backed by the 14 piece combo, Insanity. Group members are involved in many activities outside of show choir, including forensics, volleyball, theater productions, marching band, and the International Baccalaureate program. Past memorable performances include Millard West’s “Singsation”, “Westwood Jubilation”, and Norris’s “Fields of Talent”. Directed by Elizabeth Fritton, choreographed by Melissa and Ben Eklund, and costumed by Gail McInnis, Illumination is proud to present their 2017-2018 show, “Young Hearts”.

Director: Elizabeth Fritton

Division: Single Gender/Exibition

Choreographer: Melissa and Ben Eklund

Show Band Directors: Nick Johnson

Number of Singers: 45

Number in Band: 14

Number in Stage Crew: 14

Song List: “Young Hearts” Soloist: Maddie McCabe “Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool”

“Stand In The Light” Soloists: McKenna Cottone & Maddie McCabe

“Ain’t It Fun” “Grown”

MILLARD NORTH INFINITY

Brett Andreasen, Angie Arispe, Stephanie Avila, Emma Barben, Sophia Coniglio, Julian Cruz, Kylie Decker, Madelyn Dickey, Klayton Dohn, Adrian Enzastiga, Mikayla Fees, Elise Fossler, Lindsey Fridrich, Justin Fristoe, Trevor Fristoe, Hannah Gilliam, Aiden Girthoffer, Thomas Halgren, Elijah Harner, Kaleb Heckens, Austin Infante, Faith Jahn, Alyssa Jarabek, Luke Jensen, Abbey Kegley, Zachary Krichau, Sophia Kriz, Harley Lalley, Sierra Lancaster, Gillian Lao, Adam Lesher, Allison Lund, Charlie Maas, Kyra McCollum, Ryan Mendez, Tatum Morris, Brandon Mueting, Aden Murnane, Aron Murnane, Jacob Oetken, Lucy Peterkin, Hannah Reikofski, Dylan Richardson, Ben Schweigert, Sara Segal, Garret Starman, Joseph Stout, Luke Stursma, Jacob Van Riesen, Eden Vanarsdall, Aryal Wilson, Jenna Wohlers, Joree Wood

About:

Millard North High School is proud to present their premier show choir ensemble: Infinity. Infinity is comprised of 53 singers and dancers, 14 crew members and backed by the 14 piece combo, Insanity. All students are highly involved in activities such as marching band, orchestra, forensics, debate, track, cross country, soccer and the International Baccalaureate program. Infinity is directed by Megan Tantillo and choreographed by Ben and Melissa Eklund. Infinity is proud to present their 2017/2018 show: 1861, The Heart Of War.

Director: Megan Tantillo

Division: Open/Exibition

Choreographer: Melissa and Ben Eklund Show Band Directors: Nick Johnson Number of Singers: 53 Number in Band: 14 Number in Stage Crew: 14

MILLARD NORTH STAGE CREW

Insanity Show Band: Luke Henderson, Katie Hill, Amelia Holt, Alyssa Jarabek, Daniel Liebsack, Christian Lund, Charlie Maas, Aden Murnane, Addison Roth, Josh Sabata, Jackson Stull, Brad Theis, Nick Tortorilla, Sofia Vander Zwaag, Jordan West

NICK JOHNSON Show Band Director

ADAM DEIDEL Production Director

Show Choir Stage Crew:

Jaynie Barber, Ashley Carlson, Sydney Coniglio, Zachary Klimowicz, Braxton Kramer, Julia Loneman, Clay Loneman, Samantha Lu, Abby Plank, Michaela Pullum, William Stout, Matt Vavricek, Elijah Wagoner, MJ Waterhouse

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Greta Morris is a 2013 graduate of Millard North High School and was a member of the Millard North Show Choirs for 4 years. Greta is one of the original members of the first Show Choir when the program was started at Millard North in 2009. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and now works for ABC News in New York City. While at Millard North, Greta was involved in many activities, but one of her favorite (besides show choir) was appearing in the lead role of Millard North Musical “Legally Blonde” as Elle Woods alongside Kyle who played Warner. She is excited to be back at Millard North serving as Emcee with him!

Kyle Tompkins is a 2014 graduate of Millard North High School. He held a variety of roles during his four years with the show choir program including show band director for the prep group, Intensity; accompanist for the women’s group, Illumination; and was a two year dance captain for the varsity ensemble, Infinity. Upon his graduation from the University of Minnesota in May 2018, Kyle will be working in the banking industry in Minneapolis. He is thrilled to be back at his alma mater to host the second annual Galaxy of the Stars show choir competition!

Greta Morris

Kyle Tompkins

Greta and Kyle: Millard North Show Choir 2013

ELKHORN HS EXC!AMATION

Exc!amation is a prep show choir at Elkhorn High School comprised of 52 students, grades 9-12. Over the past few years, Exc!amation has competed at several show choir competitions in the area, including Gretna’s Primetime (1st place 2015 & 2016), Millard West’s Singsation, Elkhorn South’s Crystal Cup, Grand Island Senior High’s Islander Competition, and Omaha North’s Viking Cup Competition (1st place in 2016). Our 2018 show expresses the compassion and understanding exhibited in a quote from Tony Award winning playwright J.T. Rogers: “I wanted to know how it feels to stand in front of my enemy and see them as a human.” Gratitude to: Melanie Walters (choreographer and teacher extraordinaire), EHS show choir parents, our costume/chaperone moms, our set/prop/ costume rack-building dads, pARTners, Mr. Rom, and EHS & EPS administrators for your unconditional love and support of our program.

MILLARD WEST HS SWING CATS

Millard West’s Swing Cats are thrilled to be performing today! The group includes 65 talented musicians, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors. Scats members aim for excellence both on and off the stage. Swing Cats are extremely involved with their academics and numerous other activities outside of show choir. They are enrolled in many honors and AP courses, maintain exemplary grades, and prove wonderful role models in the Millard West community. Special thanks to their wonderful crew, spectacular 10 member show band, and amazing parents who volunteer countless hours of their time to help. This year’s show is all about the many roads we travel. This year’s Swing Cats are going places! Buckle Up!

402.904.5153 5400 S. 56th Street, #300 Lincoln, NE 68516

LINCOLN EAST HS ELEVATION

Elevation is the prep mixed show choir at East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is made up of 31 freshman-through-junior singer-dancers, a rhythm section, and a supplemental crew. This year, Elevation travels to Papillion LaVista South “Titan Classic,” Lincoln Southwest “Showdown,” Norris “Fields of Talent,” Sioux City East, Iowa “Sing All About It,” and Millard North “Galaxy of the Stars” for competition, in addition to hosting our 3rd “Spartan Spectacular.” Elevation’s 2017-18 show encourages us to achieve higher goals, celebrating our achievements along the way and striving for what is true and beautiful in this world, even if we journey alone. We hope our show inspires our audience to reach for the heights!

WAUKEE HS SPIRIT

Spirit is the prep group from Waukee High School and is comprised of 66 singers and dancers in grades 10-12 many of whom are involved in a variety of activities outside of the music department. The Waukee Show Choir choir program, which of made up of 8 ensembles, has earned a reputation of excellence, consistently earning top honors at festivals and competitions across the midwest. Recent awards include: Outstanding Male and Female Soloists; Best Choreography, Best Vocals, First Place in Prep Division. Spirit is proud to be a part of the award-winning, comprehensive vocal music program at Waukee High School. Spirit is under the direction of Kathryn Mosiman, Kevin Palu, and Caroline Edgeton and is choreographed by Nick Quamme.

BURKE HS ONYX OVATION

Onyx Ovation is in its 2nd year of existence as Burke’s women’s show choir. The choir consists of 14 young women of varying ages and choir experience. The choir competed in its first season last year and is excited to show its growth in only two short years. This year’s show is entitled “Be The Light,” which encourages all people to be accepting of others and to be the positive influence or “the light” in someone’s life. Onyx Ovation would like to thank Millard North High School for hosting this event and wish everyone the best of luck in their performances today.

AURORA HS IMPACT

Impact is a 15 member show choir with a six member band in its third year of existence. In its short lifetime, this group of ladies has improved immensely and is growing as musicians and performers, and in 2017 received a gold award at NCDA in Central City, placed 2nd at UNO Show Choir Festival in the Class B women’s division, 1st in Prep at Lincoln Northeast’s The Rock and 3rd in the women’s division at Millard North’s Galaxy of Stars.

In 2018, Impact will be competing at NCDA in Central City, Wahoo’s Court of Champions, The Islander Invitational in Grand Island, The Rock at Lincoln Northeast and Galaxy of Stars at Millard North. They are accompanied by Raychel Brooks, Choreographed by Katie Esters, Arranged by Jacob Lee and Directed by Jason Frew.

MILLARD SOUTH HS STAGE ONE

Stage One ladies are ready to make a splash this competition season with their show “Ripple in the Water.” Stage One is comprised of 55 freshmen-seniors. We are so grateful to our families and friends for all of their love and support! A special thanks to our 16-member crew and 16-member Band, under the direction of Mr. Ross Whiston. You can see us performing this year at Ralston Ramageddon, Sioux Falls Roosevelt Executive Showcase, Bishop Heelan Crusader Classic, Omaha North Viking Cup, and Millard North Galaxy of the Stars. Stage One is under the direction of Mrs. Amy Wesely, accompanied by Mrs. Sherri Watson, and choreographed by Melanie Walters and Melissa Eklund. Best wishes to all the other performing groups!

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LINCOLN EAST HS ELEGANCE

Elegance is the select women’s show choir at East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Made up of 47 sophomore-through-senior singer-dancers, 23 student instrumentalists, and a supplemental crew, Elegance earned a spot in the finals round at two competitions in 2017. This year, Elegance travels to Papillion LaVista South “Titan Classic,” Lincoln Southwest “Showdown”, Norris “Fields of Talent”, Sioux City East, Iowa “Sing All About It,” and Millard North “Galaxy of the Stars” for competition, in addition to hosting our 3rd “Spartan Spectacular.” Elegance’s 2017-18 show explores the complexity of “truth” and “honesty.” We hope our show rings true with our audiences!

MILLARD WEST HS UPTOWN GIRLS

Millard West Uptown Girls are comprised of 54 unique and talented women, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors. These girls absolutely love to perform and always strive to leave an enthusiastic impact on their audience. The Uptown Girls take pride in performance, while remaining extremely involved with their honors and AP academic courses and various activities outside of show choir. Their show wouldn’t be possible without their 21 member band, “Fine Musicians” under the guidance of Jordan Newhouse, 15 member crew and amazing parents who go above and beyond. Good luck to all performers today!

PLATTSMOUTH HS SAPPHIRE & ICE

Sapphire and Ice is an auditioned ensemble from Plattsmouth High School. They are comprised of 20 freshman through senior members. They are so excited to be at Millard North today and proudly present their show titled: “Dreaming of You.” Under the direction of Chris Work with choreography by Joel Johnston, please welcome Sapphire and Ice.

Song List/Theme: “Ignition”

“Once Upon a Dream” Soloist: Lexie Kuhn “When Love Takes Over” “When the Love Runs Out” Soloist: Griffin Gillen “Once Upon a Dream” Soloist: Kaitlyn Merrill “You Make My Dreams Come True”

AURORA HS RHAPSODY

Over the past seven years, this group has morphed and changed into to a show choir that has doubled in size and competes aggressively against class A and AA schools, some fives times the size of Aurora. In 2017, Rhapsody has received Gold at NCDA Show Choir Festival, 2nd place in Class B at the UNO Show Choir Festival, 2nd place in Class B at Norris’ Fields of Talent and 2nd overall, Best Show Design and Outstanding Dance at Lincoln Northeast’s The Rock. In 2018, their competition schedule includes NCDA Show Choir Festival in Central City, Wahoo’s Court of Champions, The Islander Invitational in Grand Island, Lincoln Northeast’s The Rock and Millard North’s Galaxy of Stars. They are accompanied by Raychel Brooks, arranged by Nick Dahlquist, choreographed by Melissa Eklund and Directed by Jason Frew.

WICHITA ALL-CITY FLIGHT

The Wichita Flight Showchoir is incredibly excited to BEE returning to the competition circuit this season. Flight created quite a buzz four years ago when they were uniquely established as Wichita’s only competitive showchoir, giving students in the Wichita area the opportunity to participate in the arts in a way that wasn’t offered in their community before. The members of Flight are busy bees, meeting once weekly while remaining active and involved at their respective schools and in the Wichita Community. Flight students enjoy working with guest clinicians, long road trips and bonding over donuts. They received the honor of being named “Most Promising New Program” at the FAME Aspire Awards in 2016. Thanks to our amazing Flight Fam Hive and everyone who has supported Flight in our goal to bring showchoir to Kansas. Flight wishes an incredible season full of growth and unBEElievable memories to all of the groups competing.

MILLARD SOUTH HS SOUTH ON STAGE

South on Stage (SOS) invites you to face the things about yourself that you try to hide. We are all afraid, at times, to be seen as we truly are. Journey with us as we expose our fears and hurt, and then learn to love and be loved for who we are. This year, SOS will compete at Ralston Ramageddon, Sioux Falls Roosevelt Executive Showcase, Bishop Heelan Crusader Classic, Omaha North Viking Cup, and Millard North Galaxy of the Stars. SOS is made up of 58 passionate and hard-working freshmen-seniors. We are accompanied by our awesome 16-member Crew and 12-member Band, under the direction of Mr. Ross Whiston, accompanied by Mrs. Sherri Watson. SOS is under the direction of Mrs. Amy Wesely, and choreographed by Anne Chapman and Melanie Walters. Thank you to all of our friends & family who are here to cheer us on! Best of luck to all the other performers: “Stand in the light and be seen as you are!”

Song List/Theme: “Waving Through a Window” Soloist: Ben Ray “Shatter Me” Soloists: Paying Lor & Maegan Hanway “Beautiful Things”/“Stand in the Light” Soloist: Odelia Amenyah “Brand New”/“Born This Way” “Raise You Up”/ “Just Be” Soloists: Mia Dibble & Shaina Smith

LINCOLN EAST HS EXPRESS

Express’ 2017-18 show celebrates one of America’s most beloved group of superheroes: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! From their Radioactive ooze-influenced origin, we see the start of their friendship with April O’Neil, the appearance of the evil Shredder, April’s kidnapping, heroes rising up as warriors, and a celebration by all after saving April and defeating Shredder! Express is the varsity mixed show choir at East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Made up of 60 sophomore-through-senior singer-dancers and 23 student instrumentalists, Express travels to Papillion LaVista South “Titan Classic,” Lincoln Southwest “Showdown”, Norris “Fields of Talent”, Sioux City East, Iowa “Sing All About It,” and Millard North “Galaxy of the Stars” for competition, in addition to hosting our 3rd “Spartan Spectacular.”“Spartan Spectacular.”

ELKHORN HS EXCEL

Excel students are are active in athletics, band, school clubs, their jobs, their churches, and are volunteers and leaders in the Elkhorn High community and beyond. Over the past few seasons, Excel has competed in the finals division at many competitions, receiving Grand Champion honors and caption awards including Best Costumes, Best Male Soloist/Performer, Best Ballad, Best Band, Best Vocals, and Best Choreography. Excel is excited to share the stage today with their friends from so many other ensembles, sending best wishes of great performances! Gratitude to: Melanie Walters (choreographer extraordinaire), EHS show choir parents, our costume/chaperone moms, our set/prop/ costume rack-building dads, pARTners, Mr. Rom, and EHS & EPS administrators for your unconditional love and support of our program.

ROCK BRIDGE HS CITY LIGHTS

Rock Bridge City Lights is the mixed show choir from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. City Lights has 35 singer/dancers with a 9 member combo and 7 member crew. This year, City Lights has competed at Pleasant Hill High School’s “Battle of the Best” Show Choir Festival and placed 2nd Runner Up. They also have competed at the Harrisonville Invitational and Carthage Show Choir Festival. This year, City Lights joined their “friends in show choir” in Columbia, Battle High Battalion, to raise money for The Children’s Grove through their annual Charity Benefit Concert. This money will be used to support local youth in their struggle with mental illness.

MILLARD WEST HS WEST IN THE GROOVE

West in the Groove is ecstatic to be sharing the stage with so many awesome performers today! Along with show choir, WIG members balance a multitude of extra-curricular activities and honors/AP courses at Millard West. They strive to be exemplary leaders in their school, as well as in the show choir community. Join WIG on a journey to Old Hollywood! West in the Groove would like to give a special thanks to the parents who spend countless hours helping their show, their marvelous 15 member crew, and their outstanding 21 member show band, “Groovehouse” under the guidance of Jordan Newhouse. Arranged by Luke Furman & Brock Keiper, choreographed by Stephen Todd & Stephani Hyatt, and under the direction of Zack Bjornsen and Thomas Young, WIG encourages you to Set Yourself Free and RISE! Best of luck to all performing groups today!

WAUKEE HS MILLENNIUM

Millennium is the varsity show choir from Waukee High School and is comprised of 56 singers and dancers in grades 10-12. Many of these students whom are involved in a variety of activities outside of the music department. The Waukee Choir program, which of made up of 8 curricular ensembles, has earned a reputation of excellence, consistently earning top honors at festivals and competitions across the midwest. Recent awards for Millennium include: Outstanding Male and Female Soloists; Best Choreography, Best Vocals, and Grand Champion. Millennium is proud to be a part of the award-winning, comprehensive vocal music program at Waukee High School. Millennium is under the direction of Jeff Knutson, Kevin Palu, and Caroline Edgeton and is choreographed by Jarad Voss and Tori Burns.

GALAXY OF THE STARS JUDGES

Kevin Chase is a freelance choreographer based out of Des Moines, IA. He started his career as a director and choreographer at Bemidji High School in Bemidji, MN from 2003 to 2009. Kevin choreographs around 30 groups a year ranging from the middle school, high school, and college levels, and travels all over the midwest and south choreographing, serving as a guest clinician, and adjudicating competitions.

Kevin Chase has many groups who consistently place in their divisions and many have gone on to win several Grand Champion & Best Choreography awards. In 2011, Kevin was awarded ‘Best New Choreographer’ at the FAME Aspire Awards, and in 2014, 2016, and 2017, he was awarded the FAME Aspire ‘Visual Vanguard’ award. He is honored to be involved in so many show choir programs around the country, and is so thankful for all the directors, students, parents, administrations, and communities that support them!

KEVIN CHASE

Wes Hansmeyer is a 1996 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education; and a 2006 graduate of Doane College, Crete, NE, where he earned a Masters in Educational Leadership. Wes is currently in his 22nd year of teaching and is currently vocal music teacher at Norris High School in Firth, NE (14 of those years). At Norris, Wes teaches Titan Singers, Titan Chorale, Titanaires, Gold, 68th Street Singers, 7th Grade Choir, and 8th Grade Choir.

Wes also co-directs the fall high school musical and spring 7th/8th grade musical. In 2009, the Nebraska Choral Directors Association chose Wes as the recipient of the Nebraska Choral Director of the Year and in 2011 Nebraska Wesleyan presented Wes with the Outstanding Music Alumni Award. Wes is a Past- President of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association and has also served as Show Choir R&S Chair. Wes is married to Jane; and has a five-yearold son, Marcus; and an eleven-year-old son, Thomas.

Nolan Henkle is the Assistant Director of Choral Activities for Ankeny Centennial in Ankeny, IA. He is in charge of directing the mixed curricular choir Centennial Singers and the advanced women’s ensemble Cantamus. He has had the honor of working with Project X and Eternal Rush--two of our four high school show choirs. He loves his job and is proud to say that his students far surpass his expectations every day!

Nolan started his college journey at Duke University, but he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts with a bachelors degree in Music Education. In college, Nolan performed a lot in musical theatre productions, operas, a cappella groups, and multiple choral ensembles. His goal, now, is to make sure that he offers these same lifechanging experiences to the students of Ankeny Centennial!

NOLAN HENKLE

In his free time, he loves to aggressively cheer for his Atlanta Braves, his Huskers, and his Duke Blue Devils. He also loves to stay caught up on his guilty pleasure--Netflix.

WES HANSMEYER

GALAXY OF THE STARS JUDGES

Trent Buglewicz is an Associate Director of Choral Activities at Linn-Mar High School. He is in his fourth year of teaching at Linn-Mar, directing the curricular choirs Chamber Singers, Bella Voce, Concert Chorale, and Fortis; as well as the Varsity Show choir 10th Street Edition. He also teaches A.P. Music Theory.

Trent graduated with his Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He completed his student teaching in Papillion, Nebraska under the guidance of Cheri Helmer-Riensche.

Trent is an avid baseball, basketball, and football fan that is constantly watching and struggling to play at any opportunity. He absolutely loves his career at Linn-Mar High School and can’t wait for another year of teaching the fantastic students that come through his door.

TRENT BUGLEWICZ

Melissa Eklund is a freelance choreographer currently residing in Lincoln, Nebraska but originally from Keller, Texas. A trained singer and dancer, she fell in love with show choir the moment she had been introduced. She attended Central High School and was a part of the first ever nationally competitive show choir (Voices of Central) in the state. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she studied Music Education. At UNL, she was a dedicated member of the Women’s Chorale, the college’s top concert choir, University Singers, as well as the university’s nationally known show choir, Big Red Singers. She spent many years as a counselor, choreographer’s assistant, choreography intern, and most recently, co-choreographer at the Nebraska Show Choir Camp.

Melissa has since returned to UNL to complete a degree in Elementary Education and continue her passion for teaching. When she is not teaching her sweet first graders, Melissa is choreographing for over 20 show choirs in the Midwest. Many of the schools Melissa choreographs for consistently make finals as well as receive Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band honors. Several of the schools she works for have hired her to design their costumes and create custom hair and makeup looks for their ensemble. Additionally, Melissa choreographs musicals, assists other award winning and successful choreographers, clinics numerous show choirs, and judges various competitions. Melissa is both honored and excited to be judging the second annual Galaxy of the Stars today!

Ann Thomas, MN Bookkeeper

Jeff Yost, MN Technology

Millard North Custodial Staff GOTS Volunteers

GALAXY OF THE STARS JUDGES

Lexi Robson is originally from Ankeny, Iowa. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has lived and performed in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Chicago, and New York City, but currently resides in Marion, Iowa. Lexi attended Oklahoma City University on scholarship where she graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance.

Since graduation, Lexi has completed two contracts with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line dancing through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas on the Navigator of the Seas and as the Dance Captain on the Enchantment of the Seas.

LEXI ROBSON

Lexi is a full-time freelance choreographer, clinician, and adjudicator working with over 30 high school and college show choirs and dance teams across the country and teaching at many performing arts camps. Her groups consistently achieve high placements and have won numerous awards for best choreography, design, and visual effect. In 2016 and 2017, Lexi was nominated for the Aspire Award of ‘Best New Choreographer’ at the Fame Show Choir National Finals in Chicago.

After growing up intensely training and studying the art of dance, Lexi is thrilled to share her passion and knowledge with equally passionate kids and directors all over the country.

Heath Weber is the Associate Dean for Performing Arts at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Weber’s work as Dean allows him access to the regions finest students and faculty in music, theatre and dance. Prior to his appointment at Morningside, Heath Weber has worked in public school music education at all levels, K-12. Choirs and show choirs under his direction were awarded top honors at State, Regional and National levels.

Weber has directed the South Dakota Ambassadors of Excellence for over two decades. During this tenure, Weber has led the group on 7 global performance tours reaching 5 continents and 20 countries, most recently returning from a trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2013.

Weber has also appeared on the North Central ACDA convention as a presenter on Assessment in the choral classroom. His most recent presentation, “Building Creativity: A Do-It-Yourself Guide” was delivered to the Iowa Choral Directors Association Summer Symposium.

Weber is Board President and Bass performer in the GRAMMY nominated South Dakota Chorale. The chorale tours regionally and nationally and has released three CDs, their most recent release, Tyberg Masses earned them three GRAMMY nominations; Best Choral Performance, Best Surround Sound and Best Engineered-Classical.

As clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, Heath is in high demand across the Midwest. His work with summer enrichment opportunities, team building and leadership training keeps his schedule full. When time permits, you can find him soaking up the sun by the lake on lazy summer weekends!

HEATH WEBER