With Show Choir about a month away from their competition season a lot of students are reflecting on all of the new changes that have come this season.
This year introduced 3 new directors. They got a new head director, Edgar Estrada, who came to us from Pius X in Lincoln. Along with two assistant directors, Kaylee Snowardt and Bradyn Bode, who are alumni to the program. Making the total number of alumni directors up to four out of the five directors they currently have in the program.
“The alumni were obvious leaders while in school. They had ways to work with and communicate with peers that stood out and were far above even what other leaders did while they were here” The Show Choir coordinator, and past director, Ms. Sweets notes.
Having alumni in the program isn’t new to the students, having William Keller and Laura Spieler join the directing team in the last couple years at their own times. Keller specifically works with the show band, but he was a member of the choir itself when he was a student.
“I think it’s nice to have alumni being in charge because they have been in the group and understand the dynamics better.” Junior Hailey Linnell, a member of South on Stage, says.
The community and environment have been harped on as the most important thing for a show choir and its success inside and outside of the competitions.
“Estrada became extremely highly recommended by other professionals who understand that the human aspect and the human connection and each individual is what is most important before the flashily show and the competition.” Ms. Sweets says.
Mr. Estrada acts as the head director of the show choir program and works with both groups on their show. He introduced a new choreographer to both groups, Braxton Carr, who is also a Millard South Show Choir alumni. He works with both of the groups, and teaches them dances based on the show the directors design.
“He is also an alumni and I think that him coming back made him want us to do great and give us the hard stuff even when we think it’s too hard.” Sophomore Charlotte Vanek, a member of Stage One, notes.
Overall the rehearsal process has changed a lot, thanks to a lot to the alumni being in the very program they are teaching.
What kind of Show Choir kid are you?
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