The Harmony Gold Show Choir (HGSC) has reached the highest honor of competition for the first time in its seventeen-year history.

On Saturday, April 22, WJ’s performers will travel to Chicago with only eleven other teams to compete at the Fame National Show Choir Championship.  The HGSC earned their ticket to nationals by winning the first runner-up trophy at the regional championship in Branson, Missouri.

Walsh’s “Year 2000” performance theme has impressed the judges at six competitions this season.  Alumni Volunteer Mr. Vince Matia attributed Harmony Gold’s success to their “professionalism and cleanness with the entirety of their production.”

Despite HGSC’s outstanding achievements on the national level, favorite memories were made during the regular season. Senior Matt Blasio stated, “The most memorable part for me was being the first to host the Great Lakes Invitational competition.” Blasio also values the smaller events such as “dance parties before award ceremonies.”

Although the senior members will miss Harmony Gold very much, the special bonds they forged within the group will be equally missed. Mr. David Banks, the show choir’s director, observed that Harmony Gold’s “drive to go far and the chemistry among the group is like no other.”

HGSC is eager to display their talent on the national level, especially given their dedication and intense practices. In addition to vocal and choreographic exercises, practice sessions now include running and other forms of cardio training. Cara Heupler, ’17, explained that “show choir is a lot harder than most people think because the shows last for 15 minutes and the dancing almost feels like sprinting. And we have to sing at the same time, so staying in shape is necessary to perform to the best of our ability.”

Margo Tipping, ’20, further described the extensive training the performers go through: “We start with a summer vocal camp and then do a dance camp for a week with professional choreographers from L.A. They help us learn the set which we practice several times a week during a rehearsal that takes about two hours. The number of rehearsals increases as the competition gets closer, too. It’s gets pretty intense, but all the time and energy really pays off when it’s time to compete with other schools.”

After months of preparation and forming strong bonds, Harmony Gold is eager to take to the big stage in Chicago.  Sophomore Madeline Salata expressed the group’s thoughts: “At first we were very nervous about competing against the best show choirs in the country. But we recently learned that we will perform last, just before the awards are announced. That is absolutely the best spot to be in.” She added, “We have nothing to lose and plan to give it our absolute best.”