By Mackenzie Arthur / staff writer
Last year, Crimson Heat and Diamond Sensations both were ISSMA State Show Choir finalists. This year, both groups received the state finalists title again.
The road back to state started with both groups earning Grand Champion at a state qualifier competition at Mooresville High School on Feb. 28.
After not receiving a Grand Champion award in the past two years, Crimson Heat was thrilled to receive one this season.
“We hadn’t won a Grand Champion in the past two or three seasons, so it was just really exciting for that. To just be recognized for our work (was great),” senior dance captain Madeline Flint said.
Along with Crimson Heat, Diamond Sensations also earned the Grand Champion award at Mooresville. They also received the caption award for Best Visuals.
“It’s so hard to explain, because it just means so much. We get so excited and being able to see the hard work paid off. We can all just feel relieved that we put so much into something and not only are the judges seeing it, but the audience is seeing it, we’re all seeing it. Mr. (Michael) Dean is proud of us. It’s just really cool to win something after working hard all season,” sophomore dance captain Elizabeth Hunter said.
For Crimson Heat, earning a spot at state meant something more on a deeper level.
“We felt recognized for our hard work. We felt excited to be able to show off to some of the best groups in our division. We could show off our skills and talents and it was exciting,” senior dance captain Jude Gibbs said.
In preparation for state, Crimson Heat spent extra time perfecting movements and cleaning vocals.
“We had the whole week off and then Friday we came back and had a three-hour rehearsal. We really just did an overview of the whole show. We checked to make sure blocking didn’t need to be changed due to spring break absences. We really made sure to check on our technique and artistry,” Flint said.
Throughout the season, members of Crimson Heat found special moments in supporting other show choirs at competitions.
“It really builds culture. It’s great seeing other schools. It’s amazing seeing how all these voices can come together to create these large productions that you see (at competition). Watching people you look up to and seeing what’s in someone else’s show can help improve yours,” sophomore Garrett Benson said.
Coming off of an impressive season, Crimson Heat members were grateful for the opportunity to perform one last time alongside each other at state.
“State was such a revelation. It’s when it finally set in that I wouldn’t compete with this group ever again. I think that gave us all the energy and passion to give a great performance,” Gibbs said.
After months of dedication, Diamond Sensations placed fifth at ISSMA State Show Choir Finals.
“I think it was very validating because as a group we put in so much effort and work. We practice two days a week and we have class everyday. To make it to state just validates the hard work we put in all year,” senior Diamond Sensations president Sophia Munson said.
While hard work and grit are important, the heart of Diamonds lies in friendship and support.
“The atmosphere of Diamonds is incredibly supportive and fun. We talk about our favorite music and joke about the songs we are assigned when we break out into our voice part sections. There is always someone to lean on when you need support, we’re like a family,” senior Diamond Sensations secretary Lydia Wilson said.
Due to spring break absences, Wilson was able to perform alongside two friends at State Show Choir Finals, her last show choir performance.
“My favorite memory of the season was definitely getting to perform in a trio with two girls I have been in choir with since I joined my sophomore year at state finals. It made me emotional to see how much we have all grown since then,” Wilson said.
With the end of two memorable competition seasons coming to a close, seniors reflect on their experience participating in show choir.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. There are tangible outcomes. It’s an extracurricular like nothing else. I’ve done sports and I’ve done clubs, but show choir is different. You are with these people so much. Competition season consumes my life, but in a good way. The people in the choir with me are like my family by the end of the season,” Munson said.
