The weekend was a study in mathmatics. 4 times 4 equaled sweet 16 for the Varsity Show Choir, Riverside Company. Four top awards, Best Band, Best Choreography, Best Vocals and Grand Champion in all four of this seasons competitions equate to a perfect 16 in the tough sport of show choir. The OldAbe Winterfest Memorial Event held in Eau Claire was also the first time that all three choirs traveled to compete. Prep groups Upstage Revolution and the all girl Divaz joined Riverside Company in a full day of performances. One great feature of this event, is that all performances are livestreamed free of charge over the school’s television so parents and grandparents all over the country could watch in real time, when each choir took the stage. At the end of preliminary competition, Upstage was named best prep group and Divaz took 2nd. That meant that Upstage would then be included in the evening Finals and join Varsity group Riverside Company. The Riverside Band and the Upstage Back Up Bands then received best band awards in their respective classes. Following the Finals which conclude at about 10PM, The MC announced the long-awaited results.
In addition to the group placings, individual awards went to Michael Gapp from Upstage for best male soloist and show stopper awards went to Tori Lillie and Lauren Mattmiller. Also, Becca Francis and Annie Fox accompanied by Sara Lund and Mikki Becker were chosen as the outstanding duet of the day in the solo/ ensemble competition. The two prep groups will travel this Saturday to Logan High School in LaCrosse for another competition with all groups performing the last week in February on the 27th for the Hastings Invitational, Swingin on the River. The remainder of the season will have Riverside traveling to Totino Grace in Fridley and the Weaton -Warrenville Illinois contest on March 12th where they will compete against some of the nation’s best choirs including Buffalo Grove, Carmel, John Burroughs and Waubonsie Valley. (Photo by director Lin Warren)
