In a story we’ve been covering here on KDWA, a local team was featured in a national competition. The Hastings Varsity Show Choir, Riverside Company, directed by Lin Warren, traveled to Nashville, TN to participate as one of the nation’s 10 top mixed choirs invited to the National Show Choir Competition the Grand Ole Opry Stage. The 50-student choir was named 4th runner up in the preliminary round, which then advanced them to the finals where they also finished 4th runner up overall. The BUB, or Back Up Band, led by John Hanson, was named Best Combo in preliminaries, and Outstanding Combo in Finals. Hanson spoke with KDWA from Nashville, just moments after the announcement on Saturday and first talks about the level of competition at the national level.
Hanson was also asked for his reaction to the honor.
Community members and parents lined the darkened parking lot at the High School hoisting signs and balloons in the glow of car headlights on Sunday night to show their pride in the nationally acclaimed choir. Director Warren expressed his thanks for the support for this program and considers himself blessed to be a part of such a committed team. The choir is part of the trio of performance groups including more than 180 singer/dancers, musicians and crew that will begin the selection process for next year’s season in May. For photos of this season’s remarkable success, visit the choir’s website at www.hastingsshowchoir.com.
(photo by Kelly Casey)
