Show Choir is a vocal ensemble that combines choral singing along with choreography. A Show Band is also paired to enhance the performance! A performance may often be built around a theme and the members wear costumes, similar to a theatre production. This group will not only perform for the Community of Washington, but will compete against other schools with the competitive season taking place during the winter and spring months.
Being in Show Choir creates skills and tools that go beyond singing and dancing. You form skills in building relationships, time management, and creating a strong work ethic. Universities and colleges recognize that students who remain in Show Choir throughout high school are more successful in college because of their ability to commit to and balance such a rigorous program with academics, and the life skills they develop which help them navigate life after high school.
Down below is the Show Choir Handbook.
Please refer to this as often as needed.
When do we rehearse?
We will have a show choir choreography retreat to go over show choir basics on March 27th
Starting the week we come back from Spring break, we will have 2 morning rehearsals then the choreo retreat.
Starting the first week of April, we will rehearse twice a week. 1 evening rehearsal and one morning rehearsal.
A schedule is available in the show choir handbook. Any changes will be announced with as much notice as possible.
Are there any costs?
There are small fees that are associated with Show Choir such as Shirt, Adventureland ticket, Adventureland food money, Sheet Music, etc. These costs will equal roughly $30 a year for each student.
Payment Plans, Sponsorships, and are available for students needing extra support.
All costs will need to be submitted by March 27th (at the choreo retreat)
Can I be in another activity and do Show Choir at the same time?
Absolutely! Students who are involved make for the best leaders! Let's work together to create a schedule that sets you up for success. The entire practice schedule has been designed with sports and other evening activities in mind.
What if I have no experience in Singing or Dancing?
You never know until you try! All you need is a positive attitude and drive for excellence.
What happens when I join Show Choir? / Physical & Concussion
You will be enrolled in Choir as classes. Show Choir is so that I have your emergency contact information, and class schedules.
You will be asked to sign a Show Choir Handbook/Contract at the beginning of the school year. This contract will have the Show Choir schedule for the year, rules and expectations, costs/fees, and more. It will serve as your roadmap for this new activity!
You will fill out an informational "About You" sheet. This will have activities and organizations that you are a part of! This helps me to build a better schedule, get to know you, and be aware of any events that come up.
How long is the season? How many performance? / How many competitions are there?
A typical COMPETITIVE Show Choir season (like HS' "Cinematics") will last from the middle of Fall to the middle of March.
This timeline is tougher to guess because of community and home performances.
A typical NON-COMPETITIVE Show Choir season (like MS' "DeVox") will typically last one full quarter.
We will begin with a Choreography workshop AFTER spring break. This will be where students are taught the basics of show choir choreography. This will be learned with practice videos & tracks.
Regular rehearsals will begin in March. We will practice until May OR once we have no further performances.
The goal is to perform at 1 Community Event, 1 Travel Event, and 1 School Event. These will vary from the end of March through the beginning of May. Dates will be announced during Q2-3. Times/Schedules for these events will be given closer to the event.
What kind of songs do we sing?
Each show consists of 3 songs that create a total performance of 8-10 Minutes. Also, every year's Show is based around a theme or idea. Songs are selected with the goal to match that topic. Songs genres range from Pop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Rock, and much more!
Where did the name come from?
The name of DeVox is inherited from the what was previously being operated as an all year, auditioned POP choir that met outside of the school day.
Any other questions?
Please contact Mr. Gorman through email at - dgorman@washington.k12.ia.us! Show Choir is still brand new to the community, and there are MANY questions that may still surround it. I am more than happy to answer any and all questions that you have about this process.
I want us to have the most success as possible. And I want you to be a part of that success!
Show Choir Screening INFORMATION:
Tentative Final Auditions will be held in mid to late February after all honor choirs are complete.
PLACEMENTS WILL BE POSTED OUTSIDE THE CHOIR ROOM PRIOR TO SPRING BREAK
Email Gorman for more information on the video this year!
Click the BUTTON BELOW to seek more information YEAR LONG practices and scheduling: