On Feb. 3, Bonita Vista High’s (BVH) gymnasium was transformed into the performance grounds for Vocal Music Department’s (VMD) show choir debut. The show featured two performances from BVH’s show choirs: Sound Unlimited and Music Machine. The show choirs performed their new competition sets to an audience for the first time.
Each set was composed of various songs that form a cohesive story and theme. Sound Unlimited’s set told the story of a road trip and featured costumes that reflected a 70s theme. Music Machine’s set had a flashy party theme that showed a narrative of a group of party-goers getting stuck in an elevator at a rooftop party. The two sets will be used by their respective groups to compete in numerous show choir competitions this semester. This event allows the show choirs to reflect on what aspects of the show they need to improve on.
“We are working to get the kinks out with all the costumes and the sets. I’m in the back taking notes on things like [their] tone quality, breath support and choreography,” VMD Director Michael Atwood said. “Also, [the debut performance] gives them confidence. The more times they perform, the more confident they are going to be doing our show.”
VMD’s competition sets feature many aspects that require rehearsal to perfect; from the large wooden van used for Sound Unlimited’s set, to the high notes during Music Machine’s rendition of “Prisoner” by American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus. To perfect every aspect, show choir students went under an intense rehearsal process, which included attending rehearsals over winter break.
“We were back at school a week earlier than everyone else. Those rehearsals were basically a nine to five for [almost] every single day of the week. It was kind of like a job, but you are not getting paid for it. You are getting paid for it with fun, even though [we are] tired,” Sound Unlimited Alto Section Leader and senior Vika Thach said.
The hard work VMD puts into their performances goes beyond rehearsals. Atwood compares VMD’s show choir productions to one big group project. He explains that a successful production requires the effort of multiple collaborators who manage certain aspects of the show, such as music and choreography.
“My assistant director, Colden Lamb, and I get together over the summer and we establish the themes and what songs we want for each [show choir set]. Then we pick our songs and all our songs go to our music director who puts the songs together for us. Lastly, I hand the music to the choreographer who choreographs our music. We all have to come together to make it happen,” Atwood said.
The group effort required for VMD’s show choir extends to parent volunteers as well. Before Sound Unlimited’s performance, Vocal Music Foundation President Adriana Hobson encouraged parents in the audience to sign up to volunteer at VMD’s competitions. As well, A. Hobson shared VMD’s appreciation for the students’ parents.
“It really comes back to [the parents] as well and the support they give [to their] students. Bringing them to rehearsals, feeding them, supporting them through the many hours they spend dancing and singing in the theater,” A. Hobson said.
The importance of parent volunteers is not lost on Vocal Music Foundation Treasurer Michael Hobson. M. Hobson has witnessed the many parent volunteers it takes to put on a successful show choir performance.
“[Parent volunteers] are the backbone of these performances. It took about six dads working on constructing the sets after work on weekdays and weekends. One of the moms coordinates all of the wardrobe, the costuming and the jewelry. It’s almost like having an extra full time job. So there is a lot of [work] behind the scenes,” M. Hobson said.
M. Hobson is one of the many parents who helped out at the show choir debut. As treasurer, M. Hobson sat at the front of the gym selling tickets. At the end of the event, he was in charge of counting the money raised by ticket sales. According to M. Hobson, this money would be used to pay for various VMD expenses, such as paying royalties for the songs performed in VMD’s shows. His contributions are one example of how crucial parent volunteers are.
“[VMD is] a nonprofit. All the money that we make, we spend sending all of our kids to the different competitions. All of this goes to support the kids to have a great festival season,” M. Hobson said.
Although show choir requires the collective effort of parents, M. Hobson explains why he finds the hard work rewarding. He describes the importance of participating in an activity that supports his kids.
“I have two kids in the choir, so they come home humming songs and you can see them practicing their dance moves or whatnot. But then when you finally see it all put together, it’s just absolutely magical. All the hard work, everything that we put into the program tonight makes it all worthwhile,” M. Hobson said.
