By Ethan Parker, Founder
This is the first edition of HomeRoom's Illinois poll rankings for the year. 39 groups from the state are considered by a panel of regional experts. 20 made the cut for the rankings.
Championship Mixed
El Paso-Gridley “Modulations” (1 first-place vote)
Wheaton North “Flight” (1 first-place vote)
Wheaton Warrenville South “The Classics” (1 first-place vote)
Mt. Zion “Swingsations”
Waubonsie Valley “Sound Check”
Glenwood “Titan Fever”
Naperville North “Entourage”
Manteno “Magic”
Dwight D. Eisenhower “Express”
Mundelein “Sound”
Single-Gender
Wheaton Warrenville South “Esprit” (3 first-place votes)
Mt. Zion “Les Femmes”
El Paso-Gridley “HiFi”
Naperville North “Vivant”
Mt. Zion “You’ve Got Male”
Receiving Votes: Waubonsie Valley "Resonance"
Festival Mixed
Danville “Delegation” (2 first-place votes)
Sullivan “Singers” (1 first-place vote)
Herscher “Class Act
Crete-Monee “Cavaliers”
Peoria “Soundwave”
Receiving Votes: Springfield "Collage", Alan B. Shepard "Nova", Mundelein "Reverb"
News and Notes
Early Bird Gets the Worm: El Paso-Gridley Modulations
Before the rest of the state got out of bed, Modulations made an impressive early start with a convincing sweep at Tomah. Since then, they have competed in two other events, securing two second-place finishes against out-of-state opponents: Prairie Ambassadors and Plainfield Belles et Beaux. Under the guidance of choreographer Heath Gemar, El Paso-Gridley is unbeaten in choreography this season. Modulations are now regarded as the fastest-rising choir in the state following their highly successful 2024 campaign. As they head to Crete-Monee this weekend, they are no longer catching anyone off guard.
Waubonsie Valley and Dwight D. Eisenhower making noise at Sauk Prairie
With Waubonsie Valley and Dwight D. Eisenhower placing 3rd and 4th respectfully at Sauk Prairie two weeks ago, many started to take notice. Could this be the resurgence of a once dominant force in the show choir world in Sound Check? Could Dwight D. Eisenhower be a disrupter in a congested show choir state? They are off to a great start; however, only time will tell if they can withstand the opposition.
Upcoming Tests for Illinois Choirs
Crete-Monee will be hosting an array of Illinois choirs as they fight for early footing in the season. Manteno, El Paso-Gridley, Batavia, Oswego, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John Hersey will be headlining the Varsity Division. Alan B. Shepherd, Herscher, Peotone, and Danville will compete in Small Mixed.
Wheaton North Flight and Mt. Zion’s choirs will be heading to out-of-state competitions to begin their season. Wheaton North will be at Bettendorf (Iowa) while Mt. Zion will be traveling to Troy Buchanan (Missouri). Both choirs are going up against strong contenders from throughout the Midwest.
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