By Michael James Breen, New England contributor
New England show choir is on a winter hiatus right now. However, that does not mean there isn’t time for an early season recap! After two competitions, Waltham Music Unlimited has remained on top. Winning grand champion placements at both Shepherd Hill and Tantasqua, they continued their season at Franklin Central in Indianapolis on February 2nd. They competed against the likes of Indiana powerhouses Center Grove, Carmel and Fishers, as well as Glenwood from Illinois and Troy Buchanan from Missouri. This was the first time since 2014 a New England group to traveled to Indiana to compete. Music Unlimited represented the region well, placing fourth in finals ahead of Troy Buchanan and Glenwood.
Daniel Hand VIBE is sitting right up there with Waltham in the second spot for top groups in New England. After an impressive start to the season, Daniel Hand was able to snag Best Vocals at Tantasqua. Their show revolves around the legendary female pirate, Anne Bonny, and tells a story of treachery and hope. The show dives into what it means to defy the odds and shows that she can be a captain of scoundrels. They have impressive vocal technique and showcase Greg Bussiere’s and April James’ choreography excellently. They are still slated to compete three more times before entering the Show Choir National ring in March.
South Windsor Choral Spectrum came out swinging as well at Tantasqua, placing third. They are entering their eighth year under choreographer and alumni Tori Brindis and this year they welcomed a newcomer to the team, Peyton Bellman. They have played brilliantly into the group’s strengths of smooth yet sharp choreography. They tackle all types of genres of music, including their ballad “My Days” from The Notebook musical, a song that features some lyrical dancers. South Windsor has changed up their show formula to a more typical show choir set this year. It now consists of a typical fast-paced opener, up-tempo number, ballad, costume change and a rocking closer. This advantage of placing certain songs allows for the energy of the show to be continuous throughout. Also, kudos to director Jereme Martineau on his 20th season with the group!
Shepherd Hill Fantasy is competing in the small mixed category this year. They were able to showcase their Birthday for a Sad Clown set at Tantasqua. They placed fourth without their band, which was sidelined due to the Nor'easter system moving across the region that weekend. They showcased that they still are an excellent contender in the New England show choir community. The show was unique and designed in such a way that just made perfect sense. Their closer is definitely the highlight of the set showcasing fun upbeat dance numbers “Boogie Wonderland”, “Please Don’t Stop the Music”, and “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”.
Natick West Street Singers also debuted their show in small mixed earlier this season. Under the new direction of Bethany Spielman, Natick was able to capture first runner-up with a choreography caption and a gold medal. Natick exemplified why they have been the show choir to watch in New England. With an increase of singer/dancers and excellent song choices, West Street Singers is upholding their status of being a top New England small mixed ensemble.
With five more competitions left in the New England season there are still a lot of storylines to play out. The season will pick up again at Somerset’s New England Show Choir Classic on March 1. Groups slated to compete include Waltham, Tantasqua, Andover, Lowell, Shepherd Hill, Leominster, Dartmouth, Daniel Hand, South Windsor, and Bishop Hendricken. This being their second year of resuming to host again, Somerset is looking to be another full day of exciting show choir. Even groups who do not compete at Somerset are gearing up for the midseason as New England hits its stride after a couple weeks off.
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