The time has come to look the 2025 show choir season in the face.
Over the next two weeks, HomeRoom Show Choir will preview 225 different groups across three divisions, giving show choir fans from Connecticut to California all they need to know about the upcoming season.
Rankings are based on HomeRoom Show Choir’s 2024 Final National Rankings. Interested in digging deeper? View the 2024 Final National Rankings or see how the rankings were compiled.
Previews of 75 more choirs will release on December 26.
2024 #51 Ranked Choir: North Central “Counterpoints” (8th in Indiana)
2025 Directors: Jared McElroy (5th season) and Daria Weingartner (1st season)
Choreographers: Tori Brindis (8th season) and Dominic Matas (2nd season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 8 - Pike; Feb. 15 - Center Grove; Mar. 1 - Lafayette Jefferson; Mar. 15 - Lawrence Central; Mar. 22 - ISSMA
Counterpoints closed out last year with back-to-back grand championships for their outgoing director Michael Raunick, who found significant success with the program, including four state championships and a nationals victory during his decade-long tenure. The group switches directions now, with Jared McElroy leading the way after serving as an assistant director for the Counterpoints and being the primary director of the Descants for the past four seasons. CPs have a tough schedule ahead of them with multiple faceoffs against Indy’s Big Three, as well as a return to state finals, where they hope to get their first state championship since before the pandemic. - Nathan Ensley, Associate Editor
2024 #52 Ranked Choir: Auburn “Varsity Singers” (2nd in Alabama)
2025 Director: Eron Smith (17th season) and Chris Schiller (3rd season)
Choreographer: Dominic Matas (3rd season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 25 - Tallassee; Feb. 8 - Oak Mountain; Feb. 15 - Homewood; Feb. 22 - Hosting; Mar. 22 - Nationals
After starting off last season with a shocking Grand Championship upset over Southern titan Homewood, Auburn finished their season in solid fashion with another Grand Championship, a first runner-up to a surging Grenada, and then a second runner-up at a competition up in New England. Auburn hopes to build off that marquee win and continue its success this upcoming season, which features a trip to Show Choir Nationals. - Tony Holeman, Southern Contributor
2024 #53 Ranked Choir: Omaha Westside “Amazing Technicolor Show Choir” (6th in Nebraska)
2025 Director: Doran Johnson (26th season)
Choreographer: Stephen Todd (10th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 11 - Onalaska; Jan. 18 - Blue Valley; Jan. 25 - Millard West; Feb. 1 - Hosting; Feb. 8 - Papio South; Feb. 22 - Hastings; Mar. 15 - Wheaton Warrenville South
Despite the tough competition ASTC had in 2024, they were still able to place high in all of the competitions they went to. Throughout the season they had to face Gretna two times, both times placing just barely behind them. However, they were still able to place higher than Millard West and Papio South. The 2025 season will be longtime director Doran Johnson’s farewell tour, and ATSC will be challenged week in and week out. Should they prevail everywhere they go, it will be one of their strongest seasons in recent memory.- Arte Reed, Nebraska/Iowa Contributor
2024 #54 Ranked Choir: Findlay “First Edition” (5th in Ohio)
2025 Directors: David Coolidge (1st season) and Mary Beth Coolidge (1st season)
Choreographers: Joe Sato (1st season) and Cecily Pedregon (1st season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 15 - Olentangy; Feb. 22 - Grove City; Mar. 1 - Solon; Mar. 29 - Heart Of America Orlando
An observant reader may notice that everyone in the leadership at Findlay is in their first season. This is the result of a massive shakeup in the creative team after longtime director Kevin Manley and longtime choreographer Andy Haines both stepped away from the group. The new team, including Indiana-based choreographers Joe Sato and Cecily Pedregon, have their work cut out for them this season. Marysville, Loveland, and Grove City await at Olentangy, while the next two weekends feature run-ins with Hurricane at Grove City as well as Twinsburg and Beavercreek at Solon before a loaded field at HOA Orlando. All in all, it should be an interesting season for the new team at Findlay; everybody in Ohio is waiting to see what they come up with. - Simon Zimmerman, Ohio contributor
2024 #55 Ranked Choir: Mt. Zion “Swingsations” (3rd in Illinois)
2025 Director: Erik Taylor (3rd season)
Choreographer: Dwight Jordan (47th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 8 - Troy Buchanan; Feb. 15 - Chesterton; Feb. 22 - El Paso-Gridley; Mar. 1 - Glenwood; Mar. 8 - hosting; Mar. 15 - Wheaton Warrenville South; Mar. 29 - Brandon
In their sophomore year under Erik Taylor, Swings found plenty of success, winning three competitions and contending toe-to-toe with the best of the best at Wheaton Warrenville South. Mt. Zion looks to expand upon that success next season; however, their lineup of competitions will be far from easy. They will face national powers Carmel, Linn-Mar, Urbandale, Brandon, Oak Mountain, Westside and Mitchell, as well as both Wheaton groups. MTZ will also get its first taste of the Southern circuit in 17 years when Swings goes to Brandon. Success across the season will earn them top marks in the national scene. - Dylan Moss, Illinois Contributor
2024 #56 Ranked Choir: Valley “Choralation” (11th in Iowa)
2025 Director: Haley Gibbons (9th season)
Choreographer: Mike Weaver (16th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 18- Waukee; Feb. 1- Omaha Westside; Feb. 15- North Polk; Mar. 1- Marion
Valley fell just short of a Grand Championship during the 2024 season, but hopes to redeem themselves in 2025. Choralation will have their work cut out for them wherever they’re headed this season. The premiere group from Iowa’s largest high school will compete twice in the Des Moines metro along with a trip to Omaha and a trip to Cedar Rapids.Their show will feature multiple original pieces, which are sure to bring a unique experience to the show choir stage. If executed well, they could be a game-changer and the missing piece needed to get to the top. -Ava Sammons, Iowa Contributor
2024 #57 Ranked Choir: Mitchell “Friend de Coup” (3rd in South Dakota)
2025 Director: Nic Caberos (1st season)
Choreographer: Stephen Todd (24th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 1 - Omaha Westside; Feb. 15 - Urbandale; Mar. 1 - Bishop Heelan; Mar. 8 - Sioux City East; Mar. 15 - Wheaton Warrenville South; Mar. 22 - hosting
With the departure of Nick McGraw from Mitchell High School, Lincoln Northeast director Nic Caberos has stepped up to take on the new role. Mitchell has always had a reputation for going to tougher competitions than other South Dakota groups, facing off with groups like Westside and Johnston, and the tradition will continue in 2025. There isn’t even a single stop in-state, as FDC will take on competitions in and around Omaha, Des Moines, Sioux City, and Chicago. This year’s set may not be as corny as 2024’s was, but Mitchell should remain a regional powerhouse. - Quinn Masek, Siouxland Contributor
2024 #58 Ranked Choir: Keller Central “Voices of Central” (1st in Texas)
2025 Directors: Chrystle Hicks (1st season) and Meghan Miller (1st Season)
Choreographers: Ben Eklund (8th season), Melissa Eklund, (8th season), Dalton Myatt (2nd season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 8 - Fort Worth Southwest; Feb. 22 - LD Bell; Mar. 1- Hosting; Mar. 15 - TBD
The most storied program in Texas is firmly in the middle of a transitive era. In three competitions last season, VOC didn't take a single win, losing to Keller and LD Bell at different points throughout the season. However, Keller Central did take Best Vocals during a trip to Mississippi. All three of the program directors - Leigh Anne McClure, Nick Chabot, and Casey LeVie - left at the end of the school year. Rashaad Calaham was initially announced as the new director but also left before the beginning of the school year. Chrystle Hicks and Meghan Miller will now lead the group forward as VOC looks to find its footing in a new era of Texas show choir. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief
2024 #59 Ranked Choir: Oak Mountain “Singers” (3rd in Alabama)
2025 Directors: Michael Zauchin (12th season) and Gavin Dover (3rd season)
Choreographers: Emma Blackerby (1st season), Kellis McSparrin-Oldinburg (6th season), JJ Butler (4th season), Lauren Butler (4th season), and Tay Stinson (6th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 8 - Hosting, Feb. 15 - Homewood, Feb. 22 - Auburn, Mar. 1 - Glenwood
In what might be their best season ever, Oak Mountain won two Grand Championship titles and placed third at Show Choir Nationals. With that said, Oak Mountain still seems to be plagued with the same issue from the last couple of years: beating other elite Southern groups. While they did beat a solid opponent from Mississippi in Petal , they still couldn’t beat top-tier Southern groups such as Grenada and Clinton. It is worth noting some of the great out-of-state competition they topped at Show Choir Nationals though. Look for Oak Mountain to try and tackle a Southern giant this upcoming season. - Tony Holeman, Southern Contributor
2024 #60 Ranked Choir: Onalaska “Hilltoppers” (2nd in Wisconsin)
2025 Director: Richard Moses (13th season)
Choreographers: To Be Announced
Competition Schedule: Jan. 4 - Holmen; Jan. 11 - hosting; Jan. 18 - West Salem; Jan. 25 - Altoona; Feb. 1 - De Pere; Feb. 8 - La Crosse; Mar. 1 - Marion
Despite being listed as the second choir from Wisconsin in the rankings, Hilltopper had the best show in Wisconsin once again in 2023. They also ran a very tough competition schedule against regional giants. Onalaska continues to put out some of the largest groups in Wisconsin, and every member of the group deserves to be on that stage as well. The numbers advantage only works to their favor in a state that has seen groups swing towards the smaller side as of late. Expect Hilltopper to be right back at the top of the Wisconsin pile in 2025, although back-to-back meetings with Tomah at De Pere and La Crosse will certainly be ones to watch. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief
2024 #61 Ranked Choir: Jenks “Trojanaires” (2nd in Oklahoma)
2025 Director: Michael Shimp (7th season)
Choreographer: Dominic Matas (3rd season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 25 - Pleasant Hill; Feb. 1 - Joplin; Feb. 15 - Neosho; Mar. 8 - Avon; Apr. 12 - Hosting
Jenks is another Heartland group that has been on a solid uphill trajectory after the pandemic. Out of the three competitive events they attended, they earned fourth place at Troy, first runner-up at Neosho, and to close out their season, a Grand Championship at the Rock Bridge Southside Showdown. They also snagged a variety of caption awards throughout the season, such as Best Vocals and Choreo, Best Closer, Best Show Design, and Best Costumes (twice). It looks like Jenks could be a prime group to watch for upward momentum throughout the season. If this year is anything like last season, we can hopefully expect to see plenty of growth between each competition for the Trojanaires. - Anne Marie Wright, Heartland Contributor
2024 #62 Ranked Choir: Loveland “By Request” (6th in Ohio)
2025 Director: Shawn Miller (19th season)
Choreographer: Jarad Voss (18th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 18 - Beavercreek; Jan. 25 - Winfield; Feb. 8 - Hosting; Feb. 15 - Olentangy; Feb. 22 - Ross; Mar. 1 - South Dearborn; Mar. 8 - Mt. Zion; Mar. 15 - Fairfield
Before the pandemic, Loveland was at the top of Ohio show choir. While they haven’t quite recovered that position since the pandemic, they have continued to go toe to toe with Ohio’s best, as well as top groups at national competitions. 2025 looks to be no different; they will compete seven times (four in Ohio, three outside) and go up against groups like Grove City, Solon, Piqua, Noblesville, Marysville, Findlay, Fairfield, Zionsville, Glenwood, Grenada, Brandon, Neosho, Wheaton Warrenville South, Troy Buchanan, and Center Grove. This is an extraordinarily tough schedule, but if any group can make something of it and find success, it will be Loveland. - Simon Zimmerman, Ohio contributor
2024 #63 Ranked Choir: West Jones “Imagination” (5th in Mississippi)
2025 Director: Shane Cockrell (13th season)
Choreographer: Jeff Jordan (1st season)
Competition Schedule: Feb 8. - Northeast Jones, Feb. 15 - Hosting, Feb. 22 - Petal, Mar. 1 - Oak Grove
The vocals darling of Mississippi, West Jones is coming off of a relatively successful season in 2024 in which they won the title of Grand Champion at half of their competitions as a large group. It’s worth noting though that their other two competitions, in which they placed second and fifth overall, were against more extra-large groups than before. With the addition of Jeff Jordan, West Jones will look to truly start punching above their weight class this upcoming season and play spoiler to some extra-large groups. -Tony Holeman, Southern Contributor
2024 #64 Ranked Choir: Hannibal “River City Revue” (3rd in Missouri)
2025 Directors: Sara Kurz (11th season) and Kate Fuller (13th season)
Choreographers: Anne Chapman (11th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 15 - Harrisonville; Feb. 22 - Rock Bridge; Mar. 1 - Battle; Mar. 8 - TBD
Last season, RCR had a very successful run. Their lowest placement all season was third overall at Smith-Cotton, where they were bested by Platte County and El Paso-Gridley, two heavy-hitting groups. Later in their season, they went on to snag two first runner-up placements and finally, a Grand Championship at Battle. In 2025, Hannibal will look to continue holding its position as one of the strongest programs in eastern Missouri and the state as a whole. - Anne Marie Wright, Heartland Contributor
2024 #65 Ranked Choir: Grand Island “Ultimate Image” (7th in Nebraska)
2025 Director: Jesse LaBrie (6th season)
Choreographers: Ben Eklund (6th season), Melissa Eklund (6th season), and Matt Watson (6th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 25 - Hastings; Feb. 1 - Omaha Westside; Feb. 8 - Grand Island Northwest; Feb. 15 - Elkhorn South; Mar. 1 - Hosting; Mar. 8 - Omaha North; Mar. 22 - Mitchell
With a total of six competitions during the 2024 season, Grand Island had a busy schedule with interesting results. Their record was a back and forth between fifth and first, swinging constantly throughout the season. Despite going up against Lincoln Southwest, Johnston, Papio South, and Linn-Mar, UI showed some resilience and held their own against these groups. Grand Island had an easier time at Hastings and Grand Island Northwest, where they claimed multiple Best Vocals, Best Choreography and Best Band captions. Their competitions for the next season include a wide variety like they did in 2024, which could mean that they could shake up the competition and show their great deal of resilience once again. - Arte Reed, Nebraska/Iowa Contributor
2024 #66 Ranked Choir: South Windsor “Choral Spectrum” (2nd in Connecticut)
2025 Director: Jereme Martineau
Choreographers: Tori Brindis (8th year) and Peyton Bellman (1st year)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 8 - Tantasqua, Mar. 15 - Bishop Hendricken, Mar. 22 - Andover
After a successful run with their 2024 competition show, South Windsor is slated to have another big chance to come on top in the New England show choir scene. The group is directed by Jereme Martineau and choreographed by alumni, Tori Brindis and newcomer to the team, Peyton Bellman. With a rather spread-out schedule, Spectrum will be a bit of an unknown until late in the season. Known for their highly energetic shows, Choral Spectrum will definitely be one to watch as the large mixed division shuffles itself again in 2025. - Michael James Breen, New England Contributor
2024 #67 Ranked Choir: Noblesville “NHS Singers” (9th in Indiana)
2025 Director: John Neubauer (9th season) and Julianne Fowler (3rd season)
Choreographers: Nancy Bocek (8th season), Mariah Cover (3rd season), Eric Hayes (3rd season), and Jarad Voss (7th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 18 - Beavercreek; Feb. 1 - Fishers; Feb. 8 - Plainfield; Feb. 15 - Ben Davis; Feb. 22 - Homestead; Mar. 8 - Avon; Mar. 15 - Brownsburg; Mar. 22 - Hosting
Last competition season, Noblesville consistently placed in the top three at all of their competitions, excluding the national event they attended. Having bested groups such as Plainfield, Carroll, Lafayette Jefferson, and Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Noblesville is a group to watch out for in the large division. Last year, Noblesville had a fun show with a Back to the Future theme that included a life-size flying car as the background. They have a knack for winning Best Band, but their multiple Best Choreography and Best Vocals awards should not be overlooked as NHS Singers heads into 2025. - Wren Millick, Indiana Contributor
2024 #68 Ranked Choir: Glendora “Royal Stewarts” (4th in California)
2025 Director: Matthew Davis (4th season)
Choreographers: Susia Ruddell (2nd season) and Andrea Aron (10th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 22 - Esperanza; Mar. 1 - Burbank; Mar. 8 - Hart, Mar. 22 - Cypress
Last season, Royal Stewarts really made a name for themselves as a top dog in tier II. With an almost flawless competition record, Glendora set the bar high for the division. Their impressive group size, creative show design, and outstanding vocals made them the choir to beat. Their only hiccup was at Har, where they placed 4th in a cutthroat combined advanced division, trailing behind Burbank, La Cueva and Diamond Bar. This upcoming season, it'll be exciting to see if they can hold onto their top spot or if they'll feel the heat from other rising groups in advanced mixed. - Andrew Estrella, Western contributor
2024 #69 Ranked Choir: El Paso-Gridley “Modulations” (4th in Illinois)
2025 Director: John Shaffer (18th season)
Choreographer: Heath Gemar (10th season)
Competition Schedule: Jan 4. - Tomah; Jan. 11 - Muscatine; Feb. 1 - Southmont; Feb. 8 - Crete-Monee; Feb. 15 - Manteno; Feb 22 - hosting; Mar. 8 - Quincy
Last season, El Paso-Gridley were able to put themselves right back up near the top in Illinois after winning three competitions in a row. The community’s eyes remain on them as they gear up for a new year, where they will begin by facing a slew of Wisconsin and Iowa groups at Tomah and Muscatine, as well as Indiana power Plainfield at Southmont. After that, it’s a busy slate of Illinois competitions. While EPG faces a lighter gauntlet than last season, Mods will still face tough competition that will push them to their limit. - Dylan Moss, Illinois Contributor.
2024 #70 Ranked Choir: Millard North “Infinity” (8th in Nebraska)
2025 Director: Megan Swain (10th season)
Choreographer: Jarad Voss (3rd season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 18 - Gretna; Jan. 25 - Millard West; Feb. 8 - Papio South; Feb. 15 - Chesterton; Feb. 22 - Omaha South; Mar. 15 - Hosting
Millard North had a commendable 2024 season, achieving notable placements such as third place at Millard West Music Lives, where they also received awards for Best Opener and Best Performer. Additionally, they won the Waconia Star Power event in Minnesota, along with Best Vocals and Peoples Choice at that same event. While it is hard to follow up a Napoleon Dynamite show, this year’s Copacabana show may do just that. With a strong foundation from the previous season, Infinity is poised to continue making a significant impact in upcoming competitions, especially as the group will be traveling to a pseudo-national competition at Chesterton. -Thea Lierman, Nebraska Contributor
2024 #71 Ranked Choir: Piqua “The Company” (7th in Ohio)
2025 Directors: Tom Westfall (24th season), Lara Ray (13th season), and Bryan Detweiler (3rd season)
Choreographers: Randy Sage (3rd season) and AJ Blankenship (7th season)
Competition Schedule: To Be Announced (will debut Jan. 18 at Beavercreek)
Piqua has been on the rise since the pandemic, having extraordinary seasons in 2022 and 2023 before a somewhat disappointing 2024 season where they failed to recapture that success. This year, Piqua likely will have a chip on their shoulder from this past year, and will likely be firing on all cylinders as they try to reclaim their spot as one of the top groups in Ohio post-pandemic. While we don’t know all of their competitions, we can assume that they will continue to compete against Ohio’s best; time will tell if they can reclaim their spot at the top. - Simon Zimmerman, Ohio contributor
2024 #72 Ranked Choir: Tomah “Limited Edition” (3rd in Wisconsin)
2025 Director: Kate Buehner (6th season)
Choreographers: Ben Eklund (2nd season) and Melissa Eklund (2nd season)
Competition Schedule: Jan. 4 - hosting; Jan. 11 - Onalaska; Jan. 18 - New London; Jan. 25 - Sauk Prairie; Feb. 1 - De Pere; Feb. 8 - La Crosse; Feb. 22 - Medford; Mar. 1 - Western Dubuque
After winning its final competition of 2023, Tomah was considered a group on the rise ahead of 2024. Limited missed finals at its first competition of 2024 but then won three consecutive competitions after that, vaulting them into the conversation of elite groups in the state. 2024’s Popeye show will yield to 2025’s Tangled show, with Ben and Melissa Eklund stepping into an expanded role as primary choreographers for the group. The upcoming season is a make-it-or-break-it year to see if Limited can consistently hang with Wisconsin’s best, or if 2024 was simply the show where the magic happened. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief
2024 #73 Ranked Choir: Waltham “Music Unlimited” (1st in Massachusetts)
2025 Director: Alyssa and Tom Cincotta (11th season)
Choreographers: Jarad Voss (11th season), Tori Brindis (11th season) and Peyton Bellman (4th season)
Competition Schedule: Feb. 1 - Shepherd Hill; Feb. 8 - Tantasqua; Feb. 22 - Franklin Central; Mar. 8 - Somerset Berkley; Mar. 15 - Bishop Hendricken; Mar. 22 - Andover; Apr. 5 - Hosting
Coming from a long history of success, Walthamis known for its dynamic shows with pristine choreography and tight vocals. Over the past six years, Music Unlimited has continued to dominate the New England circuit. Slated for a busy competition run, the group will be going seven contests and will be hosting their own on April 5th in their brand new auditorium. One of those seven competitions will be a trip down to Indiana, competing against several regional powerhouses at Franklin Central. With top-three finishes at all competitions they went to in 2024, 2025 is certainly seeming like it will be another one of those years to keep an eye on Waltham. - Michael James Breen, New England Contributor
2024 #74 Ranked Choir: Platte County “Sound Express” (4th in Missouri)
2025 Director: Brian von Glahn (11th season)
Choreographers: To Be Announced
Competition Schedule: To Be Announced
Sound Express has had a considerable upswing in placements over the last three years. In 2022, they made finals at only one competition, and last year, the lowest they placed all season was third overall. For the last two years, they’ve had considerable success, making finals consistently and climbing above the middle of the pack in the Missouri. If they can carry their upward momentum into this season, they could be looking at similar, and possibly even higher, placements this go around. - Anne Marie Wright, Heartland Contributor
2024 #75 Ranked Choir: Hastings “Uncaged” (9th in Nebraska)
2025 Director: Christian Yost (5th season), Mindee Rowan (2nd season)
Choreographers: To Be Announced
Competition Schedule: Jan. 18 - Lincoln High; Jan. 25 - Hosting; Feb. 8 - Grand Island NW; Feb. 15 - Gretna East; Feb. 22 - Wahoo; Mar. 1 - Keller Central
Hastings had an impressive 2024 season, highlighted by a Grand Championship at the Glenwood Gala, where they also won captions for Best Choreography, Best Band, and Best Ballad, and a strong second-place finish at the Grand Island Northwest Gold Rush. While Uncaged doesn’t come from one of Nebraska’s traditional show choir areas and is still a relatively young program, Christian Yost has the ensemble steadily on the rise. In 2025, Hastings will take perhaps one of the biggest trips in Uncaged’s history, taking on dozens of other groups at Keller Central in Texas. -Thea Lierman, Nebraska Contributor
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