With the conclusion of Oceanside Sound-Off, the show choir season for the major players is all done. These groups are on top of their respective divisions.
Mixed Varsity Groups
This category is for the highest ranked mixed group at any given school.
John Burroughs "Powerhouse"
Despite their late-season third-place showing at Oceanside, Powerhouse remains on top of Cali and the world due to their previous dominance this season. They notched a pair of wins on the year, had a sweep over Los Alamitos, and swept their national competition against stiff competition. Aside from their accolades, they delivered this year with unique choreography, beautiful show design, and some of the most powerful vocal moments this year and arguably in show choir history. Images of Powerhouse’s star graveyard are burned into the minds of California show choir fans. “Penelope Graves” also is in contention to be one of the greatest ballads in show choir history with their medley, and the vocals near the end of the show are simply spot-on perfect.
2. Los Alamitos "Sound FX"
FX this year has been the center of attention time after time this season for good reason. This show is filled to the brim with goosebumps-inducing moments. Sound FX’s showmanship is really second to none in the state and the nation. The choreography is some of the most difficult and dynamic of the season, with acting performances that totally immerse you into their futuristic world. A weaker vocal year by Los Al’s standards is the only thing holding them back from the first spot, although there are moments of vocal brilliance throughout the show. Sound FX will head into next season off a win at Oceanside Sound-Off and some of the most valuable second places in show choir this year. This Sound FX show will almost surely be a classic on YouTube, as it’s one of their most visually stunning shows ever.
3. Burbank "In Sync"
In Sync doesn’t quite have the early season accolades to justify a higher placement, but their performance at Oceanside will go down as one of the greatest week-to-week turnarounds in show choir history. An uncharacteristic caption drop to La Cueva Underground and a tough second place sweep loss to Los Alamitos Sound FX put In Sync into a difficult position as they began to look vulnerable to the rising groups in the West. Their final competition, just a week after their loss at John Burroughs Showcase, was a vintage Burbank In Sync vocal masterclass. They took home the vocal caption and second place with a mix of power and precision, as well as the most emotionally potent In Sync performance since 2019. In Sync may well end up looking vulnerable early next season as they did this year, but one thing’s for sure: Burbank will be an unstoppable force at their peak.
4. La Cueva "Underground"
The Cold Blood Saloon only opened for one competition this year, but it was a great one. They took care of business against a slew of talented advanced groups from California and Utah, but the big headline was winning best showmanship over Burbank In Sync. In Sync took home the first place trophy, but for the first time in a long time Underground showed that victories can be had against the Big Three. Their show features some of the best costuming and lighting in show choir, bar none. The choreography is slow but quite complex, and the use of props from tables to a banjo oozes creativity. Underground will be a contender for years to come, and hopefully they take on an even better schedule next season.
5. Glendora "Royal Stewarts"
Royal Stewarts have been dominant in California’s advanced tier 2 this season, with three wins in four competitions. Their only loss of the season was a fourth-place finish against big three member Burbank In Sync, New Mexico titan La Cueva Underground, and a rejuvenated Diamond Bar Marquis at Hart Encore. The fourth-place finish looks like a blemish on an otherwise stellar record, but in reality it was against the toughest competition they’d faced all year and is just a small stumble in context of the season. Glendora’s show has such a thick atmosphere from start to finish, along with the cleanest vocals in tier 2. This retelling of the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice does take a number or two to reel you in emotionally, but by the closer you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting for Orpheus to inevitably turn around and doom Eurydice to an eternity with Hades.
6. Diamond Bar "Marquis"
Marquis filled out its season with some tough losses and massive victories. As dramatic as ever, they started out with back to back disappointments, beating only Brea Olinda Masquerade in a third-place finish at Burbank Blast. From there, Marquis managed to have the second-most astounding turnaround of the season as they managed to take down a strong ALA Evolution, the rolling Glendora Royal Stewarts, and even placing over La Cueva Underground in music at Hart Encore. Marquis went on to perform well at Los Alamitos Xtravaganza, earning an overall second place against Arizona’s Valley Vista Vocal Thunder, unofficially beating Hart Sound Vibrations, but losing to Glendora. Marquis has been on the cutting edge of storytelling post-pandemic, and this year’s show is their riskiest and most ambitious yet. They made use of short dialogue sections (to the dismay of some show choir fans) to tell a cohesive story about the sensitive and difficult topic of memory loss. Marquis managed to tastefully tell their story with dynamic vocals, difficult choreography, and heartbreaking but hopeful emotional moments that elicited audible gasps and tears.
7. Hart "Sound Vibrations"
Sound Vibes had a much more consistent season than Glendora or Diamond Bar this year with a pair of wins and a pair of seconds. Unfortunately for Hart, their second places are far more impressive than their wins. Their second at Esperanza netted them wins against Diamond Bar and John F. Kennedy, as well as a showmanship award over Glendora. Their next outing at Burbank Blast earned them showmanship over the victorious visiting Jackson Prep Reveillon and bested Marquis once again. At Los Alamitos, Hart did take home a first-place trophy, but in a split advanced division with the main competition in the other contest. Hart officially finished in first place versus Bonita Vista and Brea Olinda, but unofficially placed third under Diamond Bar and Glendora, and over a solid Valley Vista group. In stark contrast to Marquis’ early vocal perils, Sound Vibes struggled a touch vocally late in the season. Nonetheless, they held their ground and beat much larger groups vocally early this season. Sound Vibrations’ showmanship, however, was never in question. The costuming, choreography, lighting, atmosphere, and technique were exquisite in every performance. Year after year, Sound Vibes is a threat no matter the size because those kids can absolutely dance!
8. John F. Kennedy "Executive Order"
The newest advanced mixed 1 competitor didn’t quite have the season it may have anticipated. Although Kennedy certainly competitive with groups above them, they simply hardly ever competed against groups close to their skill level. At the Esperanza competition, Kennedy lost to both Glendora and Hart while beating Diamond Bar - finishing third in music, fourth in show, and third overall. Although a very respectable result considering the strength of competitors, EO never again competed against any of those three groups. They instead elected to essentially perform an exhibition in Tier 1 by themselves at both Los Alamitos Xtravaganza and Cypress Star Reflections. Meanwhile, the likes of Glendora, Diamond Bar, Valley Vista, and Hart duked it out in lower divisions. At Oceanside Sound-Off, Executive Order was outclassed by the Big Three while more comparable groups battled in Tier 2. Kennedy has one last competition at SCVA on May 18th, of which the results will be inconsequential at best. Despite their unique decision-making and schedule, they’ve still shown a lot of promise as an up-and-coming group. They hold their own in the upper portion of Advanced groups in the West and have a lot of vocal power. Executive Order’s Venice Carnival show is filled with props, sequins, and pizzazz. The singers are natural performers and are very poised onstage, and some creative show choices create a plethora of fun moments.
9. Valley Vista "Vocal Thunder"
Vocal Thunder moved straight from Intermediate to a contender in Tier 2 this season. They placed first at Boulder Creek, third in advanced mixed large (fourth overall unofficially) at Los Alamitos, and second at Oceanside. They haven’t yet beaten an upper-half advanced group, but also haven’t lost to a lower-half one. They find themselves in the dead center of the West’s advanced groups, and at a turning point of sorts. The bottom line for VT is that they just have to have more difficult choreography. They do what they do well enough to survive as their vocals carry them to placements, but if they do want to take the leap to the next level, they’ll have to step it up in several showmanship categories. Valley Vista’s show this year was still so fun and creative. Each singer, equipped with a muppet on one hand, contributed to their sparkling vocals. With classic muppet-related songs, playful choreo, and dazzling singing, Vocal Thunder proved themselves as a dangerous group going forward.
10. Chaparral "Platinum FX"
Taking the final spot on the list, Chap had a season for the books. Platinum FX somehow managed to place 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th across five competitions this year. This group had impressive victories over other competitive choirs late season and got the last laugh over Bonita Vista and Helix after dropping placements to them early on. Platinum FX is much improved from previous years, with massive strides made in showmanship, with vocals to match. Their show design isn’t great, and it is holding them back a bit. Their show makes a statement on how women were oppressed in the 1950s, which is true, of course, but not every moment is done tastefully. The show’s transitions are also quite clunky, especially going into the closer. If Chaparral want to take their show to the next level, they need to take their show concepts from well-intentioned to well-executed. The talent is there for Platinum FX, and it's going to be exciting to see how they improve from here.
11. Pacifica "Encore"
12. Oceanside "Soundwaves"
13. American Leadership Academy "Evolution"
14. Bonita Vista "The Music Machine"
15. Carlsbad "Sound Express"
16. Mayfair "Showtime"
17. Cypress "High Voltage"
18. Brea Olinda "Masquerade"
19. Eisenhower "Ike Singers"
20. Esperanza "Reverberation"
Womens Varsity Groups
This category is for any womens group that typically competes at the same or higher difficulty than that school’s most advanced mixed group.
John Burroughs "Sound Sensations"
Can’t do much better than undefeated. Sound sensations took home the first prize at all three competitions (technically four but their first comp ran uncontested) including two sweeps. These wins came against the best of Cali and beyond, and put Sound Sensations in the conversation of the best womens group this year. Their Goddesses and Warriors-themed show featured fierce choreography and overwhelming vocals. The show even displays some fantastic fight choreography that always gets oohs and ahs from spectators.
2. Los Alamitos "Soundtrax"
Even a weaker season for Trax is one of the best seasons of womens groups nationally. They took home third against some of the best in the world at the Wheaton Warrenville South Choral Classic, and beat every group in their home circuit not named Sound Sensations. Trax’s show is gorgeous visually, as it takes you through the streets of Paris. The classic Los Alamitos vocals are great as usual, but the great thing about Trax this year is just how enjoyable it is. The cookie-cutter vacation love story is predictable but so endearing and fun. Top it off with technical excellence, and you’ve got an awesome womens group.
3. John F. Kennedy "First Ladies"
Aside from having one of the best group names in the circuit, First Ladies also happen to be an extremely competitive ladies group. They took home an impressive two wins and a lone third. Their upset versus Burbank’s Blue Impressions was impressive, and catapulted the group into discussions of a new Womens Big Three. Very poised and comfortable performers fill the stage in the show. The soloists are exquisite, and the vocals are quite great. The sailor girl show design and choreography are well executed, if a bit dated. First Ladies can upset the two groups above them in future years with a fresher theme and a strong technical performance, but for now breaking into the top three is a huge and a worthy achievement for Kennedy’s ladies.
4. Hart "Hartbreakers"
HB’s Wednesday Addams-themed show was a joy to watch. They had great sound at every competition they attended, and had stellar choreography from start to finish. Costuming and tech was fantastic, as expected from the Hart team. Hartbreakers remains a perennial contender year after year, and is in position to upset higher group at each competition they attend.
5. Brea Olinda "Spellbound"
Another small but mighty treble group, Spellbound had a great season this year. They were in a dogfight with Hartbreakers for the whole season, who got the best of Spellbound two out of three times. The baseball show is adorable and very well-executed. Their choreography is easier compared to most of the other groups in their division, but it’s still interesting and clean enough to do well. The vocals from Spellbound are clean and pretty. Although Spellbound lacks dynamic range in show and music, they execute at a high level and are good enough to get it done every so often.
6. Horizon "Womens Ensemble"
7. Burbank "Blue Impressions"
8. Troy "Ladies First"
9. Walnut "Rhapsody In Blue"
10. Mayfair "Mariners"
Prep Groups
This category is for any group that competes at a lower difficulty than its school’s highest ranking choir. This grouping contains groups from many divisions, and rankings are determined by a group’s success within their own division.
Los Alamitos "Xquisite" (Int/Adv 2 Treble)
Los Al’s premier intermediate treble group is so good that it had to compete in advanced tier 2 for one of their competitions. An undefeated season from this massive group of over 50 singers cements it as one of the best prep groups in the nation. The Powerpuff Girls took home big wins against the Hart Hartbreakers, Brea Spellbound, and Burroughs Decibelles to make for a near perfect season from Xquisite.
2. John Burroughs "Sound Waves" (Int. Mixed)
Sound Waves managed to do the impossible this year, ending Pacifica Encore’s eight- competition win streak. Aside from an early season loss versus the aforementioned Encore, the Burroughs mixed prep group picked up first places across the board. This “Where The Wild Things Are” show featured very impressive technical ability in showmanship and musicianship as well as a fun and heartfelt story.
3. Valley Vista "Tempest" (Int. Treble)
VV’s prep treble group was extremely successful this year. The took the musicianship caption off of the titans that are Los Al Xquisite. This group is part of the reason why Valley Vista is such a threat moving forward. The “Audition” show design struggled to stand out, but Tempest’s vocals are pristine nonetheless.
4. Los Alamitos "Axcent" (Int/Nov Treble)
Clean as always, Axcent went undefeated this season, while competing in novice and intermediate divisions. Their school dance-themed show was fun, and the classic Los Al showmanship and vocals proved untouchable.
5. John Burroughs "Decibelles" (Int/Nov Treble)
Decis fell just short of most of their tougher competition this season, although they took home quite a few captions throughout. The Spice Girls theme had so much energy behind it, and the show included some fantastic and recognizable costumes and music.
6. Los Alamitos "Connexion" (Int. Mixed)
7. Valley Vista "Voltage" (Int. Mixed)
8. Diamond Bar "Solitaire" (Int. Treble)
9. Glendora "Silhouettes" (Int. Treble)
10. Diamond Bar "Diamondtones" (Nov. Treble)
Mens Groups
Can you believe there’s this many of them?!
John Burroughs "Men@Work"
Men@Work is the gold standard of mens groups everywhere. They are perfect meeting of comedy and technical excellence. This massive group of roughly 70 singers dominated, winning music, show, and first at all four contests they attended while facing every other group in the circuit. And between you and me, it didn’t really seem close. Corn.
2. Los Alamitos "Xtreme"
Xtreme is solid all around. Their Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift-themed show was super funny this year, and watching it slightly evolve post-football season was a lot of fun. From cardboard cutouts to calling plays onstage, the Los Al tenors and basses assured laughs throughout their set.
3. Hart "Unleashed"
Similar to Valley Vista Vocal Thunder’s apparent attachment to their puppets, you will not catch an Unleashed member without their hobby horse close at hand. This show was just downright silly, with plenty of horse-related jokes to go around.
4. Cypress "Voltage Unlimited"
5. Diamond Bar "Radiant"
6. Helix "TBH"
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