By Michael James Breen, New England contributor
After a successful opening contest at Shepherd Hill, the New England show choir circuit is headed up to Tantasqua Regional High School for its Show Choir Spectacular. Fresh off the excitement of the first unforeseen twist of the season, regional powerhouses Waltham Music Unlimited and Daniel Hand VIBE will be facing off against each other again.
As the region enters this second week of competition, groups are recognizing their potential of their shows. The 'what-can-be' situations for the rest of the season are starting to resonate with staff members and students alike. Many of the choirs were already able to see their competitors' shows, making this second round of debuts even more interesting. Adding in three new small mixed choirs and the other large mixed powerhouse to the equation will make Tantasqua an interesting showcase, especially as the calendar thins out after this weekend until Somerset Berkley hosts on March 1.
Groups making their first showcase on the competition front include:
South Windsor “Choral Spectrum”
Coming off a tremendous win to close 2024, Choral Spectrum has something to prove in the New England circuit.
The addition of Peyton Bellman to the staff will be a test to show how capable the suits are able to take on a new choreography style.
Spectrum is only competing three times this season, taking the stage at Tantasqua, Somerset, and Bishop Hendricken.
The group is going back to basics with a traditional format show: opener, uptempo, ballad, single gender features and a closer.
Scranton “Glitter and Gold”
It is the group's first time competing since 2020.
G&G has only 15 members, making it one of the smallest competing groups in New England.
Paige McConglogue will be making her choreography debut for the group.
Natick “West Street Singers”
Bethany Spielman is the new West Street Singers director.
Marah Cover, Eric Hayes and Peyton Bellman have been added to choreography team.
Natick is only competing three times this season, performing at Tantasqua, Andover, and Waltham.
Does this transition year mean they will be slowing down anytime soon?
Somerset Berkeley “Electrify”
Taiylor Medina is not only the director - she's now also the choreographer.
Electrify is competing in small mixed this season.
The group is only attending two competitions this year, Tantasqua and Waltham.
Shepherd Hill “Fantasy”
Fantasy is entering their 40th year as a show choir program.
Later in the season, they will go out-of-region for the first time since 2022 when they travel to Mecanicsville, Virginia.
Shepherd Hill is jumping down to the small mixed division for the first time.
Their theme this year is Birthday for a Sad Clown.
Groups who are looking to improve after last weekend’s competition include:
Daniel Hand “VIBE”
After an upset at Shepherd Hill, VIBE will continue to strive for the number one spot in New England.
Their Legend of Anne Bonny show has received high praise in the community. It is designed specifically to take the national stage to compete against the likes of Carmel, Los Alamitos, Zionsville and Petal.
There is an astounding 64 members in the group this year, most students ever in a New England show choir to date.
Their ballad is the highlight of the show. Once the group is locked in, VIBE produces great sound and is a force to be reckoned with.
The choreography was well executed, and pictures on stage were easily seen with choices of costuming.
Lowell “Sound Impressions”
Even with missing elements of their 2025 set, Sound Impressions left an impression on audiences.
Stephen Todd’s choreography looked seamless. One would not be able to tell this was their first year working with him.
Tightening up vocal quality and pacing of the set will make this show even better than it already is.
For those interested in catching the Tantasqua competition, a livestream will be available through SP Sound and Production.
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