Southeastern Performance Apparel: February 2011

In reviewing articles and survey results dating from the 1980s on the benefits of student choral participation we find that those benefits continue to be extremely positive. The benefits are so positive that even students themselves have noticed. Sited below are quotes from some observers.

According to a 2009 Chorus America Survey nearly 3 million Americans

regularly sing in choruses. Children who sing in choruses get significantly better

grades than their classmates who were never in a choir. Parents of choristers say

that participating in a chorus contributes to other qualities that help children learn

and develop – Such as good memory, good practice and homework habits

and high levels of creativity. As in 2003, the research finds that adult choral

singers display an array of positive attributes, from deeper involvement in civic

life than the average American to desirable personal qualities; such highly

developed social skills and the ability to be a team player.

Three-quarters of teachers surveyed said they can tell which students in their

classes participate in choirs, just by observing their behavior. More than half say

they have recommended choruses to students. Ninety-one percent of educators

believe choruses add to a school’s overall sense of community.

“When kids participate in choruses, they also tend to be successful students in

school. Similarly, adults who participate in choruses are more likely to be

successful citizens and workers,” said Laura Smyth, senior associate for

Communications and Partnerships at the Arts Education Partnership.

Kevin McCarthy, a leading researcher on the arts and culture at RAND

Corporation finds the new study provocative and deserving of further exploration.

“What is it about choruses that seems to produce benefits-is it the discipline, is it

the art, is it the fact that you are cooperating and working with others, is it being a

part of an organization that is beyond yourself.

Beth Tibbs, Arizona Western College professor and director of the Yuma Youth

Choir says that many of her choir members began with no self-confidence, and

singing helped build their self-esteem and strengthen their discipline. Choir

participation is very transformative in every aspect of their lives, and just

remembering lyrics or their part of melody lines sharpens cognitive skills.

The findings indicate that no matter the age, from children to senior citizens the

benefits of choral participation are all positive. These positive effects are felt

personally, as well as translating to a better community in which to live.

To read all of the results of the 2009 Chorus America Survey visit their website at: http://www.chorusamerica.org/about_choralsinging.cfm

Dallas Center-Grimes Take 2 Show Choir Invitational 2011

Finals

Sound Revolution Grand Champion

Norwalk High School Best Male Section

Best Female Section

High Voltage First Runner Up

Emmetsburg High School Best Choreography

AcaPella Second Runner Up

Pella High School

Christopher Jive and the Uptown 45 Third Runner Up

West Branch High School Best Band

Dutch Divas Fourth Runner Up

Pella High School

Davenport North Big Dance 2011

Finals

Happiness, Inc. Grand Champion

Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Best Male Soloist (Ben Feltes)

West Side Delegation First Runner Up

Thomas Jefferson High School Best Band

Best Female Soloist

(Lindsey Von Holten)

Central Singers, Inc. Second Runner Up

Davenport Central High School

Johnston Showzam 2011

Finals

Studio Grand Champion

Urbandale High School Best Vocals

Riverside Company First Runner Up

Hastings High School Best Choreography

Best Band

Best Male Soloist

Visual Adrenaline Second Runner

Ankeny High School

Millard West Singsations 2011

Finals

Rush Grand Champion

Ralston High School

Ultimate Image First Runner Up

Grand Island Sr High School

Blackout Second Runner Up

Elkhorn South High School

Milton Choralation Invitational 2011

Finals

Sound Check Grand Champion

Waubonsie Valley High School Best Choreography

Best Vocals

Power Company First Runner Up

Waconia High School Best Female Soloist (Alexandra Buck)

Best Male Soloist (Austin Stole)

Best Band

Sound Second Runner Up

Mundelein High School

Mt Zion Midwest Invitational 2011

Finals

The Classics Grand Champion

Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Expressions First Runner Up

Buffalo Grove High School Best Vocals

Cavaliers Second Runner Up

Crete-Monee High School

Muscatine River City Showcase 2011

Finals

Xhilaration Grand Champion

Xavier High School

Momentum First Runner Up

George Washington High School

4^th Avenue Jazz Company Second Runner Up

Iowa City High School

Piqua Show Choir Invitational 2011

Finals

Swingers Unlimited Grand Champion

Marysville High School Best Vocals

Great Expectations First Runner Up

Twinsburg High School Best Male Soloist (Anthony Paul)

Best Costume

Red Hot Second Runner Up

Hurricane High School Best Choreography

Best Show Design

South Dearborn Opening Knight Showcase 2011

Finals

Choraliers Grand Champion

Fairfield Sr High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Best Band

F C Singers First Runner Up

Franklin Central High School

Pure Elegance Second Runner Up

Fairfield Sr High School

Altoona Locopalooza 2011

Finals

Power Company Grand Champion

Waconia High School Best Choreography

Best Band

Best Female Soloist (AnnMarie Powers)

Best Costumes

People’s Choice

Riverside Company First Runner Up

Hastings High School Best Vocals

Best Male Soloist (Sean Kelly)

Spirit Award

Findlay FEst 2011

Finals

Friends Grand Champion

Beavercreek High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Encore Entertainment Company First Runner Up

Medina High School

Minstrels Second Runner Up

Bishop Luers High School

Omaha Westside Competition of Excellence

Finals

Friend de Coup Grand Champion

Mitchell High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Best Band

Headliners First Runner Up

East High School

14 Karat Gold Second Runner Up

Grand Island Northwest High School

Riverside Fusion Fest

Finals

Visual Volume Grand Champion

Poca High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Best Band

Best Costumes

Best Crew

Rhythm in Red First Runner Up

Cabell Midland High School

Voices in Perfection Second Runner Up

Capital High School

Sauk Prairie Executive Session Invitational 2011

Finals

Grand Central Station Grand Champion

La Crosse Central High School Best Vocals

Best Choreography

Hilltoppers First Runner Up

Onalaska High School

Choralation Second Runner Up

Milton High School

South Jones Invitational 2011

Finals

The Network Grand Champion

Homewood High School Best Vocals

Best Show Design

Reveillion First Runner Up

Jackson Preparatory School Best Choreography

Soundsations ` Second Runner Up

Petal High School

Tallassee Capitol City Classic

Finals

Varsity Singers Grand Champion

Auburn High School Best Vocals

Best Visuals

Best Show Design

Con Brio First Runner Up

Oak Mountain High School

Eighth Street Singing Company Second Runner Up

Tift County High School Best Band

For more results visit: http://www.showchoir.com/

Southeastern Performance Apparel

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ACDA National Convention - Southeastern Performance Apparel

Positive Benefits for Students Who Participate in a Choral Progam

More 2011 Show Choir Competition Winners - Congratulations to all!