Jackson Academy’s show choirs, Showtime and Encore, recently concluded their competition season. Over the past three months, the groups have traveled and competed against some of the top show choirs in the state, the Southeast, and the country, finding success at all levels of competition.
Under the direction of Reagan Ray, Showtime is made up of 34 seventh through ninth grade singers/dancers, 13 crew members, and 10 band members. This season, Showtime presented a show inspired by the children’s book Bridge to Terabithia.
Showtime competed at the Northeast Jones Classic. They earned second place in the Middle Mixed Division, the Spirit of Show Choir award, third place overall, and outstanding performer – Annie Craig. At the West Jones Show Choir Invitational, Showtime earned second place in the Middle Mixed Division. They also earned second place in the Middle Mixed Division at the Petal Show Choir Invitational and were awarded outstanding costumes. Finally, at the Brandon Show Choir ELITE, Showtime earned first place in the Middle Mixed Division, outstanding show design, first place Overall, and outstanding performer – Sara Kate Long.
Encore, Jackson Academy’s high school show choir, is directed by Amy Whittenton and comprises 49 ninth through twelfth grade performers, with a band of 10 members and a crew of 13. Their competition show is a retelling of C.S. Lewis’s famous story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. With award-winning costumes, sets, and choreography, Encore’s 2022 competition show has captivated audiences all season.
At the Northeast Jones Classic, Encore earned second place in Large Division, first runner-up Overall, and the Spirit of Show Choir award. At the West Jones Show Choir Invitational, they earned third in Large Division, second runner-up Overall, and Stella Allen was named Best Performer. Encore then traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to compete in the Heart of America competition. There, they earned first runner-up, Best Costumes, and Best Soloist – Gretchen Morris. Encore finished their season at the Brandon Show Choir ELITE. They earned second in Large Division, first runner-up Overall, and Olivia Quin was named Best Performer.
The Jackson Academy family has two remaining opportunities to see Showtime and Encore perform these amazing shows. First is the student body performance next Tuesday, April 19, at 9:45 in the PAC. Second is their final performance, Tuesday, April 26, at the Show Choir Spring Revue. In addition to the competition shows, The Spring Revue will also feature senior performances and additional numbers. Along with performances for the Jackson Academy family, Encore will also be performing at The Mustard Seed. The performance for the “Seedsters,” held this year on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 12, is becoming a fun tradition for Encore members. Congratulations to JA show choirs on a fantastic show choir season!
