Show Choir Season Off to a Strong Start

January 30, 2024 / Middle School/Upper School/All News

Jackson Academy Upper School and Middle School show choirs have begun their competition seasons, with two back-to-back exciting weekends of performances.

This past weekend, JA had its first official competition at Prep Show Choir Masters, where competition was intense. Encore placed second in the large division category in preliminary competition, earning a spot in finals where the five highest-scoring choirs competed to be the overall winner.  During preliminary competition, Encore earned Best Set Crew. Adjudicators chose Zyon McDowell as Outstanding Male Performer and Henley Nance as Outstanding Female Performer.

During finals, Encore captured the top spot: Overall Grand Champions! Along with that award, the group also earned Best Vocals and Best Visuals.

In separate competitions, Thomas Earl and Willis Thigpen received individual solo awards. Thomas earned first place and Willis earned third place in the male solo category.

Showtime captured first place in the Middle School Mixed category, also earning an Overall Visuals Award. Judges named Betsy Beard and Wade Silverman JA’s Outstanding Performers.

In a separate competition, Anna Mitchell Peters was the individual solo winner for Middle School girls. Congratulations to JA’s show choirs, crew, musicians, and directors!

Now that Encore and Showtime have had their first big competition, the groups turn their attention to being host for the Jackson Academy Showchoir Invitational this weekend. JA dismisses at 11:45 this Friday, as 31 show choirs arrive on campus for performances in the Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday. Twenty-nine groups will compete. As hosts, JA’s choirs will be exhibition-only, providing entertainment during breaks in competition.