Many show choirs and their fans packed Pella High School for the 8th Dutch Masters Show Choir Invitational Saturday.
The event is hosted and run by Pella High’s show choirs, AcaPella and Bravo. Assistant Director Wes Chaplin tells KNIA/KRLS students worked to transform the school over the course of two days to host 24 show choirs.
Chaplin called the event a “smashing” success.
“The event was extremely well-attended, and many of the spectators and participants commented on how friendly and welcoming the students and volunteers were at Dutch Masters,” Chaplin said in a release. “The event isn’t possible without the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure that each student, director and spectator has the best experience possible at Dutch Masters.”
Keokuk Purple Harmony was the grand champion in the high school competition, and 89 total trophies were awarded to participants. Emmetsburg named 1st runner up and Benton Community as 2nd runner up. Awards were also handed out for the Best Band, Choreography and Vocals in each class, and the judges also selected a Star Performer from each competing group
Middle school show choirs competed on Friday night, including groups from Ankeny, Waukee, Dallas Center-Grimes, Cedar Rapids LaSalle and West Branch. The event is one of the largest show choir competitions in Iowa, with thirty competitive groups and exhibition performances by Pella High’s AcaPella and Bravo groups, as well as Pella Middle School’s PELLAdrenaline.
Chaplin says the event was extremely well-attended, with a full auditorium of spectators all day and night, and large crowds gathered around the three large-screen televisions positioned throughout the high school, simulcasting the action from the stage.
Video production services were provided by Blue Sky Productions, who were on-site creating DVD’s and BluRays of the performances. Those can be ordered from their website at www.BlueSkypd.com.
Dutch Masters, and the Vocal Music Department’s Cabaret event, provide the funding for the high school show choir programs at PHS, which allows for the purchase of costumes, song licenses, choreography, staging, equipment and instruments.
AcaPella and Bravo have garnered four class championships, an overall grand championship, and a 1st and 2nd runner up finish in their competitive season this year, along with both groups receiving Division I ratings at State contest (the highest rating). Pella was the only show choir in Iowa to have both its varsity (AcaPella) and prep (Bravo) show choirs receive a I rating at State contest this year.
The last chance to see AcaPella and Bravo perform this year will be at Cabaret, March 4th and 5th. Tickets can be purchased by e-mailing the High School Vocal Music Director, Michelle Chaplin, at Michelle.Chaplin@pella.k12.ia.us.