Show Choir camp held at LMS

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June 25-29 students brought out their inner “Gleeks” during District 833 Community Education’s Show Choir camp at Lake Middle School.

The Community Education Show Choir met from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday –Friday where students learned four song and dance routines – “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray,” “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga, “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz and “We Go Together” from “Grease.”

On Friday, the 30 students performed for friends and family.

“We’ve definitely used ‘Glee’ as inspiration,” said LMS choir teacher, and show choir director, Abigail Adkins.

The Community Education Show Choir was started by Adkins because she said it was something the district was lacking.

“I’ve always loved anything with show choir – it was one of my favorite things growing up,” she said. “So this spring when I realized that Community Ed didn’t have a show choir; I decided ‘Let’s go ahead and start one and get something running.’”

Adkins said the group of students who signed up for the show choir were great because they were all passionate about music.

“I’m really lucky that it’s been a great group of kids,” she said. “They’re all very musical, very talented and very eager.”

Adkins said she likes show choirs because of the high energy they bring.

“It’s also the challenge because it’s one thing to stand and sing and a whole other thing to sing while you’re putting energetic moves to it,” she said. “I’ve been shocked at how quickly they pick everything up.”

When it came to selecting songs for the show choir, Adkins said she wanted to pick songs that had a variety.

“It was important to the students to have songs that they are familiar with, but at the same time I wanted the ability to try different styles of music,” she said. “’You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from ’Hairspray’ is very different from our Lady Gaga.”

Adkins said overwhelmingly the students’ favorite number has been “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

“I was surprised at that, actually,” she said.

LMS seventh grader Maggie Eckberg said she decided to join show choir because she is a fan of the Fox television show “Glee” and thought it would be something fun to try.

“I really like the energy that we have when we dance and I like all the new choreography I’m learning,” she said, “and just the atmosphere of all the people.”

Eckberg said it was a little challenging at first to put the choreography together with the singing, but after a while it became second nature.

“It’s somewhat difficult, but then you kind of get into a rhythm and it comes naturally,” she said.

Woodbury Middle School eighth grader Olivia Morignacco said she enjoyed show choir.

“The songs are so energetic and so fun to work with,” she said.

Adkins said she is hoping to offer show choir every summer.

“The students get to be surrounded by people who are as serious as they are about singing and dancing,” she said. “They’re all dedicated and excited.”

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