From Hi-Lights: A look into the current show choir season

Posted February 12, 2024

Note: This article and photo appeared in the January issue of Hi-Lights, the Plymouth High School student newspaper.

By Grace Poppe
of the Hi-Lights staff

A new season is underway for PHS show choir. Every year, the show that they put on has a specific theme that tells a story.

This year, their show is called “Rules of Nature.” The show takes the audience through a death, royalty stepping up, and finally stages of grief along the way. The show is picked by the director, Carter Krzyzaniak, and usually tends to have some type of deeper lesson.

“We use a lot of songs that aren’t as popular,” said senior Helena Erdly. “A lot of other show choirs use popular songs that you know the words to and stick to basic happy, peppy themes, but we dive into deeper stories and have deeper meaning behind our show.”

All of the songs that they sing fit under an umbrella theme that sets up the main idea for the show. Every song is hand-picked and pieced together. “I really think Carter has a lot of creativity, and I really applaud him for being able to pick out these songs and put together a whole show,” said senior Allison Steiner.

A lot more goes into the show than one might think. Aside from practicing their music and choreography, they also have to be able to work cohesively with the band that is better known as Combo. They are able to have their own time to practice, but they also practice together for a few hours each night.

Combo is a crucial part of show choir, because it provides all of the instrumental background for the songs and also supports the singers in more difficult notes they might have. The band is also occasionally featured during the show, especially during dance breaks when they aren’t singing.

Allison feels that there are so many great opportunities and experiences that the team gets to go through together. They come closer together by traveling to competitions and cheering for their teammates and other teams. “It is a great way to make new friends and meet new people. I made so many friends last year and this year with all of the new people,” she said.

Last year, the team started the year placing 11th out of 12, but worked hard and finished third at the end of the season, Helena said. “Being able to take third helped their confidence and ultimately helped them grow together as a team,” she said. “They hope to make this year even better than last year and grow as a team, win as a team, and continue to take steps forward every practice.”