East’s Show Choir department, made up of four groups, includes over 130 freshmen through senior students. The four groups, Express, Elegance, Elevation, and Espionage, have had an exciting season, recently wrapping it up by competing at Lewis Central’s Clash of the Titans.
“I like going to competitions and it’s really cool to see other schools,” Lincoln East senior Chelsea Embury said.
The four groups represent a variety of skill levels, beginning with the prep group, Elevation. Elevation is the mixed prep show choir, under the direction of Micah Friesen and Lisabeth Wissink, and it is made up of 40 9-12 grade singer-dancers. Their performances this season were impressive and were centered around the theme of Power Rangers. Elevation is the perfect opportunity for new people to give show choir a try!
“I would recommend it because even if you don’t have experience in dancing or singing,” Embury said. “That’s why prep is a thing because it allows you to figure out if you’re interested in it or not.”
Elegance is the select treble show choir and consists of 27 singer-dancers in grades 10-12, under the direction of Sam Klemme. Their electrifying performance won many awards this season at numerous competitions. Elegance won 1st place at Norris Fields of Talent as well as winning 3rd place at Lewis Central’s Clash of the Titans and Ralston Ramageddon.
Express is the varsity mixed show choir under the direction of Lisabeth Wissink, Sam Klemme, and Micah Friesen and is comprised of 45 singer-dancers in grades 10-12.
“My favorite part of show choir is getting to all collectively work on something with your friends that you get to perform a bunch of times and get really good at doing,” senior and member of Express, Kadrin Greenwood said.
Express won 1st place at Ralston Ramageddon along with awards for Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band. Express is made up of many seniors who just finished up their last season including Embury and Greenwood.
“I’ve been with all the seniors since freshman year so it’s hard to leave that because it’s weird I’m not gonna see them all the time,” Embury said.
Last but not least, the immensely talented show band, Espionage. Espionage, made up of 26 instrumentalists in grades 9-12, is directed by Lisabeth Wissink and Micah Friesen. Espionage plays a vital part in making everything run smoothly because they perform with all three other groups, ensuring the accompanying music is spectacular.
After a successful 2024-25 season, Lincoln East’s music department and other fellow Spartans are already looking forward to what show choir has to offer next year!
