2. HISTORY
Originated in the United States in the mid 1960s.
Groups such as The Young Americans(1962) and
Up with People(1968) used to travel and perform.
PBS broadcast the early years of the Luers
Midwest Swing Choir Invitational, which led to
international exposure and growth in show choir
competitions around the country.
3. LOCATION
Generally high school and college students.
Show choir is growing more popular and expanding
into middle schools and junior high schools.
4. TECHNICAL ASPECT
Typically 30 to 60 people.
Generally wear costumes that match the theme of the
show.
Stage makeup is used to make the face stand out.
Facials are a must.
Use of props can make the show more interesting.
5. CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERFORMANCE
Shows consist of a variety of songs.
Usually choreographed.
Usually with an acapella (the secret to a good show)
At least one soloist throughout the set.
Generally seventeen minutes.
6. COMPETITIONS
Schools gather together and compete.
Can be small and local or large and statewide.
Divided by skill level, size of the choir, and/or
gender of the participants.
7. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Audition- Only students with acceptable singing and
dancing ability can join.
Generally a fee for wardrobe and travel is
requested.
Practice can be during classes, after school, or both.
Hard work and dedication.
8. IN THE MEDIA TODAY
Glee- Television series that focuses on a high
school glee club
Many newspapers and news networks wrote
articles on the similarities and differences between
Glee and real world show choir.
In October 2010, Parade magazine featured an
article centering around Waubonsie Valley High
School's "Sound Check" show choir, detailing
similarities and differences to the nation's top show
choirs and Glee.
9. NOTABLE FORMER MEMBERS OF SHOW CHOIR
Ashton Kutcher- TV/Film
Blake Lively- Actress
Jason Mraz- Singer
Clay Aiken- American Idol
Jenna Ushkowitz- Actress (Plays Tina Cohen-
Chang in Glee)
10. SUMMARY
Originated in the United States in the mid 1960s.
(History)
Generally high school and college students. (Location)
Typically 30 to 60 people with costumes, stage
makeup, and props. (Technical Aspect)
A show is at least seventeen minutes with at least one
soloist and an acapella piece. (Characteristics of a
Performance)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_choir
