After months of preparation, the show choir season is officially underway. Following the season premiere and the Primetime competition earlier this month, both Revolution, the varsity group, and Evolution, the junior varsity group, have begun navigating a full competition schedule. The opening performances offered a first look at two distinct shows while providing an early benchmark for growth as the season continues.
Hosted on home turf, Gretna Primetime marked the first competition of the year and served as an important learning experience for both groups. Performing in front of a large home crowd gave students the opportunity to showcase months of preparation while adjusting to the heightened energy and expectations that come with competition. It took place Jan. 16 and 17.
For Evolution, the season is centered on growth, experience and trusting the journey.
“The Evo show is about a group of people who have a dream of going up into a hot air balloon,” junior varsity director Dakota Mathew said.
The production opens with a sense of possibility, focusing on the desire to rise above the ordinary. As the show develops, the storyline shifts toward connection, trust and shared courage.
“The opener starts with the dream of going up into the sky,” Mathew said. “The second song is about finding an adventure partner, or having someone to go through life and take risks with.”
Midway through the show, the group faces a defining choice: whether to take the leap and pursue the dream they’ve imagined.
“The third song is about the decision the group makes to go into the balloon and choosing for it to be their time to soar,” he said.
That choice becomes reality when the balloon is introduced on stage, marking a turning point in the show’s momentum.
“The fourth song is when the balloon comes into the show and they choose to get on,” Mathew said. “The closer is a party in the sky, where they celebrate being up there and seeing the views.”
The overall message reflects the importance of taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.
“It’s about taking a risk that has a really fun payoff,” Mathew said.
With a young roster, Evolution’s focus extends beyond placements and scores. The season emphasizes development, confidence and shared commitment.
“They are incredibly naturally talented and mostly hungry to get better every rehearsal,” Mathew said. “The growth we’ve made vocally in a short amount of time is something I’m really excited about.”
He also mentioned his goals for the season go beyond performance quality.
“I want students to gain friends in this group,” Mathew said. “I want them to gain life skills like grit and collaboration with their teammates. I want us to buy into a central message together and execute that, rather than trying to win the biggest piece of plastic. We’re going to be competitive against ourselves every time.”
As the season kicks off, Mathew is focused on how the group responds to the challenges of the competition circuit.
“I am looking forward to seeing how this group grows.” Mathew said.
While Evolution’s season centers on experience and development, the varsity group approaches the competition circuit with a different set of expectations. Though both groups emphasize teamwork and commitment, Revolution enters the season with a highly competitive mindset and a show designed to challenge performers at the highest level.
This year’s Revolution production tells the true story of Annie Londonderry, played by senior Rebecca Roberts, a woman who biked around the world in 1895 after making a bet, becoming one of the first people to attempt such a feat on a modern bicycle.
The show centers on perseverance and belief, following an underdog who succeeds by pushing beyond comfort zones.
“The main message of the show is an underdog story,” said Revolution director Katelyn Wallace. “It’s about believing in yourself and pushing yourself to do hard things outside your comfort zone.”
That message has shaped the group’s approach since rehearsals began. Revolution has focused on discipline, consistency and attention to detail, understanding that competitive success is built over time.
“I think their work ethic stands out more than anything,” Wallace said. “This group is really hungry. They want to be excellent, and they work hard at every single rehearsal because they’re extremely committed.”
While placements and scores are part of any competition season, Wallace emphasized that the program’s goals reach beyond results.
“I want students to gain the essential life skills that I believe can be learned in show choir: striving for excellence, grit and teamwork,” she said.
Following Primetime, Evolution and Revolution now look ahead to the next five competitions with a focus on continued growth and refinement.
“I’m just really excited to get this show on its feet and out for the world to see,” Wallace said.
