Notre Dame Academy’s Show Choir, directed by Mrs. Maria Hinnendael, has a full schedule of performances this year.

The group will begin by singing the national anthem at the Varsity Football game on October 3 and the Varsity Girls Volleyball game on October 9. 

They will also perform at the Fall Concert on October 28, the Winter Concert on December 11, and during the GRACE school tour on November 7.

In December students will attend Hadestown at the Weidner Center, and next semester, the group will travel to Milwaukee to perform the national anthem at a Milwaukee Herd basketball game.

Show Choir meets once a week on Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. because that was the only time that worked for all members. 

Although there is limited rehearsal time, the group performs at least six times during a semester, sometimes even taking extra opportunities like Christmas caroling.

For those who don’t know, Show Choir is a combination of singing and dancing with a little bit of musical theater. 

Senior Caroline Broberg explained why she decided to audition for Show Choir this year. 

“I wanted to expand my range as a performer and immerse myself in the musical world by getting to know other talented singers,” she explained.

The group performs a mix of pop music and also songs from musicals. 

There are ensemble numbers, small group pieces and solos.

Of course the group focuses on music and performance, but Mrs. Hinnendael also notes that there are many personal connections made through Show Choir.

“We make great music, but it’s the connections and memories that mean even more,” she explained.

Show Choir members are Monica Alvarez, Tegan Arndt, Jaime Augilar-Morales, Autumn Aschinger, Ava Murphy, Caroline Broberg, Samantha Coppock, Emily Metzentine, Pamela Jacome Escalera, Maxwell Janick, Julia Gutowski, Julian Sculliuffo, Raymond Lawrence and Rosaline Muller.

While there are plenty of talented singers in the Show Choir, others help out with the instrumentals. Emily Sculliffo plays the piano, Benjamin Smith is on the bass and James Hermes is on the drums.

 “It’s so fun to watch them shine after they put in the necessary work to interpret and perform musical numbers,” said the director.

With so many performances on the calendar, Show Choir is prepared for another rewarding year.