First Place For Carlsbad High's 2 Show Choirs at 'Burbank Blast'

Burbank, CA - Carlsbad High School’s two show choirs had a “blast” at The Burbank Blast Show Choir Competition this past Saturday, taking home first place trophies in their divisions. Twenty-two choirs from throughout Southern California and Arizona participated in this event.

In the Intermediate Women’s Division, Carlsbad’s Encore went up against Bonita Vista, Burroughs, Glendora, Serrano, and Los Alamitos High Schools. Encore swept this division not only winning first place but also taking home top honors for showmanship and musicianship. The theme of Encore’s set is empowering women and embracing possibilities.

In the Advanced Mixed Tier II Division, Carlsbad’s Sound Express faced tough competition from Chula Vista, Glendora, and Serrano High Schools. Sound Express took home the first place trophy and honors for musicianship. Their set focuses on a reporter whose choice to “get the story” instead of helping the victim of a crime has unforeseen consequences.

The adjudication panel included a diverse and talented group of professionals with the type of credentials one would expect this close to Hollywood. Show choirs are judged on musicianship and showmanship. Musicianship includes tone, intonation, resonance, dynamics, diction, rhythm, musicality, stylistic authenticity, consistency, difficulty and innovation. Showmanship includes staging, choreography, appearance, transitions, precision, poise, expression, entertainment value, consistency, difficulty and creativity. Recognition in these categories is what show choirs work toward everyday.

When asked to comment on the results of this competition, Carlsbad High School choral director, Mr. Jessie Bullock stated, "I am so proud of these students. Despite illnesses and injuries, they went on stage and gave it all they could. It was a very close competition. We won by five points out of a possible 600. We have to continue to work hard and keep getting better to beat our own scores.”

Carlsbad High School’s Vocal Music Program is one of the few remaining programs in all of San Diego County and strives to promote awareness, appreciation, and expression of the arts in the community. The CHS Choral Boosters are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID 30-0208051) dedicated to supporting the students in the vocal music program. They are funded entirely by donations. Visit www.chschoral.com for more information.