Choir seeking third win

Mark R. Madler

A group of John Burroughs High School students leave today for

Chicago in hopes of out-singing other student performers in a

national choir competition.

The Powerhouse and Sound Sensations choirs will go up against

performers from five other states in the Showstoppers Show Choir

Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

The local choir has performed and placed in two previous national

contests in Los Angeles and Branson, Mo., and was invited back for a

third contest, choir Director Mary Rago said.

Kelly Cole, a senior on the tech crew, said she was excited about

the competition and visiting Chicago. The tech crew helps with stage

setup, special effects and moving props for the show.

“You get to be with all your friends, and you get to meet kids

from all over the country who are just as fun-spirited as you are,”

Kelly said.

Jennifer Bax, a senior who is president of the school’s Vocal

Music Assn., said she cannot wait to compete against the other

choirs.

“I’ve been on two trips before and they are a lot of fun,”

Jennifer said.

The choir’s show, “Powerhouse 2004: A Hero’s Journey,” is

“contemporary, both visually and musically,” Rago said, adding that a

martial arts expert was hired to choreograph the show’s finale.

Principal Emilio Urioste will make the trip with the 89 students,

who financed the trip through fundraisers.

The choir will perform “A Hero’s Journey” at its spring concert

May 21 at Luther Burbank Middle School.