Mt. Pleasant show choir, performer get top honors

The Mt. Pleasant High School show choir group 'InMotion” received first in Class 3A at the 21st annual Central Lee ' Connections” show choir invitational on Saturday. The group also received caption awards for best band, best choreography, and best vocals. Senior show choir performer Joe Holtkamp was named star performer.

The group took the slate of awards in glory and awe after competing at the Pella show choir invitational last week and receiving a second-place rating in Class 3A. The group's director, Marlene DePriest, is proud of the show choir for taking the stage even during a global pandemic.

'The kids have worked super hard, and once again I'm just super proud of the kids because they are the ones who go out on stage and put the effort in. They're the ones that go out on stage, and sell it to the judges,” DePriest said.

To put themselves ahead of the rest, the group has homed in on their skills this year with a group of skilled seniors and a spirit of perseverance the group put forth their best.

'They are singing really well, and the choreography is there, and the band is stepping in and giving them energy during the dance breaks. So I think they kind of got the whole package going on,” DePriest said.

The show choir group did not receive grand champion since there are no finals this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, that didn't stop the group from putting everything forth, because there are no second chances.

'We don't have the finals this year so there are no grand championships, there are no second chances so it is a one and done. They gotta go out and sell it and really make it happen,” DePriest said.

On Saturday, both InMotion and the middle school show choir group 'Chain Reaction” will be performing at the 'Stars in the Spotlight” show choir competition at Fort Madison High School. Due to COVID-19 precautions, no audience will be allowed at the competition.