Music in Motion returns for 30th year

MT. PLEASANT — After nabbing a second-place finish at the Big Dance Show Choir Invitational at Davenport North over the weekend, Mt. Pleasant Community School District’s show choirs set their minds to the 30th Annual Music in Motion Invitational this Saturday in Mt. Pleasant.

According to Middle School Band Director Adam Creager, this is the music department’s “biggest and most popular event all year.”

For $10 guests can attend this event Saturday, Feb. 3 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and watch more than a dozen of the top middle and high school show choirs from across Iowa to compete throughout the day.

“This year promises to be an extraordinary celebration of talent, creativity, and the power of harmony,” MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen states in a welcome to those that will attend the event. “As we gather to witness incredible performances from outstanding show choirs, let’s reflect on the memories we’ve created over the years and the countless voices that have echoed through this remarkable event.”

Judges for the event will include Mt. Mercy University Director of Music Activities Derald Keitzer, Mt. Mercy University Show Choir Director Kent Keating, accomplished singer, dancer, actress and choreographer from Manchester, Michelle Philgreen, retired music educator after 34 years, Duane Philgreen, and retired music educator after 41 years Bob Anderson.

Former MPCHS science teacher Cal Litwiller will emcee the event alongside former InMotion member Aaron Williamson.

While Mt. Pleasant’s show choirs won’t compete in the invitational that they host, they will still perform exhibitions during the event.

The middle school show choir Chain Reaction will perform at 5 p.m. just before daytime awards are announced at 5:30 p.m. and the high school show choir InMotion will perform at 9:30 p.m. following the finalists’ performances from 6:30-9 p.m.

Under the direction of Makenzie Kauffman-Ho, with band preparation by Adam Creager and Brad Cook, and choreographed by Anne Chapman and Ben Schrank, InMotion’s 51 singer/dancers, 15 instrumentalists, and six crew members will entertain invitational audiences with Take on the World, The Show in the Spotlight, Uphill, Tell Me Your Little Secrets, and Under the Sun.

Under the direction of Brooke Smith with accompaniment by Adam Creager and choreographed by Elaina Holtkamp and Rylie Copeman Chain Reaction will perform OMGLOL/Notice Me, If the World Only Knew, and Feel it as their exhibition for the invitational.

Final awards will be announced at 10 p.m. to wrap up the 30th Annual Music in Motion Invitational.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com