The Keynotes and She-notes have started their competition season for 2025. The Keynotes went from being awarded sixth place to first runner-up in the large mixed group category, and the She-notes went from fourth to first runner-up. This dramatic improvement comes from hard work and dedication.
“This year is going great, the kids have some great performances,” director and show choir teacher, Tim Smith said. “Both shows have grown, and the kids have worked very hard.”
While the choirs as a whole have improved, performer and instrumentalist Griffin Hobbs ‘27 has been on his A game for the past two competitions. With being awarded best instrumentalist for both Beavercreek Classic and Winfield Emerald Classic, Hobbs has wowed judges with his bagpipes.
“Learning the bagpipes was challenging. It takes a lot of work to focus on keeping a steady pressure on the bag, while also moving your fingers quite fast,” Hobbs said. “I’m super excited to have won two comps already; it’s awesome! I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the instrument and improve the show.”
Hobbs is not on his own, as dance captain Sarah Wizard ‘25 has been in the program for four years. She is a soloist for the Keynotes and has won best performer multiple times. With her help the choir has grown immensely as they hope to be the grand champion in the near future.
“It’s just the beginning of our season and we have already grown so much as a group and as performers,” Wizard said. “At our most recent competition in West Virginia we placed over a group we haven’t beaten in 14 years. Spirits are so high and the energy and drive we share makes me so excited for competitions to come.”
The She-notes also won the first runner up for the treble finals at Winfield, and while happy they are ready to see what the future holds.
“I can’t wait to see how far we can take our success. More specifically, I am looking forward to our Nationals competition in Nashville, Tennessee that we travel to towards the end of March,” Wizard said.
Wizard’s and Smith’s positive look on the future, the team is ready to take on the Loveland Competition on Feb. 8. But do not worry, if you have not got a chance to see them yet, you can come watch them at Keynote Classic on Saturday, Feb. 15.
