The Keynotes started the season off with a bang as they took home best vocals, choreography, show concepts, costumes, bass soloist, and overall champions at Marion Harding Singsational this past weekend. This is the first time in four years the group placed this high; for some seniors, it is their first time ever. 

“It’s one of the biggest things that you can do in show choir, as it means out of all the categories combined, you came out on top with the highest number of points. Even after a long day of competing and exhaustion, all of us truly put our all into our finals performance,” three-year performer Elena White ‘26 said. 

The group’s bass soloist, Ari Ries, took home best solo. Ries is a freshman at ‘Tangy, but was a performer for the Leading Tones, Shanahan’s new show choir. Last year, Ries took home the best bass soloist at every competition the team went to. This year, he performs “Arcade” and stars in the show. 

“I’m so happy and grateful I get to perform with such an amazing group of people, and I can’t wait to see what comes for us in the future,” Ries said. 

The team will head to Loveland next weekend, where they will face two competitive groups of performers – Marysville’s Swingers Unlimited and Daniel Hand’s Vibe. Both teams were awarded Grand Champions at their competition this past weekend. Next weekend will be a head-to-head battle as the Keynotes and Shenotes go to Loveland in hopes of another Grand Champ.