Buffalo Grove show choir declared grand champion at national contest

Buffalo Grove Expressions, a show choir from Buffalo Grove High School, was declared grand champion in a national competition Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.

Colleen Sinclair, a senior from Arlington Heights, was named the outstanding female soloist.

The 54 students in Expressions competed against 10 other groups in the mixed or coeducational division, according to the Web site of Show Choir Nationals, which organized the event. Groups were invited to participate based on results in regional competitions.

The singing and dancing group and band performed songs including "Dare to Dream Big," "If I Own Today," "Lady Luck," "Mercy," "Swingtown" and "Let's Rock and Roll."

"We're just thrilled for our kids," said Debora Utley, director of the group and of vocal music at the high school. "It's really all about the kids and their extreme hard work and dedication."

Expressions also was honored for overall effect and choreography.

Other staff members are Randy Sage, choreographer; Jordan Yeo, technical director, and Bryan Itzkowitz, band director.