Buffalo Grove H.S.'s Expressions is show choir champion

The 19th annual Chicagoland Showcase Show Choir competition brought singing and dancing groups from all around the Midwest to John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights last weekend, but a group from right next door - "Expressions" from Buffalo Grove High School was named grand champion.

Groups traveled to the showcase from as far as Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin this year, while in the past the showcase has hosted schools from as far as California and Alabama, said Joann Langley, fine arts assistant at Hersey High School and chairwoman of the showcase.

Groups are judged on singing and dancing, with more emphasis on choir skills, she said.

"It was our biggest event and probably the best in the 19 years that we've been running the contest," Langley said. "The competition was the most intense we've seen in many years. It was really an exceptional year."

Expressions, a 36-member group from Buffalo Grove H.S., took home the top prize and wore their medals to school on Monday to celebrate the win.

"They were just outstanding in all areas," Langley said. "Every aspect of their show was at its top level and it showed in the scores."

On Friday night, unisex high school groups and middle schools competed. "Lights" from Mundelein High School won the unisex division.

Fellow Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school Prospect High School was the second runner-up on Saturday

A total of 30 groups competed in the Chicagoland Showcase event.

Langley said she's already looking forward to next year when the Chicagoland Showcase will celebrate it's 20th anniversary.