Waubonsie Valley show choir takes first at Wheaton Warrenville South’s Choral Classic

The inspiration for Emily Herr’s song choice at a solo singing competition at Wheaton Warrenville South High School on Saturday was simple: “American Idol.”

When she saw a contestant belt out Ella Fitzgerald’s “Lullaby of Birdland,” she said she felt it was in her vocal range. Add in that Herr, 17, is also a fan of the First Lady of Song and it was a natural fit.

But as comfortable as she was taking on Fitzgerald’s 1954 version of the song, she also knew she was taking a risk, especially with two voice coaches serving as judges.

“It’s very nerve-racking,” the Waubonsie Valley High School senior said of solo competition. “You go into it knowing that they are going to tell you what you did wrong. But it is constructive and you learn a lot from it.”

The competition was part of the fourth annual Wheaton Warrenville South High School Choral Classic. About 1,500 students, teachers and parents from throughout the Midwest descended on the school for the daylong competition.

Waubonsie Valley defended its title for the third time in the mixed show choir competition and Crete-Monee High School won the unisex division.

As full show choirs and concert choirs competed in the school’s gymnasium and auditorium, the soloists set up shop in the library.

When Herr first started singing at Still Middle School in Aurora, she did not take to it immediately. But when she saw her twin sister in the choir at Waubonsie, she knew she wanted to try again.

“I didn’t really get into it until sophomore year, but then I realized that I was good at singing,” she said.

At the Classic, show choir directors chose students to compete in the solo category. At Waubonsie, performers auditioned for Mark Myers, director of show choir, who then selected the singers.

“They learn a lot,” he said. “The judges work with the kids more and it’s more of an educational experience. They give them an opportunity to try some things and improve on the spot.”

Myers said he does not necessarily choose his best students for the solo competition. With the hands-on style of judging, Myers said singers of any skill level benefit from the competition.

Mixed into the competition were performances by both of Wheaton Warrenville South High School’s show choirs. The school’s all-girl show choir, Esprit, performed while judges tallied up scores and determined finalists. After the finalists round, the Classics performed their piece.

Leigh Ann Roberts, whose daughter Caroline sings in the Classics, said she looks forward to the competition every year.

“I like the joy on her face and on the kids’ faces,” Roberts said. “The amount of talent here is remarkable. It’s just stunning.”

And, although Herr, who will attend Harding University outside of Little Rock, Ark., did not fare as well as she wanted to in the solo competition, she still enjoyed a chance to belt out one of her favorite artists’ classics.

“It’s perfect for my range,” she said. “I love her, too.”