WWS Classics to Compete in ABC 7 Show Choir Showdown

The Wheaton Warrenville South Classics Show Choir will perform on the ABC 7 morning news on Monday, May 16. They will be one of four local show choirs featured in the ABC 7 Show Choir Showdown May 16-20, competing for votes on the ABC 7 website after the final school's performance on Thursday, May 20.

The Classics won the FAME National Championships in Indianapolis in late April. The three other schools to perform in the showdown are the  from Buffalo Grove High School, Sound Check from Waubonsie Valley High School and the Cavaliers from Crete-Monee High School.

The classics haven't competed against Waubonsie Valley this year, but have competed against Buffalo Grove and Crete-Monee at the Mount Zion Midwest Invitational, senior Classic Matthew Moore said, when he explained that relationships between show choirs are more supportive than competitive.

"We've come to know people in both groups and built relationships, especially with Waubonsie Valley," Moore said. "We get along really well."

The Classics started a December show choir clinic two years ago, which Waubonsie Valley, Buffalo Grove and Crete-Monee have attended. "We've started a group of show choir families ... the camaraderie between us isn't competition-based—we always wish each other good luck," he said.

Moore who sings the solo in "Renegade," by Styx, the opening number of Classics performances, was awarded "Best Male Soloist" at the FAME National Championships.

"I was astonished," he said of the honor. "Nothing compares to the national competition. It's such an astounding victory—it was the most amazing feeling ever."

He said that singing his solo is a thrill, as it has morphed from a main, mid-song solo into the introduction of the opening number.

"It's such a blast. The crowd pumps me up so much ... and it's so much fun to sing."

Viewers will vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday. ABC 7 will announce and broadcast the winning group on Friday morning.