Seniors competed as members of the Xavier show choirs for the last time on Saturday, February 25 at Marion’s Masquerade competition. Both Xhilaration and Xuberance finished the season with a bang, earning first place in their respective divisions. Additionally, both groups earned Best Choreography and Best Vocals awards. Xhilaration’s combo was also the recipient of the Best Combo award.

Xhilaration achieved similar success throughout the season, being named First-Runner-Up at Davenport North’s The Big Dance, First-Runner-Up and Best Vocals at Benton’s Touch of Class and becoming back-to-back Grand Champs at Mt. Pleasant’s Music in Motion. The group also received other awards such as Best Choral Sound, People’s Choice, Most Entertaining Show, and others throughout the season.

Xhilaration received two Grand Championships last year as well. They approached this season with the goal of continuing to improve upon their prior success.

“We definitely did improve from last year to this year, but there are always little tweaks that need to be made,” Xhilaration Director Matt Walker said. “Whether it’s reworking choreography or changing vocals, we did what we had to do.”

Junior Xhilaration member Max Lesnik believes he and the group reached their goals, but can still improve.

“If we want to be successful, we have to push ourselves as individuals and as a group to be the best show choir that we can be, and I think we did that this year,” Lesnik said. “I was happy with the results of this season, but I know we can get even better and hopefully do even better next year.”

Looking forward to next year, the group is excited to put in more hours of work to achieve their goals and are also excited to welcome new talent to the Xhilaration family. After being named Grand Champs twice this season, returning members truly know what they are capable of.

“After getting first place twice this year, I at least want to match that total for next year, and with the new members coming in, I really think we can do even better,” Lesnik said.

Tryouts for next year’s show choir season will be held in May.

Derrick Voss

A&E Writer