Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Community High School music department celebrated a series of remarkable achievements last week, with both the InMotion show choir and Jazz 2 ensemble securing top honors in their respective competitions. The success of these groups is not just a testament to their talent but also to the strong culture of support and dedication among the students.
InMotion students celebrate their Grand Champion win at Central Connections. (Photo Courtesy of MPTV-Close Up)
On Saturday, March 1 the MPCHS Show Choir InMotion earned the title of Grand Champions at the Central Connections Show Choir competition, marking their second consecutive year achieving this honor. Their performance also secured first place in the 3A category, the Fan Favorite Award, Best Choreography, Best Band, and Best Soloist, awarded to Addison Peck during the Daytime Awards.
InMotion took home first place in the 3A category, the Fan Favorite Award, Best Choreography, Best Band, and Best Soloist as a whole group attending competition at Central Lee over the weekend. (Photo Courtesy of MPTV-Close Up)
Addison Peck shows off her Outstanding Soloist award from the weekend. (Photo Courtesy of MPTV-Close Up)
The Mt. Pleasant Music Department expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating on their Facebook page, “InMotion getting the job done for a SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!!! Central Connections GRAND CHAMPIONS!!! … We are SO PROUD of these students, and they really show how they continue to FLY!!!”
The show, titled “Fly Again,” follows a narrative of resilience and perseverance.
Show choir director Makenzie Kauffman-Ho described the theme, saying, “This show is called ‘Fly Again,’ and so it’s kind got a little bit a story arc to it. It starts out with a song talking about how, you know, in life we don’t always get dealt like the right cards, but we’re always gonna ride at dawn.”
Kauffman-Ho states that the group this year is exceptional.
InMotion show choir celebrates winning Grand Champion at Central Connections Saturday, March 1. (Photo Courtesy of MPTV-Close Up)
“It is a really special group in that they have, there’s very few times I have ever had to like repeat prompts or directions,” she said. “They are so detail-oriented and so crisp and clear on everything.”
Despite a rigorous practice and performance schedule, she noted the students’ commitment and high energy.
Under the direction of Kent Keating, Mt. Pleasant High School’s Jazz 2 ensemble also had a standout performance last week as they placed first in the Class 3A Second Bands category at the Coe College Jazz Summit in Cedar Rapids. This three-day event began Thursday, Feb. 27 and concluded Saturday night with awards.
Kent Keating directs Mt. Pleasant Community High School’s Jazz 2 band at Coe College. (Photo by Dave Schneider)
MPCHS Jazz 2’s performance on Thursday led to their victory being announced Saturday night. Alto saxophonist Jack Henriksen received individual recognition as an Honorable Mention Performer, one of only two students in the Second Bands category to earn such distinction, according to MPCHS Music Department Volunteer Dave Schneider.
MPCHS InMotion show choir sits front and center ready to cheer on Mt. Pleasant Middle School’s Chain Reaction at Central Lee. (Photo Submitted)
The success of Mt. Pleasant’s music groups extends beyond individual performances. Many students participate in multiple ensembles, balancing rigorous schedules while supporting one another. Kauffman-Ho emphasized the camaraderie among the students, noting their ability to stay motivated despite the demanding season.
“All the kudos for the kids keeping at it and keeping the energy high,” she said.
With Music in Motion and a few competitions already behind them, the Mt. Pleasant High School music department continues to prepare for the rest of the season, building on the momentum of their recent victories.
Up next, InMotion will compete at Stars in the Spotlight in Fort Madison this Saturday, March 8.
The achievements of the past week highlight not only the individual talents of Mt. Pleasant’s students but also the collaborative spirit that defines their music program. As they move forward, the directors, students, parents, volunteers, and community will continue to offer their support to spur the MPCHS Music Department onto continued success this season.
Comments: [email protected]