Surviving a Show Choir Competition: a Guide

For all my showchoir friends out there, competitions can be hell. While competition season is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of the year, if not done right, it can turn your life into a mess.

Being crowned with the name of “packing list queen” due to my extensive and overly detailed packing list, I have some experience with the dos and do-nots of competitions. 

Now sitting on the bus to my last first competition in the thrilling fields of Omaha, I’m more prepared than ever, and ready to share some of my wisdom with those who may or may not need or want it.

1. Preparing

Competition week is chaotic. 

For this reason, it’s important to get on top of your homework, and do whatever you can in order to get as much sleep as you can leading up to Saturday. Communicating with teachers in order to let them know your schedule for the weekend is important in those classes that you cannot blow off for the weekend. 

As previously mentioned, my packing list, specifically dedicated to competitions is thorough and detailed. It’s categorized into each phase of the weekend and each bag that will be essential to take with you. These categories include “bus ride there,” “bus ride back,” “bag for competition day,” and “duffel bag.” Under each of these categories is everything that you could ever need with you, but not too much that you are lugging a huge bag from place to place. 

Once everything that I need is laid out on my floor and bed, my duffel bag is organized very strategically. My clothes for Saturday are in one specific spot, as well as all of my makeup, toiletries, etc. Everything that I may need or want for the bus ride, however, is placed on top for easy access. This includes a big comfy sweatshirt for sleeping, snacks, a charger, as well as chapstick, money, and my headphones. 

While this level of detail is not totally necessary, it does make my life a lot easier when it comes to 4, 5, or 6 hour bus rides with minimal extra room.

Like I said earlier, competitions can be hell if not done right, so one of the essential steps to ensuring that they are done right is making sure to prepare in every way possible to ease the exhaustiveness of the weekend. 

2. The Day of

When Saturday arrives, there are quite a few things to keep in mind as you head into the day. 

It’s likely that you’re running on minimal sleep after getting to the hotel late the previous night. This is why it’s important to recharge whenever you get the opportunity.

 It’s essential to drink plenty of water, not only to help yourself but it will also be useful when it comes to performing, whether you’re in Hot Brockets, Entourage, or High Heeled Harmony. 

I also always, always keep snacks on me. Usually the host high school has some decent food, but living off of a diet of Chick-Fil-A and walking tacos for the day is not strongly recommended. It’s nice to have your own options, without being confined to the options of the cafeteria. 

Most importantly, however, enjoy yourself. There’s a reason that so many tears are shed at the last competition every year. Yes, show choir is known to be a cult, but I like to call it more of a family. A crazy, semi-dysfunction, big, happy family. The bonds formed by spending long bus rides together and performing beside one another is unlike any other experience, and provides a rare opportunity that I am so grateful for.

Making music for with some of my best friends these past four years is an experience that has shaped who I am today and has given me TONS of amazing memories.

As I venture into the beginning of the end, I will definitely be taking my own advice to try and avoid the terror of competitions:)