Ah, show choir. If you were lucky enough to have been a part of this phenomenal, talented group of singers in high school, then you can definitely relate. Being in college makes you miss something you loved doing every day. The glitter, sequins, hairspray, and costumes are longed for as the transition into adulthood begins.
1. Music is good for the soul.
You've got to do something you love every day. You may not have been the best, but walking into the choir room every day gave you a sense of fulfillment. You were able to learn more about music and now have a new appreciation for musicians everywhere.
2. No, it is nothing like "Glee." Stop comparing the two.
Fun fact: Ryan Murphy is an alumni of my high school AND was a member of our show choir.
As a choir member, you don't get to choose your songs or costumes. Someone else does all that for you. Being on-pitch every time with no effort is only something we all dream of. Although, the dating drama is probably pretty realistic ...
3. Practices were excruciating and long.
Two-hour practices - after an 8-hour school day - full of singing and dancing can make you or break you. Learning your designated part in all five songs (if you have a solo ... even better), learning each 8-count individually, and trying to make it the sharpest move it can possibly be can take a lot out of you. You probably only have a month or two to learn your entire show before your preview night and competitions start. FACIALS, PEOPLE!
4. There was a bond developed with your fellow members.
You spend more time with these people than you do your family. Your fellow singers help build you up as a person; you share the same love for music and teach each other along the way. You share the stage, 12-hour-long competition days, night finals, makeup, food, your bus seat, pre-show talks, and dressing rooms with them.
5. Stage makeup looked really good on you.
Let's be real. Your smokey eye was flawless and so were your glitter lips. Your hair was perfectly curled or straightened with zero "fly aways," and bobby pins were your best friend. Instagram was probably flooded with show choir pictures all day. But you looked good, so why not flaunt it? Your entire group was dressed to kill on stage.
6. Action shots were always embarrassing, but humorous.
Do good action shots even exist?
7. Show choir tricks really do work.
Applying hairspray to your face after you apply makeup really makes it stay on all day. Duct tape on the bottom of your heels really will prevent slippage on stage ... trust me. Baby powder on lipstick helps it stay on for the show. Re-applying makeup is the worst during a competition, because there are usually 100 people in the world's tiniest dressing room. I've even had to use these tricks a few times in my everyday life, as well. Thanks, show choir!
8. You always felt something during your performance.
Music is power. There was a time you recall crying during the ballad - being a senior up on the stage and singing a song you have sung a million times for the last time. There was always a message to go along with a show, and it felt good to look out and see people enjoying the music along with you.
9. You had a new appreciation for food and water after the performance.
After singing, dancing, remembering your position on stage, running, and rushing during your dress change for twenty minutes straight, you are gasping for air coming off stage. The first thing you look for? A water fountain and Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies.
10. Glitter, sequins, and hairspray.
This is what you miss the most: a room full of Aussie hairspray, curled hair, adding glitter anywhere possible, and the mesmerizing sequins on dresses, which can make anyone love show choir for all that it is.
