January 24, 2025

Students shined on stage, as the annual Jr. Islander Show Choir Kids Camp recently concluded, offering local students a taste of the exciting world of show choir.

The camp, hosted by Grand Island Senior High show choir students, provides a fun and engaging environment for third through eighth graders to experience the thrill of performing.

Participants learn basic dance moves, vocal techniques, and work together to create a short, easy-to-learn show, which is then performed at the GISH Show Choir Premiere Night. This year, nearly 100 kids participated in the camp on January 18-19, and the Premiere Night performance on January 19.

"Kids Camp gives kids a chance to learn what it feels like to perform on stage and get a taste of what show choir feels like," said Cairee Matzner, GISH junior and Kids Camp Coordinator. "It's a positive atmosphere where they can build friendships and discover their passion for music."

The camp also serves as a valuable learning experience for high school show choir members who volunteer as mentors. They gain leadership skills and a deeper appreciation for the importance of community involvement.

"It's really cool seeing them [the high schoolers] grow in those leadership positions," said Katherine Welk, assistant GISH show choir director. "Many of them attended Kids Camp themselves and have fond memories of it, so it's nice for them to be able to give back."

Katie Lofing, a GISH junior, helped at this year’s camp. She said she loves getting to experience show choir through the excitement of the kids camp participants.

“They're always so excited and joyous for what the future is to hold, and it's just really cool to see how they look up to us and how they want to be in show choir when they grow up,” Lofing said.

Matzner and Lofing are both in the varsity show choir, Ultimate Image. Matzner is one of the high schoolers who attended kids camp years ago, and credited the camp for encouraging her to join show choir at GISH.

She said her experience as a young girl at kids camp was positive, as she was able to build bonds with fellow campers and the high school mentors. 

“Just seeing how much fun they were able to have and be free with who they are,” Matzner continued, “it was something that I really wanted to experience, and now that I'm here [at the high school], that's exactly what I'm going through – and it's honestly amazing.”