Detailed choreography? Check. Eloquent costumes? Check. Impressive vocal arrangements and captivation of the overall audience? Check and check.

These are some of the many aspects that individuals in the judging panel and audience would be looking for in each show choir group. Whether it’s Infinity, Illumination, or Intensity, each group’s stunning choreography, costumes, and vocal arrangements have been widely recognized in each performance.

But at the same time, the individuals who aren’t directly involved in the singing and dancing aspect of the show may not be the first people you would think of when show choir is mentioned.

Talented and tight-knit, Insanity is the school’s showband. These performers travel with the show choirs for each competition.

Like the show choirs, the showband has made significant achievements this season. They recently won the title of “Best Band” at the Gretna Primetime show on Jan. 15th. The last time the band won this title was at the Waconia Star Power competition Feb. 2022.

“It felt unreal getting best band at our first competition. We were all very excited about it. [It felt like] all of our hard work [had] paid off,” synth player and sophomore Emma Schlick said.

Schlick believes that the strong sense of community with each performer is truly what makes them all so in-sync, on and off the stage.

“The community in show band is very tight-knit, especially now that we’ve had time to get used to each other. We work well together and are productive  but still have lots of fun,” Schlick said.

The group organizes bi-weekly meetings every Monday and Thursday night in which they would rehearse with the choirs.

“During rehearsals, we typically work diligently to polish our music and occasionally do group bonding games to help us come together, not only in a musical sense, but also in a community sense,” drummer and senior Jack Reason said.

Despite the hard work, consistent effort, and allocated time set aside for these twice-a-week rehearsals, the question arises whether the audience is really considering the band or just the show choirs alone.

Senior Ainsley Anderson, a trombonist, thinks that both groups are necessary and corresponding for both’s success.

“I think that people are always naturally going to pay more attention to the choir since they’re the ones on stage, but just like [how] the show choir can’t be successful without the band, the band can’t be successful without the show choir,” Anderson said..Playing alongside the show choirs has also created new opportunities and experiences of a lifetime for Insanity.

“Getting to perform with all the choir groups is a great opportunity for every band member to play a lot of music that we normally wouldn’t have the chance to. For myself, I know I wouldn’t be any good of a drummer if I didn’t have a show band to encourage me to practice, learn, and improve,” Reason said.

The appreciation for each other even extends communally with members of MNSC as both the show choirs and the show band agree that they have a mutualistic relationship when it comes to their combined success.

“Our show choir program is extremely lucky to have such a solid and talented group of musicians to back us up. The people in Insanity are super fun, supportive, and add a lot to this program,” junior Jennifer Bonge said. “Their amount of work does not go unseen,”

Having a strong show band as well as supportive show choirs seems to have made the both of the groups’ musical experience more enjoyable as a whole.

The show band has brought forth tremendous commitment and diligence this season, which has all translated into the progress they have been making. Insanity’s dedication and perseverance will continue to lead the way throughout the show choir competition season, towards infinitely more award ceremonies.