OFF PITCH - PAGE 3

For some less fabulous members of society the need to spontaneously break out into overly rehearsed musical numbers fades after high school... but not for the Grand River Singers. For them, show choir is more than just an awkward teenage phase... it's a way of life and a desire that has never gone away.

In Wisconsin, where show choir is religion, the Grand River Singers is truly one of a kind. They are a Glee-inspired, competitively auditioned community performance group comprised of former show choir geeks, drama club dorks, and those with their own unique and special brand of flash and pizzazz. In their world, sequins, fringe and hot pink crushed velvet (preferably all on one costume) are considered the mark of a true and stylish diva.

Whether they love to sing, dance or wear feather boas, each member wholeheartedly believes that in order to get ahead in life, all you need are a pair of shiny character shoes, a big voice and a well-rehearsed jazz hand technique. But with big talent comes even bigger egos. They'll stop at nothing to win the power ballad solo or be the featured breakout dancer in hopes of one day being discovered by a major talent agent. While they look like one big happy family onstage, off-stage is a whole different story. If sabotaging someone's performance is the only way to get into the spotlight, then sayonara sequins and hello Hollywood. Costume pieces, make-up bags and props have all been known to "take five" mere moments before a high-profile performance.

Cliques, relationships, jealousy and love blend together in this largely talented yet completely dysfunctional family. And while it may seem like the fighting never ends, at the end of the day everyone generally kisses and makes up because tomorrow is another performance and another chance to shine. Plus several members of the group live together, so in the interest of home-life bliss, sometimes apologies have to be made in order to keep the peace.

Each year, they host the Grand River National Show Choir Invitational and get the prime spot as the featured non-competing performance group. This year, however, they plan to take their show beyond small-town La Crosse and onto a much larger stage...like the Wisconsin Cow Chip Festival, Valleyfair Theme Park and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Will they be able to set aside their differences, raise enough money to travel and perform before the largest audiences they've ever known? Or will their egos get in the way of their dreams? Harmony, talent and friendship have never been more OFF PITCH.