Choraliers Drop Anchor in Holmen, Bring Home 1st Place "Best Band Award"

By,

McKenzie Osborne 

The Reedsburg Choraliers launched their 2026 competition season with a splash this past weekend, performing their show “Anchors Aweigh” at the Holmen Showchoir Gathering.

Facing a crowded schedule of 16 teams, Reedsburg powered their way to a sixth-place finish. It was the first time the group performed the nautical-themed set for a public audience and judges.

“I am very proud of how our group performed this weekend. Said Mrs.Kristen Sporakowski. “Saturday was the beginning of our journey with this show. It will only get better if we continue to hone every part, including vocals, choreography, accompaniment and storytelling. Now is the time for the real work to begin!”

While the choreography and vocals captivated the crowd, the group's musicians also took center stage. The Choraliers' band was named the best of the entire competition, beating out 15 other schools for the top honor.

Individual performers also stood out during the high-energy set. The show featured vocal solos from Hal LeMaster ‘28, Anna Turner ‘29, Brooklyn Williams ‘27, and Taylor Staniszewski ‘26. Judges awarded "Showstopper" awards to Rylee Biermeier ‘26 and Phynn Severson ‘29 for their stage presence. 

“We all were really focused on working together as a team and a whole group,” said Anna Turner ‘29. “Every individual on the team wanted to succeed as a group so we were harnessing our energy together and that enhanced our performance.”

The Choraliers will now take a brief break from the road. The team is off this week from competition to refine the show before returning to competition on January 24 at the "Burst of Adrenaline" event in Sparta.

“I've never been more proud to be part of this show band, especially after winning the Best Band Award at Holmen, " said trumpet player Damon Luke ‘26. “Making finals at our very first competition was simply an amazing experience. You can tell that every Choralier has put in the extra effort, and it is really paying off. This was a wonderful start to what will surely be a great season, and I am so excited to see what the future holds.”