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Visions in Harmony: Grenada High School, Grenada, Miss.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’m always excited about show choir competition season,\u201d explained Jenni Winter, show choir director at Grenada High School (GHS) in Grenada, Miss. \u201cWe might not always win, but we always have the greatest time.\u201d She is a spirited director with a strong background in music and show choir, bringing a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embracing Growth & Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter took the helm with Visions in 2005. Under her guidance, GHS\u2019 Visions show choir has grown significantly. “It took us a while to grow into something bigger,” Winter recalled; the group now boasts 60 high school students. Her other groups include a competitive middle school choir of 38 kids, a non-competitive show choir of 22 7^{th<\/sup> and 8th<\/sup> graders and even a 6th grade choir with 36 members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n}

One aspect that sets Winter\u2019s approach apart is her focus on inclusivity in nurturing student performers. “Some years we have an overabundance of talented students, and I hate to cut them,” she said, highlighting her reluctance to limit opportunities for interested students, especially with no other vocal music classes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The show choirs under Winter\u2019s direction are known for their vibrant, engaging performances. She expressed her passion for the competition season, describing it as a time when schools support each other, despite being rivals. “Even though you’re competing against each other, you’re still cheering for them,” she stated. \u201cIt\u2019s fun to see the creativity of other schools.\u201d Winter considers this spirit of camaraderie a hallmark of most show choirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choreographing Teamwork<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her leadership extends beyond just directing. Winter has cultivated a team of former students who contribute significantly to the program’s enduring success and she appreciates the value of collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her Visions team includes Matthew Murphy and Claire Barker, two GHS alums who began choreographing for her as students in 2012. Their creative contributions have been pivotal in shaping the choir’s performances. “Even as students they were amazing!” Jenni exclaimed, recalling their initial involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her son, Tripp McCrory, a Visions alum who graduated in 2018, also plays a vital role in the team. He assists with vocals, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong understanding of the group’s dynamics. “The four of us are a team,” Winter declared, stressing the synergistic nature of their relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ja\u2019Mya Benson, another former student, leads the show choir band, while the band director is yet another alum, Michael Hankins. This close-knit team of past students and family members brings a unique blend of talent, creativity, and historical knowledge to the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Enhancing Performances with Technology & Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep improving, Winter also highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies and techniques in show choir performances. A recent $30,000 donation enabled the purchase of large screens and projection equipment, enhancing Visions\u2019 stage presentations. “Now we can project scenery onto the screens,” she said, excited about the creative possibilities. Her team has also embraced the StageBook choreography app, making learning the shows easier and more accessible for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For platforms, GHS uses StageTek staging from Wenger: sixteen 4\u2019 x 8\u2019 decks are typically arranged in a 4 x 4 configuration. \u201cI love our StageTek platforms!\u201d Winter exclaimed. \u201cWe\u2019ve had them for over 12 years and they\u2019ve held up pretty well.\u201d She claims they are very sturdy, despite a lot of wear and tear from being frequently moved. This staging is also used for other school activities like pageants, recitals, and proms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, Winter\u2019s advice to fellow directors is clear: “Learn to let people help you and realize that maybe your ideas are not always the best.” She values the opinions and contributions of her team, recognizing that collaboration and diverse ideas lead to more dynamic and successful performances. The team’s process involves extensive brainstorming and careful decision-making, often consulting with their music arranger, Ben Wexler from New York, for his original compositions to fit their storylines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter\u2019s leadership style and her team’s cohesive working relationship serve as an inspiring model for show choir directors everywhere. Her ability to draw on the talents of former students and incorporate them into her current team demonstrates a unique approach to building a flourishing program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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