Glee: The Untold Story of Show Choir

The hit television series Glee took the world by storm in 2009 with its infectious musical numbers, relatable characters, and heartwarming storylines. By portraying the journey of the fictional McKinley High School glee club, "New Directions", the show highlighted the immense dedication, passion, and hard work required to succeed in this demanding art form.

"There's Nothing Ironic About Show Choir"

Originating in Vaudeville shows of the 1930s, glee clubs quickly gained popularity in across the nation during the late 60s and early 70s. Today the competitive show choirs circuit is primarily comprised of both public and private high schools, though home-school groups and universities (like BYU and Ball State) often perform in exhibitions.



Show choir competitions became events that not only showcased auditioned talent but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among participants, creating lasting memories and friendships. Competitions and contests allow choirs to compete against one another in women's, men's, and co-ed divisions where performances are judged on theme, choreography, and overall sound. In the same vein as ESPN, showchoir.com keeps a full archive of show choir rankings for every registered group and competition.


Noteable directors include John Burlace and David Moellencamp, with choreographers like April James, Randy Sage, and Damon Brown. Many of these choreographers and directors are clinicians at Show Choir Camps of America, which hosts two camps annually in Ohio and Illinois for students from all 50 states.

Unlike the television portrayal, there is no official, elimination style show choir tournament circuit. The most prestigious competitions are hosted by the most prestigious programs in a given location. While the Show Choir Nationals hosted by Clinton Attache is often portrayed as the pinnicle of competitive achievement, choirs must apply for an invitation. Rather, regional competitions are hosted by school systems and create unofficial conferences usually comprised of local choirs and those from surrounding states.

The competition season typically ranges from January to March, with performances taking place on Saturday (some schools host middle-school contests on Fridays).

Urban regions such as Los Angeles are known for their production-based numbers performed by industry-represented talent. Popular celebrities from the show choir world include Dove Cameron (Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie) and Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) of Burbank, and Jenna Lea Rosen (Disney’s Sophia the First) of Los Alamitos.

"Show Choir Terrorism"

Glee played a significant role in bringing show choir into the mainstream consciousness. But if you were to ask the average show choir performer whether Glee represents the world of show choir, you'd likely get a mixed reaction.

Sure, there's a Rachel Berry in every group, but most choir directors aren't as creepy as Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison). Finn's character is best understood as the typical Troy Bolton trope (High School Musical) of star athlete with conflicting priorities and loyalties. Rivalries exist, but in terms of campy representation, Glee might have actually gone too far at times.

Glee may be widely criticized for its overly campy style, but as John Burlace sought to prove with a 9/11-themed show and set design, show choir performances often teeter on the audacious and sensational.

Glee ran for 6 seasons, ending after the tragic loss of Cory Monteith. The enduring popularity of show choir is a testament to its ability to bring people together, and a new successor can be found in the NBC comedy Perfect Harmony.

If you've ever been involved in a show choir or glee club, comment below and shout out your directors and choreographers.

How to Watch Glee:

Glee is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney +.