A Look into Starstruck 2023

Starstruck was the beginning of many schools’ show choir seasons and the celebration of all things jazz and show choir. Starstruck has once again been made to be a one-of-a-kind event that everyone can enjoy. The event lasted from January 13th to the 14th with 46 choirs attending. 46 choirs broke the record for both the most jazz choirs at 22 and the most show choirs at 24. Overall, this event has wowed fans from all over the midwest and is a welcoming invitation to the world of the choir. 

As a part of the tradition of Starstruck, which Waukee now hosts alone without the aid of Northwest, members of both the varsity and junior varsity show choirs are required to help make sure that the whole operation runs smoothly. Afton Prohaska, a junior in Millennium, the varsity show choir, stated, “My favorite part of Starstruck is the overall excitement and environment throughout the day. I love meeting new people and seeing new shows, and the healthy competition between the competing choirs is really fun!” Afton is just one of the hundreds of show choir performers who cheered on their fellow competitors. However, Waukee will not be able to receive any awards as a part of being the event host. Sophomore Colin Gach, another member of Millennium stated “One thing I love about Starstruck is that for Waukee show choirs this is where show choir gets to be fun. We aren’t competing so you don’t have to be perfect and all of your family and friends get to come to see you without having to travel a long distance.” 

The Schedule for Starstruck is jam-packed with talent from head to toe and is sure to be a tough competition. Junior Lauren Hansen stated “My favorite part about show choir is seeing all of the other groups perform and supporting them. I love sitting and watching groups and cheering on friends from other schools.” Spirit, the Junior Varsity group at WHS, performed at 11:05 with Millennium, the Varsity group, at 4:30. Finals at Starstruck were a spectacular performance as well. The six-show choirs who competed at the finals were Norwalk (6th Place), Liberty (5th Place), SouthEast Polk (4th Place), Indianola (3rd Place), Valley (2nd Place), and Urbandale (1st Place). Overall, Starstruck was an event that captivated the lives of many and was a fun experience for veterans and newcomers alike into the world of show choir.