Encore Makes A Splash In Sauk Prairie
By Daniel Neuser
Feb 12, 2008 at 8:56 pm

Madison East High School’s “Encore” Show Choir traveled to Sauk Prairie High School on January 26, 2008 for their second competition of the year. They were hoping to make an impact at this year’s competition, and they certainly did not disappoint.
Encore’s presented a varied program that ranged from sixties hits like “Green-Eyed Lady” and “Shake Your Tail Feather” to Latin pieces such as “Raise The Roof” and “Suavemente”. Their morning performance was judged well enough to earn them a chance to perform again in the finals round. The judges took notice of Encore’s energy and execution of some very difficult choreography, as well as a stellar performance by their Show Band.
After a long day of performing and watching other choirs from as far away as St. Paul, Minnesota, Encore took sixth place in the final standings. First place was taken by the Cardinal Singers of Mayville High School. They presented selections from the musical “Newsies”.
Encore’s Show Band made program history by winning the award for “Best Instrumental Ensemble”. It marked the first time that an ensemble from East had won such an honor. There was a nervous moment when it was feared that choir director Brooksy Beilke-Skoug’s performance with the band could be grounds for their disqualification. However, the fears turned out to be unfounded, and the Show Band came home to East as winners.
Later on, as the choir watched the videotape of their morning performance, one Encore member was heard to joke, “those guys are going to be pretty tough to beat.” All told, this was a very successful outing for Encore and will be remembered by all involved as one of the highlights of the year.