With the popularity of the hit TV show "Glee", the so-called underappreciated high school club is finally brought to the spotlight. Not that glee clubs need any help getting on the spotlight, according to a documentary I watched, glee clubs (show choir as it now called) has been around for decades. And now, it's part of most US high school curriculum.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a gleek. Although I didn't start watching the program until I accidentally saw a rerun of the first half of Season 1, I liked the show and continued to watch it from then on. And I'm looking forward to Season 3.
Although, I would like to disagree with some of the facts on the show. I know it's just a TV show, but some facts we to get straight. Glee club is not an underdog club. In fact, in my high school, the popular kids are in glee club. Honor students, pretty girls and boys, and smart kids - they're all part of it. I like the show's message about acceptance and all the familiar platitudes. Sure, some guys get teased if they're in glee club, but glee club is not loser central as they depict it on the show.
I'm sure many people who's had glee clubs in their high school will attest to the winner status of show choir members in their school. Not convinced yet, watch this British TV documentary on the American phenomenon that is show choir. The trainings are tough but the rewards are awesome.
Gleeful - The Real Show Choirs of America
I'm actually in disbelief when I saw this clip of a real-life high school show choir doing the Journey Medley. The first one is the Burrough 'Powerhouse' back in 2009 and the second one is from a 'Glee' episode in 2010. It's not a complete rip-off, but it's close.
Powerhouse 2007 (HD) - Don't Stop Believing/Any Way You Want It
GLEE - Season Finale Performance "Journey Medley"
And these are actual competition pieces of real-life show choir groups from 2010. **Spoiler** Burbank won.
John Burroughs "Powerhouse" 2010
Burbank "In Sync" 2010
Apparently, college also has these kind of clubs, albeit a bit more informal. Here's a group of guys having fun while performing a Lady Gaga song.
On The Rocks - Bad Romance
All in all, I like the show and musicals in general. But these guys from the competing group 'Vocal Adrenaline' will always have my heart. I know the protagonists are supposed to end up winning, but you can't argue about the sheer stage power of this group.
Vocal Adrenaline
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