For the first time, Coppell High has a competition-style show choir. Respira is a female choir that performs music and choreography, staged on risers.

Will McLean, in his second year as assistant director of Coppell High Choirs, formed the group as an extra-curricular activity this year. He says he recognized that there were lots of singers in Coppell who were looking for another venue in which to perform. While show choirs haven’t gained broad popularity in Texas, they are very common throughout the Midwest where they were popularized by choirs at Indiana universities where they were initially modeled after travelling groups like Up With People.

The choir recently competed in the FAME Show Choir National Championship Series Regional in Branson, Missouri. Eighteen choirs from Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Washington, Indiana and Colorado also performed. Each choir performed a 25-minute set, showcasing a variety of musical styles from different eras. Coppell’s choir is comprised of 27 singers who are supported by three band members. They are led by directors Will McLean and Joshua Brown. Whitney Hennen is the choreographer. While this was Coppell’s only competition this year, many show choirs travel widely and compete up to six times per year. 

Respira will present a special show of their competition set on Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coppell High School Auditorium. Will McLean says that he and the choir members are encouraging everyone to come as the show is great and they are anxious to share it with the community. 

The performance will include “I’m a Star” by Scott Alan, “Stronger” by Britney Spears, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Greg Laswell, “All by Myself” by Celine Dion, “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles, and “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child. Featured soloists are Sheridan Miller, Priya Desai, Lindsey Hiles and Shelby Jurca.