After a successful season, Daniel Hand High School’s (DHHS) VIBE place fifth in the nation at FAME Show Choir Nationals in Chicago last month. In addition to its overall success, the group also took home the award for Best Crew and Best Male Soloist, Cooper Ewald.

VIBE is composed of 75 cast, band, and crew members who produce dynamic stage shows that blend singing with dance and employ elaborate sets and costumes. VIBE was established in 2000 as a course for credit. The group has swept (meaning that it won Grand Champion as well as Best Vocals and Best Choreography at a competition) each event it has participated in this year. While this year’s success has been great, VIBE Director Ron Soja said he is already looking ahead.

“They were so happy that we made the top five,” he said. “Four years ago we went and hoped just to not come in last place...We came in second to last. This time we were out for top three and we came so close. The best part was to see just how far we’ve come in four years.”

Soja, who was nominated for Vocal Director of the Year, said he has already started preparing for next year.

“We are working on the theme and show design,” he said. “There are so many aspects to our show and so many ways we can improve from vocals, to choreography, set design, show design, arrangements, band, etc.”

Soja said there may be a few open spaces on the team next year as well.

“Not sure how many will be in the group next year,” he said. “It depends on our show design and how many spaces we decide to use.”

While Soja has already begun prepping next years show, VIBE Supporters, a 501c3 tax-exempt organization, is already lining up fundraising events to help take VIBE on the road next season. VIBE Supporters Vice President and Treasured Susan Reel said the competitions are no small ticket item.

“The cost to produce our show is approximately $30,000 to $50,000,” she said. “VIBE Supporters had $115,000 in gross income last year from our various fundraisers and so what was not spent on the show itself was used to supplement student costs for our two National trips. Our trip to Orlando was well over $100,000 and our trip to Chicago was $60,000.”

To raise money, Reel said they have already lined up a wine and cheese event, a raffle in October, a cabaret in January, the CT Classic Competition in March, and the Final Concert in May, with a total fundraising goal of $100,000.

“We are also seeking a corporate sponsorship for next year,” she said.

VIBE’s final performance of this year’s award-winning show “Exodus” will take place at the Spring Choral Concert at DHHS on Wednesday, May 25. For more information about VIBE, visit www.facebook.com/DanielHandVibe.