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Schools

Heights High Groups to Compete in 'Cleveland Glee'

Winners receive $5,000 prize

Local Glee fans won’t have to wait two weeks for their favorite show to return with a new episode to hear great singing.

That’s because three singing groups are competing this week in the Cleveland Glee competition at the I-X Center.

The Heights High Barbershoppers, Gospel Choir and Singers all have a chance to win $5,000 as they compete against dozens of other schools across the region. The competition is being held in conjunction with Auto Show Week and will end Sunday.

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Craig McGaughey, who instructs both the Barbershoppers and Singers as director of vocal music for the high school, said the popularity of the television show Glee has helped spark interest in high school singing groups that he hasn’t seen in years.

“It brought back the song, the ballad,” he said. “It brought back actually singing and performing. Now it’s promoting the choir again.”

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That has meant more fans when they perform at events like this week’s as well as more people auditioning to be a part of the groups. The Barbershoppers will sing today and the Singers go Thursday on the Ford Stage at the I-X Center, One I-X Center Drive in Cleveland. The went Saturday, and has a performance this Friday at the high school. 

Cameron Evans, who sings lead in the Barbershoppers and tenor in the Singers, said he’s looking forward to turning some younger people on to singing in the hopes that they might join their own school’s choir groups.

“It gives us a chance to spread an interest about singing,” the senior said. “It brings everyone together, so if other schools get that going that would be great.”

Josh Toombs, another senior who sings in both the Barbershoppers and Singers as a baritone and bass baritone, respectively, said the event allowed Cleveland Heights High to showcase its talent.

“We can show Northeast Ohio that we have some good kids here at Heights High,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us and a great opportunity for the school district.”

Both Evans and Toombs said they’re excited to do another live performance just a few weeks after a successful trip to Las Vegas where they competed in an international barbershop singing competition. Despite being the youngest of the 1,600 people competing, the 20-member Heights High Barbershoppers earned an “excellent” rating, placed in the top 10 and were the first group in competition history to receive a standing ovation from all 10 judges, said McGaughey.

The contest is sponsored by Fox 8.

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