Rome High School’s show choir, Grand Finale, concluded a notable season by securing the fifth spot in the Southeastern Show Choir 1A Rankings. The choir, after several appearances in the poll, ranked among the top show choirs in its division in the Southeast.
Cody Goss, the director of Grand Finale, expressed pride in the group’s achievements. “I am extremely proud of this group. They have been a close-knit group all year long, and they have worked together as a real team, and I believe that is why they have had such a successful season,” Goss stated.
The group’s performance, titled “Whodunit,” based on the classic board game Clue, impressed audiences across competitions held in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Homeroom Show Choir, responsible for compiling high school show choir rankings, acknowledged these performances in the final poll. “Rome ends an interesting season by rounding out the top five Southern 1A/Small mixed groups on our rankings,” the organization noted on its website.
In the overall rankings, West Marion (Mississippi) led the poll, followed by Oxford (Alabama), Pass Christian (Mississippi), Pisgah (Alabama), and then Rome. Preparing since last summer, the choir spent most of the academic year refining their show before their first competition. “Competition shows require a lot of hard work and practice,” Goss added. “To have their excellence recognized by expert judges from all over the country is so rewarding for them and for me as their director.”
Grand Finale’s accolades this season included securing their division win and earning Grand Champion at the Peach State Invitational, where they won Best Overall Effect, Best Vocals, and Best Soloist awards. They also achieved notable placements and awards at other competitions, including the Music City Show Choir Invitational and the Diamond Classic.
Reflecting on the season, Goss encouraged involvement in the performing arts, highlighting its transformative potential for students in the Rome City Schools. “Whether it is show choir, concert choir, band, or theatre, we have some awesome work happening in our district, and I believe that the performing arts can be truly life-changing for our students,” Goss emphasized.
