Since 2002, Music n’ Motion and Bella Voce have traveled to Branson to perform at various night shows. However,  the past two years they have been unable to due to COVID-19. 

Choir director Shelly Cole anxiously anticipated the trip.

“We were really looking forward to returning to Branson,” Cole said. “It’s kinda like a return to the stage because last time was when everything shut down.” 

Preparation for Branson is no easy process according to Music N’ Motion member senior Langston Bassett. Once back from winter break, both choirs learn their choreography and songs.

“We learned all of our pieces because we want to tap into that, and then we learned five dance pieces,” Bassett said. All of that music is just like in rotation, and then starting like mid-January we had to get a bunch of choreography and so now we’ve reached the point in like, late February-March where we’re just running it over and over and over.”

Music n’ Motion members sacrificed a whole school day to travel to Branson in preparation for their performance. 

Senior and Music n’ Motion member Liv Golden describes what the two days in Branson look like.

“So we’re getting here in the morning on Friday packing up all our stuff into some buses, and then starting the trip down to Branson,” Golden said. “We’re going to make a little stop about halfway through, just pick up some food and stuff, and then we’re going to just continue there until we get there. In about the early afternoon, we’re going to get at our hotel and pack all our stuff up there. Then, we’re going to eat dinner and head down to the area where we’re going to be performing and we’re going to do all of our stuff for that night.”

They aren’t just there to do well, Golden and the rest of the choir want to come closer as a team and have a fun time. 

“I just hope that we realize what a good experience it is and like just not to ever take it for granted.” Golden said. “Especially because we know that crazy things can happen, and I just hope we bond with each other. I hope we spend that time with each other and just become closer as a team.”

Junior and Bella Voce member Tyjanae Hooks along with others in Music N’ Motion have a wide variety of songs they’re singing.

“My favorite one will probably have to ‘Come Alive’ from the Greatest Showman,” Hooks said. “I love that movie and it’s a fun number and I got to choreograph it live.”