CG Sound System

A brief history of CG Sound System

CG Sound System has been in existence for since 1973 and in that time has built a reputation of being one of the nation’s most successful show choirs. The group, originally known as Swing Mates was formed in under the direction of Judith A. Meeks. Swing Mates, and later CG Sound System (fall 1981) performed extensively for programs on WISH-TV 8, Indiana Music Educators Association and many civic organizations in the city of Greenwood.

Since competing for the first time in 1982, the group has been named Grand Champion Show Choir at regional and national competitions numerous times and has earned many caption awards. Included in those, are SHOWSTOPPERS National Show Choir Competition and FAME Competitions in Chicago, Orlando, New York City and Branson. In addition, CG Sound System was the first-ever Honors Choir for the Orlando SHOWSTOPPERS in 1991.

The group is currently under the direction of Jennifer Dice and choreographed by April James. They are assisted by Jared Norman and Greg Sanders. CG Sound System is proud to represent their school and White River Township as they work to provide consistently excellent and timeless entertainment to audiences across the country.

1973 – 1974:

Judith A. Meeks forms a group known as Swing Mates. The group is a mixed intermediate choir comprised of freshman through senior students. The choir was meant to perform concert and swing choir literature and performed at major high school concerts and for civic and community organizations.

1980 – 1981:

After establishing Swing Mates in the Center Grove Choral Department, Judith Meeks decides to begin investigating taking a group into competition. After attending the Luers Midwest Swing Choir Invitational, Judith decides to make some changes in the choral program to ready Swing Mates for competition.

Swing Mates is made Center Grove’s varsity choir; the group is auditioned to compete at the Luers Midwest Invitational. Former member of Swing Mates, Marty DeMott is asked to choreograph the choir.

1981-1982:

Swing Mates compete for the first time. The group placed 14th overall and won Best Instrumental. Swing Mates name is changed to CG Sound System for a more competitive edge.

1982-1983:

CG Sound System is named Grand Champion at Jasper Invitational earning the caption for Best Male Soloist (Danny Evert); Grand Champion at Martinsville Invitational, Best Instrumental and 9th place at Bishop Luers.

1983-1984:

11th place at Bishop Luers, Best Male Soloist (Danny Evert); 4th place at Watseka, Best Choreography; 3rd place at Jasper with Best Male Soloist (Danny Evert).

Chris Miller joins Center Grove HS as the Choral Accompanist and begins arranging for Sound System.

1984-1985:

Grand Champion at Mt. Zion earning captions for Best Choreography and Best Male Soloist (Danny Evert); Grand Champion at Watseka, Best Male Soloist (Danny Evert); 2nd place at the Plymouth Invitational. At the conclusion of the school year, Marty DeMott resigns as the choreographer for CG Sound System. Danny Evert is hired to take over as choreographer.

1985-1986:

3rd place at Pekin HS, Best Vocal Sound; Grand Champion at Watseka, 3rd place at Delta; 4th place at Mt. Zion HS.

1986-1987:

6th place at Kankakee; 5th place at Watseka; 2nd place at Pekin.

1987-1988:

Chris Miller leaves CGHS on sabbatical. 11th overall at Pekin; 6th at Kankakee; 9th overall at Bishop Luers; 5th at Mt. Zion; 6th at Opryland American Music Festival.

1988-1989:

Chris Miller returns as the Choral Accompanist and arranger. 5th place at Pekin; 3rd place at Watseka, Best Vocal Sound; 4th at Mt. Zion, Best Male Soloist (Ryan Reed).

1989-1990:

Grand Champion at Pekin, Best Soloist, Best Instrumental; 2nd place at Watseka, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography; 2nd place at Sullivan HS; 6th place at Showstoppers in Chicago.

1990-1991:

Grand Champion at Lawrence Central HS, Best Vocal Sound; 2nd place at Sullivan, Best Vocal Sound; 2nd Place at Pekin HS; Grand Champion at Showstoppers in Chicago, IL, Grand Champion Soloist (Amy Mattingly). After winning the Chicago Showstoppers Competition, Disney and Keynote Arts & Associates asks CG Sound System to act as the Honors Choir at the inaugural Showstoppers International Show Choir Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

1991-1992:

2nd place at Sullivan HS, Best Vocal Sound; 3rd place at Lawrence Central HS, Best

Tech Crew; 2nd place at Carroll HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Female Soloist (Kim Hamilton); 3rd place at Showstoppers in Chicago, IL.

1992-1993:

2nd Place at Millikin University, Grand Champion at Highland HS, Best Choreography; Grand Champion at Sullivan HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography; Grand Champion at Mooresville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Show; 2nd Place at Mt. Zion HS, Best Vocal Sound; 2nd place at Edgewood HS, Best Vocal Sound, Judith A. Meeks recognized for a Lifetime Achievement Award; 2nd Place at Showstoppers in Chicago.

1993-1994:

Judith Meeks announces that the 1994-1995 school year would be her last as the Choral Director at Center Grove High School. A search would begin at the conclusion of the ’93-’94 school year for an assistant director who would take over the head position in the ’95-’96 school year. Grand Champion at Dekalb HS, Best Choreography, Best Tech Crew; 2nd place at Highland HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography; 2nd place at Lawrence Central HS; 6th place at Mt. Zion HS; 8th place at Showstoppers in Chicago, IL. Dan Andersen, a Choral Director from New Haven HS in northern Indiana is hired as the new Assistant Director at Center Grove HS.

1994-1995:

CG Sound System participates in their first fall competition at Southmont HS where they are named Grand Champion earning the captions for Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, and Best Soloist. 2nd place at Highland HS, Best Choreography; 4th place at Sullivan, Best Vocal Sound; 4th place at Bishop Luers. Half way through the season, Marty DeMott and Todd Carr were asked to return to CGHS to help re-write and choreograph the show. After two weeks of intense rehearsal and numerous changes, the group placed 2nd at Carroll, tying with Lafayette Jefferson First Edition for Best Vocal Sound and winning Best Soloist and then traveled to Showstoppers in Orlando, Florida where they were named Grand Champion Show Choir (2nd place went to Clinton HS and 3rd place to Broughton HS). After 32 years of service to Center Grove HS and establishing a nationally award-winning choral program, Judith A. Meeks retires from her position as Choral Director. Dan Andersen assumes the position and hires Mark Nevil as the Assistant Choral Director. After nearly a decade, Danny Evert leaves CGHS as choreographer for Sound System and is replaced with Marty DeMott.

1995-1996:

Fall of 1995, CG Sound System named Grand Champion at Southmont HS earning captions for Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, and Best Costuming. 4th place at Highland HS, Best Soloist (Ali Fernandez); 2nd place at Mt. Zion HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Instrumental, Best Female (Ali Fernandez) and Male Soloist (Colin Poynter); Grand Champion at Carroll HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Soloist; 5th place at Showstoppers in Orlando, Florida.

1996-1997:

Grand Champion at Shelbyville HS; 4th place at Carroll HS; 2nd place at Sullivan HS; 2nd place at Highland HS; 2nd place at Edgewood HS, Best Vocal Sound. Sound System travels to Washington, D.C. for a music festival.

1997-1998:

2nd place at Carroll HS, Best Soloist; 4th place at Mooresville HS; Grand Champion at Millikin University, Best Vocal Sound; Grand Champion at Mt. Zion HS, Best Vocal Sound; 4th place at Highland HS. Mark Nevil resigns as the Assistant Choral Director. Misha Thomas is hired to replace him.

1998-1999:

Andy Haines is hired last minute to choreograph the competition show after Marty DeMott is unable to do so. In addition, Chris Miller resigns at the Choral Accompanist and on-staff arranger. Derek Schaefer is hired to assume the position. 5th place at Norwell HS; 5th place at Triton Central HS, Best Male Soloist (Ian Wick) and Female Soloist; 4th place at East Noble HS; 3rd place at FAME Americup Competition in Branson, MO; 5th place at Edgewood HS.

1999-2000:

Marty DeMott returns at Sound System’s choreographer. 4th place at Columbia City HS; 3rd place at Highland HS, Best Male Soloist (Ian Wick); 3rd place at Bishop Luers, Best Tech Crew; 3rd place at Shelbyville HS; 2nd place at Huntington North HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Tech Crew; 10th overall at Showstoppers in Orlando, FL.

2000-2001:

Grand Champion at Findlay HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Show, and Best Instrumental; 2nd place at Sullivan HS, Best Choreography; Grand Champion at Pekin HS, Best Choreography; 2nd place at Huntington North. Sound System travels to Washington DC for a non-competitive festival. Dan Andersen announces his resignation as the Choral Director of Center Grove HS to take an assistant choral director position at Center Grove Middle School. Misha Thomas also announces her resignation as the Assistant Choral Director to move to Columbus, Ohio. Derek Schaefer resigns as the Choral Accompanist. Christopher Pratt is hired as the CGHS Choral Director, Laura Dyer is hired as the Assistant Choral Director, and Andy Haines takes over choreographing for Sound System at the request of Mr. Pratt.

2001-2002:

Mr. Pratt hires Jonathan Mauer as the Choral Accompanist. 4th place at Findlay HS; 2nd place at Danville HS, Best Choreography; 3rd place at Highland HS; 3rd place at Shelbyville HS; Grand Champion at Huntington North HS, Best Choreography, Best Tech Crew; 5th place at North Central, Best Costume; 4th place at Show Choir Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee, Grand Champion Soloist (Erica Andersen).

2002-2003:

Julie Margarson joins CGHS as an Assistant Choral Accompanist. 2nd place at Danville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Tech Crew, Best Costuming; 2nd place at Shelbyville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best School Spirit; 3rd place at Carroll HS, Best Female Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner), Best Tech Crew; Grand Champion at Watseka HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Female Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner); Grand Champion at Showstoppers in New York City, Best General Effect, 5th place soloist (Ryan Handy), 3rd place soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner). Sheila Leachman joins CGHS as a Choral Accompanist when Jonathan Maurer resigns. Laura Dyer resigns as Assistant Choral Director and is replaced with Michele Shetter.

2003-2004:

Julie Margason resigns, Sheila Leachman takes over as full-time Choral Accompanist. Fall of 2003, 2nd place at West Clermont HS. In an undefeated competition season, CG Sound System was named Grand Champion at Churubusco HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Tech Crew, 2nd place Soloist (Brad Brickley); Grand Champion at Danville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist (Melissa Adams); Grand Champion at Teays Valley HS, Best Choreography; Grand Champion at Shelbyville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Tech Crew, Best Costuming, Best Female Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner), Best Male Soloist (RJ Woessner); Grand Champion at Pike HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show Design, Best Costuming, Best Female Soloist (Melissa Adams); Grand Champion at Triton Central HS, Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner), Best Costuming; Grand Champion at Showstoppers in Orlando, Florida, Best Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect, 2nd place soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner).

2004-2005:

Derek Schaefer resigns as show choir accompanist/arranger, John Skaggs hired as replacement. Fall 2004, 2nd place at Southmont HS, Best Vocal Sound. Grand Champion at Zionsville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Male Soloist (RJ Woessner); Grand Champion at Ben Davis HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography; 2nd place at Ball State University, Best Visual, Best Stage Crew; Grand Champion at Pike HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Female Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner); 2nd place at Huntington North HS, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Costuming, Best Male Soloist (RJ Woessner); Grand Champion at Showstoppers in Orlando, Florida, Best Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect, Grand Champion Soloist (Aubrey Baumgartner).

2005-2006:

Fall of 2005, Grand Champion at Southmont HS, Best Female Soloist (Jill Tolle). Grand Champion at Churubusco HS, Best Choreography, Best Stage Crew, 3rd place soloist; Grand Champion at Danville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Costuming; Grand Champion at Zionsville HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist (Jill Tolle); 2nd place at Franklin Central HS; Grand Champion at Pike HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show Design, Best Tech Crew, Best Male Soloist (Nick Pearson), Best Female Soloist (Courtney Landwerlen), Solo Finalist (Laura Hewitt); 2nd place at Huntington North HS, Best Choreography; 3rd place at John Hersey HS, Best Male Soloist (RJ Woessner); Grand Champion at Showstoppers in New York City, Best Visual, Best General Effect, Grand Champion Soloist (RJ Woessner). Michele Shetter resigns as Assistant Director. Jennifer Dice is welcomed as the new Assistant Choral Director of Center Grove High School.

2006-2007:

Fall of 2006, Grand Champion at Southmont HS, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography. Grand Champion at Danville High School, Best Costumes, Best Visuals and Best Vocals; First runner-up at Norwell High School; Grand Champion at Lawrence Central High School, Best Vocals, Best Choreography. Grand Champion at Southwestern High School, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Tech Crew; Grand Champion at Showstoppers in Orlando, Florida, Best Visuals, Best General Effect, Solo Finalist (Brent Mann).

2007-2008:

Fall of 2007, First Runner-up at Southmont HS. First Runner-up at Danville High School, Best Visuals, Best Tech Crew, Best Costuming, Best Female Soloist (Hannah Bennett), Solo Grand Champion (Cosmo Clements); Grand Champion Show Choir at Warren Central High School, Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Tech Crew; First Runner-up at Lawrence Central, Best Vocals, Best Male Soloist (Cosmo Clements); First Runner-up at Pike High School, Best Visuals, Best Tech Crew, Most Creative Show; Grand Champion Show Choir at FAME Orlando, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Male Sound, Best Female Sound, Best Tech Crew, Best Costuming. John Skaggs resigns as show choir pianist. Greg Sanders is hired as the show choir pianist.

2008-2009:

First Runner-up at Findlay High School; Grand Champion Show Choir at Churubuso High School, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Tech Crew; First Runner-up at Lawrence Central High School; First Runner-up at North Central High School, Best Visual; First Runner-up at Pike High School, Most Creative Show, Best Female Soloist (Rachel Pauley); Grand Champion Show Choir at FAME Chicago, Best Vocal Sound, Best Show, Best Male Stage Presence (Brandon Comer).

2009-2010:

Best Vocal Sound, Second Runner-Up at Southmont High School; Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Stage Crew, Best Female Soloist(Liz Brown), Best Vocal Sound, Grand Champion Show Choir at Churubusco High School; Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Costuming, Best Female Soloist (Liz Brown), Grand Champion Show Choir at Danville High School; Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Stage Crew, Best Female Soloist (Liz Brown), Grand Champion Show Choir at Norwell High School; Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Grand Champion Show Choir at Lawrence Central High School; Second Runner-upat Fairfield High School; Best Stage Crew and First-Runner-Up at FAME Orlando.

2010-2011:

2nd Place at Bishop Dwenger High School; Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist (Leisha Jenkins), Grand Champion Show Choir at Churubusco High School; 4th Place at Pike High School; Best Choreography, Grand Champion Show Choir at Lawrence Central High School; Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Costuming at Southwestern High School, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Costuming and 2nd Place at Teays Valley High School; Best Choreography, Best Combo, Best Male Performer (Joel Flynn) and Grand Champion at FAME Branson, FAME National Show Choir Competition 3rd Place, Best Choreography, Best Show, Best Repertoire.

2011-2012:

Grand Champion at Central Crossing, Best Vocal Sound and Best Female Soloist (Heather Nawrocki); Churubusco highest scoring choir, Overall and in Vocal Sound, Choreography and Show captions and given 6th Place; 2nd Place at Pike High School, Best Male Soloist (Adam Roark), Grand Champion Soloist (Joel Flynn); Grand Champion at Lawrence Central, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual; Grand Champion at Norwell, Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, and Best Stage Crew.

2012-2013:

Christopher Pratt accepts a position at Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan and Jennifer Dice assumes the directorship of Sound System. Alum Jared Norman is hired as Assistant Director. Greg Sanders takes on all arranging for the group and also serves as Band Director. 2nd Runner-up Pike High School, 2nd Runner-up Franklin Central High School, Grand Champion at Manchester, Best Vocal, Visual, and Show Design, 3rd Runner-Up at Lafayette Jefferson, Grand Champion at Shelbyville Best Visual, Crew, Male Soloist (David Mann). FAME Chicago 1st Runner-up, Best Vocal and Visual…?

2013-2014: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Southmont, Best Vocal and Visual, Best Show Design. 2nd Runner-up at Pike, Best Show Design. Grand Champions at Huntington North, Best Vocals and Visual, Best Tech Crew. Grand Champions at Avon, Best Vocals and Visual, Best Male Soloists (Joel Flynn), Grand Champions at Sullivan, Best Vocal, Visual, and General Effect. 1st Runner-up at Shelbyville.

2014-2015: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Danville, Best Vocal, Visual, Costumes, Female Solo (Katie Swaney). Grand Champions at Pike, Best Visual and Show Design. Grand Champion Solo Competition, Katie Swaney. Grand Champions at Huntington North Best Vocal and Visual. Grand Champions at Shelbyville, Best Vocal, Visual, Costumes, Female Solo (Katie Swaney). Grand Champion Solo Competition, Katie Swaney. Show Choir Nationals in Nashville; 1st Runner-up, Best Visual.

2015-2016: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Edgewood, Best Vocals and Female Solo (Sarah Anderson). 1st Runner-up at Franklin Community, Best Vocals and Female Solo (Katie Swaney). Grand Champions at Huntington North, Best Vocal, Visual, and Female Solo (Katie Swaney). Grand Champion Solo Competition, Katie Swaney. Grand Champion at North Central, Best Vocal and Visual. Grand Champion at Shelbyville, Best Vocal, Visual, Costuming, Female Solo (Katie Swaney).

2016-2017: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Fishers, Best Vocals and Visual.  Grand Champions at Edgewood, Best Vocals, Visual, Tech Crew, and Male Soloist (Alex Miligan).  Grand Champions at Franklin Central, Best Visual.  Grand Champions at Shelbyville, Best Vocals, Visual, and Male Soloist (Wilson Smith).  Show Choir Nationals in Nashville; 1st Runner-up, Best Tech Crew, Female Soloist (Haley Burgh) and Male Soloist (Wilson Smith).

2017-2018: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

1st Runner-Up at Fishers; Best Vocals, Best Band; 2nd Runner-Up at Pike; Best Male Soloist (Wilson Smith); Grand Champions at Lafayette Jefferson, Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Show Design; Grand Champions at Shelbyville, Best Vocals, Best Visuals; Grand Champions at Decatur, Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Tech Crew, Best Costumes, Best Female Soloist (Morganne Keller); 2nd Runner-Up at Heart of America in Orlando, Florida, Best Costumes, Best Male Soloist (Wilson Smith).

2018-2019: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

1st Runner-Up at Franklin Community; 1st Runner-Up at Edgewood, Best Vocals; 1st Runner-Up at Warren Central; 3rd Runner-Up at Glenwood; Grand Champions at Decatur; Best Vocals, Best Male Soloist (Subi Pandit), Grand Champions in the Duet Competition (Subi Pandit and Alayna Whitis); 2nd Runner-Up in the Mixed Division at Show Choir Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee, Best Female Performer in the Mixed Division (Ashlyn Glover) and Best Male Performer in the Mixed Division (Romero Gee).

2019-2020: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by Andy Haines

1st Runner up at Fishers;
Grand Champions at Carroll High School; Best Vocal, Best Visual
Grand Champions at Lafayette Jefferson High School
1st Runner up at Heart of America Nashville
Lawrence Central Cancelled due to COVID19

2020-2021: 2020-2021: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by April James and Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Fishers High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals.
Grand Champions at Franklin Central High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals
Grand Campions at Avon High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals

2021-2022: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by April James and Andy Haines

Grand Champions at Fishers High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Costumes
Grand Champions at Carroll High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Crew, Best Soloist (Fabio Cruz, Becca May)
1^st Runner-up at Franklin Central High School; Best Vocals, Best Band
Grand Champions at Lafayette Jefferson High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals
2^nd Runner-up at Brownsburg High School; Best Vocals, Best Costumes, Best Male Soloist (Krishaan Vadia)
Grand Champions at Heart of America Orlando; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Show Design, Best Crew, Best Costumes, Best Male Soloist (Ryan St. Pierre)

2022-2023: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by April James

Grand Champions at Fishers High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Crew
2^nd Runner-up at Pike High School
1^st Runner-up at Franklin Central High School; Best Vocals
Grand Champions at Lafayette Jefferson High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Crew, Best Soloist (Cooper Peters)
Grand Champions at Heart of America Nashville; Best Vocals

2023-2024: Directed by Jennifer Dice, Arranged by Greg Sanders, Choreographed by April James

Sound System named Show Choir of the Year by Showchoir.com
First undefeated season, aside from Covid, under the direction of Jennifer Dice
Grand Champions at Fishers High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Crew
Grand Champions at Carroll High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Soloists (Cooper Peters, Izzy Green)
Grand Champions at Franklin Central High School; Best Vocals
Grand Champions at Wheaton Warrenville South (ended at 3:30am!); Best Vocals, Best Soloist (Eli VonDielingen)
Grand Champions at Noblesville High School; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Show Design, Best Costumes
Grand Champions at Show Choir Nationals; Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Soloist (Prelims – Eli VonDielingen/Anna DeLuna, Finals – Eli VonDielingen)