Seven Northeast Georgia high school glee clubs and show choirs will compete live for the first-annual Children First, Inc., GleeOff Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the University of Georgia’s Fine Arts Theatre.

Calhoun’s local entrant from Gordon Central High School is a contemporary a capella team called “Tonal Combustion.” The team was formed in 2004, and since then, the members have competed in the International Competition of High School Acapella in 2006 and 2009.

“We are excited about seeing all the other high schools in the contest and having the opportunity to show off what we can do,” said Kim Watters, choral director at Gordon Central, “We are presently working on our performance material for the contest while preparing our usual Christmas show. It’s hard, but the kids are diligently working.”

\The schools competing are the finalists selected from the YouTube competition held earlier this month. Entrants were asked to upload a glee performance where ‘likes’ were tallied and video clips were judged for creativity, performance and execution.

The schools Gordon Central will face are: Apalachee High School, Oconee County High School, Master’s Academy, Salem High School, North Forsyth High School and Harlem High School

The teams are competing for a cash prize of $500, and the school with the most YouTube video “likes” will walk away with ‘The People’s Choice’ award.



The event will benefit Children First, Inc., a nonprofit agency serving children and families in the Athens area. Children First engages families in the community and through the courts to ensure safe, stable and nurturing living environments for children. All proceeds of this event benefit Children First, Inc.

See the GleeOff 2011 YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/GleeOff2011

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