Charger Spotlight: Charles Morris
All photos provided by Morris.
Lari Li
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Charles Morris - Pianist
Chuck is a junior. He plays piano both independently and as Synergy Show Choir’s pianist. Next year will be his fourth year. The piano is an integral part of Synergy’s performances as they’re part of the rhythm section. Having to keep the singers and dancers on rhythm as well as direct cues, Chuck’s role is so much more than just hitting the right notes.
Chuck is also a Peer Leader here at Hamilton and runs track. He exhibits artistic, athletic, and academic excellence all while being an extremely positive influence and supportive friend.
What got you into Show Choir?
In 8th grade, I was in jazz band and Mr. Chanto said that there’s a Show Choir band. I said I was interested, tried it out, and loved it.
Describe what Synergy is all about.
It’s all about feeling happy. Whether I go to a practice or a competition, what’s also stressed is being kind to others. People are trying to put that into Synergy and Show Choir. People make friends all the time and we try to be friendly with each other at all times. We know we’re competing but we’re supporting others. It’s a very uplifting environment.
Describe all the parts and technicalities that go into your performances.
We practice outside of school and have after school rehearsals. Late November or early December is when we [rhythm] start practicing with the singers and dancers. By then it’s more heavy duty because we need to set up all the equipment. There are times where we’ll run a part through 4-5 times before moving on. We’re very in depth and try to make sure to smooth things over before competitions.
What’s the hardest part of Show Choir?
Trying to keep up with it all. Depending on when you get your music, it really affects your practice. I got my music late in sophomore year. It was a really quick turn around. Getting music, learning it, and being able to play it with the singers/dancers. There’s also lots of mental challenges. If you make a mistake you need to keep going. At rehearsals, you’re naturally with people and working on things, so you have to face criticism. On competition days, we wake up around 6-7. Then we spend the next 17 hours with the Show Choir. There are times where we get back to the school at 2 AM.
What’s your favorite part of Show Choir?
Meeting new people and forging really cool relationships. I eat lunch with these people and get to know them in class. It’s really cool to work with them and it’s great having a passion with them in music. Everyone’s coming from really unique backgrounds and it’s really cool to see what everyone does and learn more about them.
Describe your practice schedule.
I do an hour of piano everyday. This is for Synergy, lessons, combo during the season, or for jazz band. Before a competition, I’ll run over a couple spots.
What’s something you wish more people knew about Show Choir?
Once you get to know the people, they’re really nice. Some people might feel like they won’t fit in but it’s a really open environment. Some people aren’t used to that and it might put them on edge. I wish people knew that once you get to know these people, it’s a really uplifting environment.
How has Show Choir changed your high school experience?
Giving me one more thing to do and look forward to. With any club, it does. But every single school year after 9th grade, I started the school year counting down the days. Rehearsals start late October and keep going, competitions are late January or early February, and then we meet periodically to do pop show. Pop show’s in the beginning of April. It’s more than half the year but it feels like something natural.
What’s your favorite place you’ve competed at?
Monona Grove. It’s the last competition of the season and we’re at our height. That’s where we got our first win last year. I like driving there and back, playing games, and having conversations with people. Everyone’s just having fun on the way back.
Describe any achievements.
We’re known as the group that always goes for the “Spirit” award, which is being kind and cheering for others.
For two years in a row, we’ve gotten the “Best Crew” award, which includes building the set, turning on lights and setups, handing off microphones, etc. I think it’s cool they’re being shown like that.
Last year, we won the “Best Choreography” award. Since my freshman year, we’ve been doing a good job of making it to finals. Top 6 go to finals. This one’s the only one based on how much the judges like the show. We made it to finals this year.
People in Synergy have won many solo competitions. The judges will tell you what you did well and what you need to improve on, and practice with you on the spot.
What are your goals for the next season?
Trying to get the Best Combo award [best band]. At the end of my freshman year, we were half a point away from tying or getting first.
Who do you look up to in Synergy?
Megan Drahein. She really stuck out to me and we bonded a lot over these three years. She’s always been very kind. She did auxiliary percussion during her sophomore year [my freshman year] and she’s been doing the mellophone for the past two years. She’s always made combo a really positive place to be.
What’s your favorite memory?
Winning our first competition at Monona last year. We had a really good group of people together. There was energy in the air. We all got to rush the stage, people were crying, everyone was celebrating. I saw a little piano in the back and started playing “Don’t Stop Believing” and that was really funny. By then, some people had been in Synergy for four years and that was the first time we had ever got grand champs.
Besides piano, what are some of your hobbies/disciplines?
I did track this year and I’m trying to get back into running longer distances. I also like the job I have, Camo Crew, which is a junk removal company. We clear out whole houses or take couches, but it’s really cool because I get to work with people that I would’ve never met. We get to go around Waukesha and Milwaukee and meet all sorts of people. I’ve been able to acquire some good skills from it.
Does Synergy have any pre/post competition traditions?
After every group performs, we shout “Synergy Loves You!” to show appreciation. After all, these groups are basically sprinting and singing for 30 minutes.
We have a lot of fun chants. After we warm up and do the set, everyone gets together and shouts “Synergy, get your head in the game” and then the combo gets in a circle and shouts “C-O-M-B-O.”
Any advice for aspiring members?
Don’t be afraid to meet the people there. It can be scary to meet them, especially if you don’t think you’ll get along with them, but I’ve never regretted meeting anyone, even if we didn’t get along. You’ll learn new things from them, and you’ll make really strong connections with them. These people are really cool and they’ll help you out.
Don’t be afraid to mess up. In Pop Show, there’s a “Golden Screw Up” reward and how we’ve overcome it. That’s how you’re learning and growing as a member.
