Show choir spectacle to bring 750 singers and dancers to Waltham High this weekend

Get ready for pure musical mayhem to sweep over Waltham High School this weekend. Waltham’s award-winning show choir program is hosting the Eastern Show Choir Festival on Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Hosted by the Waltham Choral Parents Association, it’s the longest-running show choir competition of its kind in New England. This year 22 groups will light up the WHS stage with Broadway-style singing, high-energy choreography and sequins galore. As the host ensembles, Waltham’s Music Unlimited and Music Express will perform but will not compete for awards. 

It’s a massive production. “We take over the entire school,” said Jade Longstaff, a WCPA board member. “As soon as school ends on Friday, crews will move in to get the spaces ready. On Saturday there will be food trucks. We expect 750 students along with their parents and coaches.” Some 20 local companies are sponsoring the event. “All the food we sell is donated,” Longstaff said. The WCPA hopes to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 — a third of the program’s annual budget.

Show choir directors Alyssa and Tom Cincotta “handle so many logistics” to ensure the day runs like clockwork, Longstaff said. Travel arrangements for the judges, hotel reservations, providing food on site — the list goes on. “The WCPA does so much to make sure it’s a fun day.” 

Longstaff said around 20 parents have spent the past three months crocheting “plushigrams,” adorable stuffed mascots for parents to buy and give to their kids. This year’s plushigrams align with the show choir themes of water and fire.

Music Express is scheduled to perform at 12:15 p.m. Music Unlimited takes the stage toward the end of the evening at 9:15 p.m. The festival marks the final performance of the groups’ 2026 competition sets.

Tickets are $20 for half-day admission and $30 for a full day. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Cash and cards are accepted.

“We have a seat reserved for the mayor,” Longstaff said. “She’s a huge fan.” 

More information visit the Waltham Choral Parents Association website.