The John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association (JBHS VMA) proudly announces an extraordinary achievement: its two advanced show choirs, Powerhouse and Sound Sensations, both earned Grand Champion titles at the Wheaton Warrenville South High School Choral Classic in Illinois. This historic accomplishment marks the first time any California school has secured multiple Grand Champion titles at this prestigious event.
The Wheaton Warrenville South High School Choral Classic is a nationally recognized competition that brings together top high school show choirs from across the country. The event showcases exceptional talent through a full day of performances, celebrating the very best in show choir artistry.
Sound Sensations captured the Grand Champion title along with awards for Best Vocals and Best Visuals. Powerhouse also earned the Grand Champion title, in addition to Best Vocals, Best Visuals, and Outstanding Soloist, awarded to Evan Baker.
Adding to the excitement, JBHS’s mixed a cappella group, Neo Chromatics, travelled to Redwood City, Calif., to compete in the 2026 International Championship of High School A Capella semifinals. This competition, featuring the best in high school a capella, saw Neo Chromatics take home Second Place and Best Choreography, awarded to student choreographers Noёl Mason and Alessi Umali. This result ranks Neo Chromatics among the Top 20 groups in the nation.
Beyond these impressive accolades, our students were recognized for their exceptional professionalism, character, and sportsmanship, representing the JBHS community with distinction at every step. Please join us in congratulating these talented performers on their success.
Audiences will have one final opportunity to experience these award-winning performances at the JBHS VMA Spring Show on Thursday, May 21, held in the JBHS auditorium. The Spring Show will feature full performances by Powerhouse, Sound Sensations, Sound Waves, Decibelles, Men@Work, NeoChromatics, and Muses.
Ticket Information
General admission tickets for all VMA events are available now at www.jbhsvma.com or at the door. Advanced purchase is strongly recommended as JBHS VMA performances frequently sell out.
ABOUT JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL MUSIC ASSOCIATION:
Founded in 1979, the John Burroughs High School Vocal Music Association (JBHS VMA) has cultivated one of the top public school music programs in the country. Since 2006, the program has been under the direction of Brendan Jennings, a Burroughs choir alum himself, and has grown to national prominence under his leadership.
The JBHS VMA is dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts training for our students. Our mission is to make every production at JBHS exciting, professional, and — above all — entertaining.
Students receive focused instruction in vocal technique, dance fundamentals, music theory, and performance skills. Training includes directed technique classes and the development of performance material, all designed to prepare students for success both on and off the stage.
At its core, the VMA is about personal growth. Students learn to rise above challenges, push beyond their comfort zones and express themselves in ways they never imagined possible. Along the way, they build lasting confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and learn to set and achieve meaningful goals. The skills students gain through the VMA stay with them for life—skills like discipline, resilience, collaboration and self-expression. They also form lifelong friendships, all within a supportive, high-energy and creatively charged environment.
The JBHS choir program features four curricular choirs, three extra-curricular ensembles and a Tech Theater program that is one of the most advanced in the country.
Annually, the JBHS VMA presents four big shows:
- Burroughs On Broadway – musical theater fundraising cabaret
- Holiday Spectacular – a celebration of the season
- Pop Show – Burbank’s premier entertainment extravaganza
- Spring Concert – year ending finale
Our strong partnerships with the Burbank community and consistently expert teaching staff have created a legacy of excellence, year upon year since inception 50 years ago.
The JBHS show choir has represented the genre across numerous media outlets (The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, CBS Evening News and several documentary style programs). Our innovative style has been influencing and inspiring choirs across the U.S. and around the world for well over a decade.
